Seniors have shared their hopes and ideas for a better community for people aged over 65 at the 2024 Blacktown City Seniors Forum.
People from 17 seniors groups were invited to Blacktown City Council's Civic Centre on Thursday 24 October to discuss priorities with their peers and learn more about healthcare and retirement services.
Expert speakers included Wentwest GP Clinical Lead Dr Michael Crampton, Services Australia Aged Care Specialist Ruma Kathpalia, Older Womens Network board member Alice Mantel and Blacktown City Council Manager Community Michael Maxwell. They shared their knowledge and answered questions.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the ideas and feedback would shape Council services to better serve seniors' needs.
"Council is always trying to improve how we can help our seniors with the challenges they face, whether that is keeping healthy, feeling connected or other issues," he said.
"We have many ways that we engage with our seniors and the Blacktown City Seniors Forum is another way we have collected feedback to guide Council decision-making."
The findings from the forum will be compiled for a report to Council and its Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. This will help inform priorities and the allocating of resources.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Committee is another conduit for Council in obtaining the views and advice of people over 65 so it can better serve the community.
The Blacktown City Senior Citizen Awards and Seniors Festival are just two examples of Council programs and events provide recognition and help people over 65.
