Horsham Rural City Council's Older Person's Advisory Committee (OPAC) has concluded its two-year term, serving as a voice for the senior citizens of the municipality.
Established in 2018, OPAC has provided support and advice to the Council, aiming to enhance the liveability for older residents.
The committee's primary goal is to share the lived experiences of older people, informing Council processes to foster an age-friendly community.
Age-friendly communities are designed to ensure that older individuals can live safely, maintain good health, and stay actively involved.
This involves adapting city structures and services to be accessible and inclusive of older people with diverse needs and capacities.
During its term from 2023 to 2024, OPAC made several recommendations to the Council. One notable suggestion was to modify the raised pedestrian crossings on Firebrace Street.
Council responded by removing the raised areas, resulting in more user-friendly pedestrian crossings.
OPAC comprises several longstanding community volunteers who are actively involved in various local groups, including the U3A, Horsham Senior Citizens, Wimmera Mobility Group, Jung Cemetery, Jung Recreation Reserve Committee, Horsham Croquet Club, Legacy, Upper Class, Horsham Church of Christ Seniors Group, CAD Advisory Group, Museum Group and Probus.
As the committee concludes its term, the contributions of OPAC have played a role in ensuring that Horsham continues to evolve as an age-friendly city.
