Council is seeking community feedback on its new Draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy 2024−2029 which aims to ensure the Tweed is prepared for an expected doubling in the number of people aged over 65 years in coming years.
Open for community feedback until Friday 15 November 2024, the Draft Strategy has been developed in conjunction with specialist consultants the Phillips Group following community consultation in March.
This included workshops with residents during the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival, a community-wide survey and input from local service providers and community organisations.
The community-wide survey attracted a substantial number of responses, with 178 residents contributing their ideas and feedback.
Once finalised, the Strategy will provide a blueprint for the future on how Council will support residents aged 55-plus to live active, healthy and connected lives while addressing challenges such as housing affordability, the availability of healthcare services and social isolation.
Council's Director Sustainable Communities and Environment Naomi Searle said it was important people had their say on the Draft Strategy which lays out a vision for Council to ensure the Tweed remains an age-friendly community.
"Our seniors make up a significant proportion of the Tweed community, with more than a quarter of all Tweed residents aged over 65 years – twice the State average," Ms Searle said.
"And based on current projections, the number of residents aged over 65 years is expected to double over the next 25 years so we need to make sure we are prepared to address any challenges that may lie ahead and create opportunities to ensure an age-friendly Tweed.
"Earlier this year, we asked the community what ageing well in the Tweed meant to them. From this feedback we know people want a Tweed where older individuals feel safe, supported and connected, with access to opportunities and resources to remain active and engaged.
"We're now asking the community whether we've got this part right – and whether the actions listed in our Draft Strategy will keep us on track to meet the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs of a growing ageing population."
In collaboration with the community, Council aims to facilitate, advocate and drive initiatives and programs that foster, strengthen and create positive ageing experiences.
A total of 21 key actions are outlined in the Draft Strategy and include:
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Develop a safe and friendly Tweed – through the creation of a Seniors Advisory Group, a social connection program directory, new skills to support healthy ageing, building the capacity of local businesses and service providers to better understand the needs of seniors, equip frontline workers with information for seniors, advocate and embed senior safety and crime prevention initiatives and upgrade public infrastructure.
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Develop a connected and engaged Tweed – by offering social opportunities through programs and connectivity, improve public transport options for seniors, learn new skills, develop an information roadshow for seniors.
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A resilient and informed Tweed – workshops to help transition to retirement, climate change education and preparedness program, develop a roadmap for ageing to help seniors find the information they need.
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A healthy and vibrant Tweed – advocacy support, promote positive ageing by increasing the visibility of seniors, create a 'Living Library' to build understanding and inclusion, develop partnership with local businesses and clubs to support age-friendly initiatives, strengthen communities of practice among health and aged care providers, promote access to Council meeting spaces, establish a community garden and join the WHO's global network of age-friendly cities and communities.
How to Have Your Say
Visit yoursaytweed.com.au/ageingwell to view the draft Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy 2024 -2029 and submit your feedback online.
Hard copies are also available at Council's customer service centres and libraries. Written submissions can be mailed to Joanne Watters, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah NSW 2484.
Community input is vital to ensure the Tweed continues to be an inclusive and supportive place for everyone, particularly as our population ages.
