Age-friendly
Communities Action
Plan 2014-17
Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 1
1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1
Context ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.1.1 Who are ‘older people’? ........................................................................................... 3
1.1.2 Key demographic trends in Australia ........................................................................ 4
1.1.3 Macedon Ranges Shire ............................................................................................ 4
1.1.4 Policy context ........................................................................................................... 8
1.2
2
2013-17 Macedon Ranges Shire Council Plan ......................................................... 10
What is an Age-friendly community? .......................................................................... 11
2.1
Active Ageing ........................................................................................................... 11
2.2
Age-friendly communities ......................................................................................... 11
2.3
Why seek membership of the Global Network of Age-friendly Communities? .......... 12
2.4
How does Macedon Ranges Shire become an Age-friendly Community? ................ 12
3 Development of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Age-friendly Community Action
Plan ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1
The process ............................................................................................................. 13
3.2
Progress to date ...................................................................................................... 13
3.2.1 Establishment of mechanisms to involve older people in all stages of the process . 13
3.2.2 Build the necessary partnerships ........................................................................... 14
3.2.3 Undertake a baseline assessment ......................................................................... 15
3.2.4 Consultation ........................................................................................................... 15
4
The Macedon Ranges Age-friendly Communities Action Plan .................................. 16
4.1
Definitions and explanations .................................................................................... 16
4.2
Structure of the Age-friendly Communities Action Plan ............................................ 17
4.3
Action Plan 2014-2017............................................................................................. 18
4.4
Age-friendly Communities communication strategy .................................................. 29
4.4.1 Key Messages ....................................................................................................... 31
4.4.2 Communications Activity Plan ................................................................................ 33
5 APPENDIX I: Advocacy undertaken by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Positive
Ageing Advisory Committee and outcomes since 2008.................................................... 37
AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ACTION PLAN
2014-17
Executive Summary
In its Macedon Ranges Shire Council Plan 2013-17, Council committed to achieving
membership of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly
Communities.
WHO defines an ‘age-friendly’ community as one in which, in practical terms, structures and
services are accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capabilities.
The concept provides a framework within which to assess ‘age-friendliness’ across eight
domains that potentially influence the health and quality of life of older people.
Membership of the Global Network gives Council access to relevant information and
expertise. It also signifies and provides an additional level of accountability in regard to
Council’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our ageing population.
The former Victorian Government is developing a whole-of-government older persons’ action
plan, which is likely to incorporate a focus on making Victoria more ‘age-friendly’ with a clear
role for local government.
The Macedon Ranges Age-friendly Action Plan builds on the objectives of the 2010-15
Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing Accord and the work of Council’s Positive Ageing
Advisory Committee (PAAC). The PAAC has actively participated in the development of this
plan, coordinated baseline assessments, been involved in community consultation
processes, and undertaken a range of advocacy activities on behalf of older residents.
The plan focuses on the following areas of action, selected from the eight ‘age-friendly’
domains:
1. Communication and information
2. Community support and health services
3. Civic participation and employment
4. Social participation.
The actions identified in the plan:

Can be implemented or influenced by Council, either alone or with partner agencies

Are budget neutral or low cost, with the potential for outcomes in the short term

Aim to deliver positive outcomes across more than one area of action.
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Consistent with the principles of the Global Network, older people have been active
participants in the process, and will continue to be during the implementation and review
processes.
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1 Introduction
The concept of an Age-friendly City1 (or age-friendly community, a more appropriate term for
a rural/regional or ‘peri-urban’ municipality such as Macedon Ranges) was developed by the
World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2006 based on extensive consultations and
collaboration with older people.
The Global Age-friendly Cities Guide2 provides a framework for assessing ‘age-friendliness’
and identifies eight ‘domains’ that influence the health and quality of life of older people:
outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and
social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and
community support and health services.
Council’s commitment to an ‘age-friendly’ Macedon Ranges, as identified in its 2013-17
Council Plan, is consistent with key goals, in particular ‘an empowered community’ that is
‘inclusive and connected and enjoys strong mental and physical health and wellbeing’.
1.1
Context
The context for this plan is the WHO definition of ‘active ageing’ (Section 2.1), the process of
“optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of
life as people age” (WHO, 2002)3.
In developing the concept of an ‘age-friendly’ city or community, WHO aimed to assist
communities to prepare for the impact of two international trends – rapidly ageing
populations and increased urbanisation, and to ensure that in doing so, structures and
services are accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capabilities.
1.1.1
Who are ‘older people’?
‘Older people’ are occasionally defined as those 60 years and over (e.g. eligibility for the
Victorian Government Seniors Card is 60 years of age), or more commonly 65 years of age
and over, which is the current eligibility point for the aged pension. Given trends in life
expectancy this definition will continue to be the subject of debate.
For the purposes of this plan, where it is necessary to list specific ages (e.g. for statistical
purposes), older people will be defined as those 65 years of age and over. However it should
be pointed out that, where possible, references to specific ages will be avoided to reduce
age-related stereotypes.
1
2
3
Global Age-friendly Cities: a guide. World Health Organisation 2007
ibid
Active Ageing: A policy framework, WHO 2002 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/who_nmh_nph_02.8.pdf p 12
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1.1.2
Key demographic trends in Australia
According to the 2013 Productivity Commission’s Research Report on Ageing4, Australia’s
population is projected to increase to around 38 million by 2059/60.
Consistent with international trends, population ageing will increase due to gains in life
expectancy and lower fertility rates. The Commission projects that:

A female born in 2012 will on average live for around 94.4 years. A male born in 2012
will live for 91.6 years.

A female born in 2012 could expect to live for 31 more years after they reach 65 years
old. A male born in 2012 could expect to live for another 29 years.

The proportion of the population aged 65 years or more will increase from around one in
seven Australians in 2012 to one in four Australians by 2060, and close to one in 3.5 at
the turn of the next century.

The numbers of those aged over 75 years will increase by about 4 million people
between 2012 and 2060.
1.1.3
Macedon Ranges Shire
1.1.3.1 Key features
Macedon Ranges Shire is situated on the northern boundary of the Melbourne metropolitan
area. Its southern-most township Gisborne, is approximately 53km from the Melbourne
GPO. It covers an area of approximately 1,747 square kilometres that includes nine main
towns and several small hamlets. More than one third of the shire’s population live in a rural
setting outside a town boundary.
The northern part of the shire is characterised by agricultural enterprises and various
manufacturing operations linked to wineries and specialty farms. The southern part of the
shire has large commuter populations who travel out of the area to work.
Tourism is an important and growing industry. The area is known for its landscapes and
heritage townships, features which also attract new residents, as does the relative
affordability of housing and close distance to Melbourne, particularly in towns serviced by the
rail system and/or the Calder Freeway. A survey of new ratepayers in Macedon Ranges
indicates that the features that these residents value most about their towns include ‘country
atmosphere’, ‘services and amenities’, ‘community’ and ‘natural beauty’.
4
Productivity Commission 2013, An Ageing Australia: Preparing for the Future, Commission Research Paper,
Canberra.
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1.1.3.2 Population and ageing
Key features of the Macedon Ranges Shire5 are as follows:

People: 41,860 (expected to increase to 55,172 by 2026 according to Department of
Planning and Community Development)

Average number of people per household: 2.7

Median age 41, with 21% aged between 0-14 years and 14% aged 65 years and over

13% born overseas

92% speak English at home only.
Figure 1: Five year age structure for Macedon Ranges Shire, including comparison with
Victoria.
Figure 1 above shows the age structure for Macedon Ranges (five year age groups), with
percentages for each age group relative to Victoria as a whole. From 2006 to 2011,
Macedon Ranges Shire's population increased by 3,506 people (9.1%), representing an
average annual population change of 1.76% per year over the period. The largest changes
in age structure between 2006 and 2011 were in older age groups, specifically 65 to 69
years, 60 to 64 years, 50 to 54 years and 70 to 74 years.
Population projections suggest that by 2026 the Macedon Ranges Shire population will be
‘older’ (higher proportion aged 65 years and over) relative to the rest of Victoria and will have
5
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011
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aged more rapidly (from 13% in 2011 to 20% in 2026) compared to regional Victoria (17% >
22%) and Victoria (15% > 18%)6.
1.1.3.3 Employment and income
Review of employment status (as a percentage of the labour force) in the Macedon Ranges
Shire in 2011 compared to Victoria overall showed that there was a higher proportion in
employment, and a lower proportion unemployed. Table 1 below shows workforce
characteristics for Macedon Ranges compared with Regional Victoria and Victoria overall.
The percentages of older people in the workforce represent approximately 31.9% of
Macedon Ranges residents aged 55-64 years and 10.2% of residents aged 65 years and
over. While percentages of the Macedon Ranges workforce in the older age groups are
similar to regional Victoria in the 55-64 years age group and slightly higher in people 65
years and over, they are higher than for Victoria as a whole.
2011
Workforce
Total workforce
(Census)
Males
Females
Age structure
15 - 24 years
25 - 54 years
55 - 64 years
65 years and over
MR
Number
MR %
Regional
VIC %
Victoria %
10,618
100.0
100.0
100.00
4,806
5,812
45.3
54.7
50.4
49.6
53.4
46.6
1,678
6,494
1,872
574
15.8
61.2
17.6
5.4
15.0
63.0
17.5
4.4
14.9
67.8
14.0
3.2
Table 1: Workforce characteristics for Macedon Ranges Shire compared to Regional
Victoria and Victoria as a whole (Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of
Population and Housing 2006 and 2011. Modified version of data compiled in profile.id by
.id), (usual residence data).
Overall, 24.2% of the Macedon Ranges population reported volunteering for an organisation
or group, higher than for Victoria7 (17.7%) (Age-specific data not available).
6
Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria in Future 2012 in CVHA Health and Wellbeing
Community Profile for Macedon Ranges, p4
7 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011
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Figure 2: Weekly household income for residents of the Macedon Ranges Shire compared
with Victoria.
Figure 2 above shows weekly household income for Macedon Ranges residents compared
to Victoria. In 2011 in Macedon Ranges there was a larger proportion of high income
households (those earning $2,500 per week or more) and a lower proportion of low income
households (those earning less than $600 per week) than in Victoria overall. Approximately
two-thirds of the Macedon Ranges population aged 65 years and over receive the Age
Pension8.
1.1.3.4 Socio-economic status
The relatively high incomes and levels of workforce participation in Macedon Ranges are
reflected in socio-economic data. The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage measures the level of
socio-economic disadvantage, based on attributes such as low income and educational
attainment, high unemployment and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations, higher scores on
the index indicating a lower level of disadvantage. Macedon Ranges ranks ninth of the 78
Victorian local government areas overall, and SEIFA values indicate most areas within
Macedon Ranges are less disadvantaged than Regional Victoria, Victoria, and Australia,
although there are pockets of disadvantage within the shire where this is not the case.
Figure 3 below shows numbers and percentages of each age group of Macedon Ranges
residents needing assistance with core activities. Overall these numbers are comparable
with or lower than those for regional Victoria, but are higher in the two oldest age groups.
8
Central Victorian Health Alliance Health and Wellbeing Community Profile for Macedon Ranges, p9 (revised %
using 2011 Census data)
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Figure 3: Macedon Ranges residents who need assistance with core activities.
Use of residential care is higher compared to Victoria as a whole as is the number of people
aged 70 years and over using Home and Community Care (HACC) services; which aims to
enable older people to continue to live independently and safely in their own homes9.
1.1.4
Policy context
1.1.4.1 Australia
The Productivity Commission10 report focuses on the fiscal implications of an ageing
Australia, particularly in terms of the impact on labour supply, economic output infrastructure
requirements and the additional pressures on government budgets. The Commission
expresses the view that the implications of these trends should be addressed sooner rather
than later.
However, since the election of the Coalition Government in September 2013 ’Ageing’ is no
longer a separate portfolio with a dedicated Minister, having been absorbed into the
Department of Social Services (previously Human Services).
In November 2013 the Advisory Panel for Positive Ageing was abolished six months before it
was due to report to the Federal Government. This panel, established by the previous
government, was to advise on the legislative and policy and financial measures required
over the next 25 years to best manage the opportunities and challenges of population
ageing.
9
ibid, p31
Productivity Commission 2013, An Ageing Australia: Preparing for the Future, Commission Research Paper,
Canberra.
10
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Currently, the Federal Government is implementing aged care reform, with the transition
from the state government funded and managed HACC program to the federally funded and
managed Home Support program starting from 1 July 2015, a process initiated by the
previous Labour Government. With the recent election of the Victorian State Labour
Government the handover of the HACC program to the Federal Government has been
delayed by 12 months and will begin in July 2016.
1.1.4.2 Victoria
In August 2012, the Victorian Government’s Family and Community Committee released its
report from the ‘Inquiry into Opportunities for Participation of Victorian Seniors’11. The
committee found that despite some progress in applying positive age-friendly concepts in
Victoria, a cohesive, state-wide age-friendly strategy was needed.
In response, the government appointed their Commissioner for Senior Victorians, Gerard
Mansour. The Commissioner’s role is ‘to promote an age-friendly society and enhance
community participation for senior Victorians’12 by providing advice to the Minister and
government on issues that affect older people.
The Commissioner heads a new Ministerial Advisory Committee for Senior Victorians and
reports directly to the Minister for Ageing. The committee is responsible for the development
of a whole-of-government seniors’ participation action plan called ‘Seniors Count! – the
Seniors Participation Action Plan 2014-2016’. This plan identifies new strategies and actions
to promote community participation of older people and coordinate plans across
government. It recognises the role for local government and the commitment to making
Victoria more ‘age-friendly’.
1.1.4.3 Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing initiatives
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s PAAC was established in 2008, and has operated
alongside a range of ageing initiatives, including the Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing
Accord. The PAAC’s role is to ‘advocate for the issues, needs and expectations of older
people across the shire to the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’. It meets monthly and
comprises up to eight community members and two Councillors, supported by staff from the
Community Support unit. Appendix I summarises the PAAC’s advocacy activities since it
was established. With Council’s recent review of the roles and responsibilities of all advisory
committees, the decision to form a Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee to replace all
11
Parliament of Victorian Family and Community Committee, Inquiry into Opportunities for Participation of
Victorian Seniors, August 2012
12 www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/Home/Services-and-Information/Your-advocacy/Commissioner-for-SeniorVictorians
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previously existing advisory groups was made; as a result from June 2015 the role of PAAC
will cease operation.
The 2010-15 Positive Ageing Accord was developed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council,
Macedon Ranges Health Service, Cobaw Community Health, Kyneton District Health
Service and Central Highlands Division of General Practice (subsequently Macedon Ranges
and North Western Melbourne Medicare Local). It was based on extensive community
consultation.
Signatories committed to a vision where ‘Macedon Ranges is a wonderful place to grow
older’ by:

Creating safe places for physical, emotional and social wellbeing

Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship

Ensuring programs and services are accessible and welcoming

Encouraging lifelong learning and development

Addressing social isolation

Ensuring people and organisations in our community work together

Enabling local communities to address local issues.
The accord is now due for review and in the light of changes, both in the broader
environment and at agency level, The Age-friendly Communities Action Plan provides a
focus for future planning.
1.2
2013-17 Macedon Ranges Shire Council Plan
In 2013 Council approved the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Plan 2013-17.
Goal 2 of the Council Plan, An empowered community incorporates the following: Our
community is well-prepared, resilient and safe. The second of two objectives within this goal
is: To support communities to meet their wellbeing and health needs.
Under this objective, Year 1 of the Action Plan identifies the following action – Achieve
membership of the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities (Communities) in partnership
with local agencies.
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2 What is an Age-friendly community?
2.1
Active Ageing
The idea of an age-friendly community is underpinned by the WHO Active Ageing
Framework in which “Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health,
participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age” (WHO, 2002)13.
In this context, active ageing:

Applies to individuals and groups

Requires that people are enabled to realise their potential for physical, social, and
mental wellbeing throughout the life course and to participate in society according to
their needs, desires and capacities, whilst having access to adequate protection,
security and care

Entails continued active participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic
affairs, not just physical activity

Emphasises that policies and programs that promote mental health and social
connections are as important as those that improve physical health status.
This life-course perspective of ageing assumes that we age from the moment we are born,
rather than categorizing life into stages such as ‘middle’ or ‘old’ age. While it is accepted that
division of populations into age groups is sometimes necessary for statistical purposes,
these age groupings should not become the basis for assumptions based on generational
stereotypes.
A variety of factors – economic conditions, social, personal and behavioural factors, access
to health and social services, culture and gender – can influence active ageing. The impact
of these factors is reflected in the features identified as being characteristic of an agefriendly community.
2.2
Age-friendly communities
An Age-friendly Community (AFC) is one in which, in practical terms, structures and services
are accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capabilities.
Because active ageing is life-long and older people are the most diverse demographic, an
age-friendly community is ‘all age-friendly’. For example, streets that are safe for older
people or people with a disability enhance opportunities for activity and independence for
everyone; the whole community benefits from the participation of older volunteers and
13
Active Ageing: A policy framework, WHO 2002 http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/who_nmh_nph_02.8.pdf p 12
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workers14. The reverse does not automatically apply – for example, ‘child-friendly’ is not
necessarily ‘age-friendly’.
To support communities in becoming more age-friendly, WHO developed a checklist of
essential features15 that can be used by residents to assess their communities and
recommend improvements to be implemented by responsible organisations and agencies.
2.3
Why seek membership of the Global Network of Age-friendly
Communities?
The Global Network of Age-friendly Cities (Communities) enables its members to:

Link with the WHO and other participating communities around the world

Benefit from the exchange of information and best practices

Implement interventions that are appropriate, sustainable and cost-effective for
improving the lives of older people

Access technical support and training.
Membership of the Global Network shows residents (and potential residents) Council’s
commitment to older people and facilitates exchange of information (through ‘Communities
of Practice’ that are developed as the Age-friendly Communities concept is embraced and
communities begin to implement age-friendly initiatives).
The process provides another level of accountability for Council through its requirement that
members commit to a cycle of continuous improvement.
2.4
How does Macedon Ranges Shire become an Age-friendly Community?
The process for achieving membership of the Global Network is as follows:
Stage 1: Planning (one-two years)
1. Establishment of mechanisms to involve older people in all stages of the process
2. Build the necessary partnerships
3. Undertake a baseline assessment
4. Develop a three-year municipality-wide plan and identify indicators.
Stages 2 and 3: Implementation and progress evaluation (years three-five)
1. Submission of Action Plan to WHO
2. WHO review of the plan and assessment (possibly including on-site)
3. Subject to approval of the plan, implementation over three years
4. Progress evaluation and submission of a progress report to WHO.
14
15
Global Age-friendly Cities: a guide. World Health Organisation 2007, p 6
Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities, WHO
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Stage 4: Continual improvement (end of year five and ongoing)
Subject to there being sufficient evidence of progress, development of a new action plan (up
to five years duration).
This cycle of implementation and review is ongoing and membership of the Global Network
is subject to evidence of continual improvement.
3 Development of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Age-friendly
Community Action Plan
3.1
The process
The Age-friendly Communities Action Plan identifies areas of action where it is considered
that:

Council has the capacity to implement or influence, alone or in partnership with other
agencies

There are potential short-term actions that are budget neutral or low cost

The actions have the potential to deliver positive outcomes across multiple
domains/areas of action. This is particularly applicable in the area of
communication/information dissemination.
Consistent with the principles of the Global Network, older people have been active
participants in the process.
3.2
Progress to date
Development of this Action Plan comprises the final step in Stage 1 (Planning) of meeting
the requirements of the Global Network. Steps 1-3 of Stage 1 have been undertaken in the
past three years (and prior) including:
3.2.1

Establishment of mechanisms to involve older people in all stages of the
process
The PAAC was established in 2008. Since then, the PAAC has become a conduit to
Council for advice regarding matters affecting older people, although members have
at times questioned the effectiveness of this process.

The appointment of a Positive (subsequently Healthy) Ageing Officer enabled
improved communication between the PAAC and Council, and established a point of
contact for older persons’ groups and older residents, as well as other areas of
Council seeking to reach older members of the community.
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
During the development of the Council Plan in 2013, Council’s Community Support
unit undertook a series of forums across the shire to raise awareness of the work
Council is undertaking to become more ‘age-friendly’ and to engage older Macedon
Ranges residents. The PAAC were involved in the consultation process around the
development of the plan.

In October 2013 Council, in partnership with local health agencies, conducted the
Macedon Ranges: A place for everyone, always Expo in Gisborne as part of Seniors
Festival activities. Older residents participated in the planning and delivery of the
Expo, which focused on raising awareness of key issues affecting older people,
particularly housing. A competition, Age-friendly looks like this..., required entrants to
identify, photograph and explain features of the shire that they considered to be ‘agefriendly’. Although numbers were small, the quality and diversity of entries was high.

Council officers share relevant information and resources with members of the PAAC
and thus with the broader community.

Ongoing work continues on improving and further developing these mechanisms
based on feedback from participants and other community members.
3.2.2

Build the necessary partnerships
Since late 2008, agencies in the Macedon Ranges have been collaborating to
develop an ‘age-friendly’ approach to service delivery aiming to reduce overlaps and
enable older people to participate in development and operation of services and
programs. In May/June 2011, these agencies (Macedon Ranges Shire Council,
Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges Health Service and Central Highlands
GP Network (now Macedon Ranges and North Western Melbourne Medicare Local)
signed the 2010-15 Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing Accord, which commits
signatories to a vision where Macedon Ranges is a wonderful place to grow older.
This accord has been the basis for ongoing collaboration, for example to report back
to the community via the annual Positive Ageing Summit which has evolved into an
annual expo, despite personnel changes in all participating agencies that have
affected the capacity for planning and implementation of the Positive Ageing
(subsequently renamed Ageing Well) Strategy that was a key outcome of the accord.

The Community Support unit is working to improve internal relationships that will
enable more effective relationships with other Council departments undertaking
activities with the potential to affect older people. For example, an expected outcome
of the implementation of this plan is a whole-of-council approach to volunteer
management.
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
PAAC members are supported by Council to attend forums and workshops
conducted by peak bodies such as the Municipal Association of Victoria and Council
on the Ageing. This enables the development of relationships and partnerships
between members and those involved in similar activities in other local governments.
3.2.3

Undertake a baseline assessment
During 2009/10 the PAAC coordinated age-friendly town audits in the major
townships across the shire – Lancefield, Woodend, Romsey, Gisborne, Kyneton,
Macedon/Mount Macedon and Riddells Creek. The areas most frequently identified
(in at least six of the seven townships) as needing improvement were information
dissemination, pedestrian footpaths, seating, public transport and taxi services and
celebration of civic participation.
Since these audits were undertaken:
-
Community bus services have been introduced in Kyneton and Gisborne. The
Woodend community is also advocating for a similar service to be
established.
-
Work has been undertaken to improve seating in some townships.
-
Some improvements to footpaths have occurred through Council’s footpath
strategy, with others proposed under future Capital Works programs.
-
Further work has occurred with the implementation of Council’s Walking and
Cycling Strategy.

As part of their role the PAAC maintains a ‘watching brief’ to alert Council to issues
affecting older people and to ensure matters are followed up appropriately.
Appendix I summarises advocacy undertaken by the PAAC, including outcomes.
3.2.4
Consultation
From December 2014 to January 2015 community wide consultation took place on the
draft Age-friendly Communities Action Plan. A survey was distributed shire wide to
collect community feedback on the draft plan with all results indicating that the
community strongly agrees with the actions outlined in the plan.
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Step 1
Public exhibition
Step 2
Finalise plan
Step 3
Seek Council endorsement
Step 4
Apply for membership to WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Communities
Figure 4: Council processes undertaken to develop the AFC Action Plan.
4 The Macedon Ranges Age-friendly Communities Action Plan
4.1
Definitions and explanations
Areas of action: The AFC Guide16 and Checklist17 identify eight domains or areas of action
that might influence the health and quality of life of older people. It is acknowledged that
these aspects of life overlap and interact.
Each of the four areas of action identified in this plan correspond to one of these domains,
and have been selected on the basis of discussions at PAAC meetings, the 2009/10
township audits and consultations with older residents undertaken at the forums conducted
in May 2013.
16
17
Global Age-friendly Cities: a guide. World Health Organisation 2007, p 6
Checklist of Essential Features of Age-friendly Cities, WHO
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Relevant Age-friendly features: The AFC Checklist18 identifies features of cities/communities
identified as being characteristic of an ‘age-friendly community’ within each of the eight
domains from consultations with older people.
The features listed under each area of action in this plan have been selected through the
aforementioned consultations with older Macedon Ranges residents.
4.2
Structure of the Age-friendly Communities Action Plan
The four areas of action addressed in this plan are:
1. Communication and information
2. Community support and health services
3. Civic participation and employment
4. Social participation.
For each area of action, the plan specifies a goal, the relevant Council goal, what will be
achieved, how we will know when it has been achieved, who is responsible, when the
outcome will be achieved and the key stakeholders.
The plan includes a communication strategy (see Section 4.4) that:
1. Raises awareness of Council’s commitment to AFC and the implications for older
people
2. Enables and embeds community engagement in the planning, implementation and
evaluation of the plan.
18
ibid
Page | 17
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
4.3
Action Plan 2014-2017
Area of action 1: Communication and information
Goal: To improve older adults’ access to information within our shire.
Outcome: Council demonstrates its commitment to an AFC by embedding procedures and practices that recognise the needs, interests and
diversity of older people.
Relevant Age-friendly features:
 A basic, effective communication system reaches community members of all ages
 Printed information – including official forms, television captions and text on visual displays – has large lettering and the main ideas are
shown by clear headings and bold-face type
 Print and spoken communication uses simple, familiar words in short, straightforward sentences
 There is wide public access to computers and the internet, at no or minimal charge in public places such as government offices, community
centres and libraries
Related Council policies, strategies and plans:
 Council Plan
 Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-18
 Communications Strategy 2014-17
 Community Support unit Diversity Plan
Page | 18
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Goal
To improve
older adults’
access to
information
within our
shire.
Page | 19
Council Outcome
Plan
goal
How will we do it (tasks)?
2
1. Embed practices that ensure older
people have access to accurate,
current information, are engaged in
consultation and are equally valued
participants in planning,
implementation and review:
 Review Council’s Communication
Strategy 2014-17 and suggest
initiatives that will support improved
access to information e.g. checklist,
review access and reach survey
 Review Council’s Community
Support unit information kits,
website content, newsletters etc.
 Advocate with and/or for older
people during key consultations
relating to the development of
policies, strategies and plans
All Council
communications and
information relevant
to older people
reflect their diverse
needs and interests
AFC Action Plan
How will we know
it has been
achieved
(indicators)?
Stakeholders
By when?
Older people are
actively engaged in:
 Planning,
implementation
and review of all
new policies,
strategies and
plans
 Review of
existing policies,
strategies and
plans
MRSC
Executive,
Communica
tions Team,
Manager
Community
Services,
Coordinator
Community
Support
From Dec 2014;
Healthy Ageing
Engagement
Team Leader
(HAETL)
Who is
responsible?
March 2015
Goal
To improve
individuals’
access to
information
within our
shire
(cont’d)
Council Outcome
Plan
goal
How will we do it (tasks)?
2
2. Provide support in accessing IT
equipment at Council-operated
facilities (e.g. where staff are unable
to provide the level of support
required):
Develop a project plan which
identifies stakeholders, project
delivery sites, volunteer recruitment,
financial impact, targets and
evaluation process
All Council
communications and
information relevant
to older people
reflect their diverse
needs and interests
3. Collaborate with partner agencies,
groups, clubs and organisations to:
 Identify ways to improve the clarity
and accessibility of information for
older people
 Maintain the information on
programs, services and activities
relevant to older people in Council’s
Community Directory
 Raise community awareness of and
promote links to the My Aged Care
website
Page | 20
AFC Action Plan
How will we know
it has been
achieved
(indicators)?
Stakeholders
By when?
At least two trained
volunteers are
available to provide
IT support at each
Council-operated
facility where it is
required
Healthy
Ageing
Engagement
Team (HAET),
facility staff,
Community
Development
unit
Dec 15;
HAETL
Macedon
Ranges HAAC
Agencies
Partnership
(MRHAP),
Communicatio
ns Team,
Community
Support unit
Admin and
Service
Access, HAET
From Dec 14;
HAETL
At least 20 users are
supported/month
A quarterly review of
the Community
Directory indicates
at least 80% of
information for older
people is current
and accurate
Who is
responsible?
From Dec 15;
HAETL
March 2015
What has been achieved to date?
 All Community Support unit publications are reviewed for readability and clarity
 A process has been established for updating contact details on the Community Directory for groups without internet access
 Council is working with Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre who are piloting a program assisting older people to learn to use
iPads. Participants may be recruited from these courses to provide IT support (Task 2)
 A communication strategy for aged care reforms has been developed and is being implemented
Area of action 2: Community support and health services
Goal: To improve access for older Macedon Ranges residents to health and support services that enable healthy and active ageing.
Outcome: Partner agencies will work together to offer health and support services in the Macedon Ranges that reflect the diverse needs of the
ageing population.
Relevant Age-friendly features:
 An adequate range of health and community support services is offered for promoting, maintaining and restoring health
 Voluntary services by people of all ages are encouraged and supported
 Clear and accessible information is provided about health and social services for older people
 Community emergency planning takes into account the capacities and vulnerabilities of older people
Related Council policies, strategies and plans:
 Council Plan
 Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-18
 Communications Strategy 2014-17
 Community Support Service Plan
 Community Emergency Risk Management Plan
 Macedon Ranges Positive Ageing Accord 2010-15
Page | 21
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Goal
To improve
access for
older
Macedon
Ranges
residents to
health and
support
services
that enable
healthy and
active
ageing
Page | 22
Council Outcome
Plan
goal
How will we do it (tasks)?
2
Refer to Area of Action 1:
Communication and information:
Embed practices that ensure older
people have access to accurate,
current information, are engaged in
consultation and are equally valued
participants in planning, implementation
and review in relation to health and
support services that impact on them
Partner agencies
will work together to
offer health and
support services in
Macedon Ranges
that reflect the
diverse needs of the
ageing population

Advocate effectively for the needs
of older people in the review of
Council’s Community Emergency
Risk Management Plan (CERMP) to
ensure that their needs and
interests are addressed

Work across Council and with local
partners to review the diversity and
relevance of health and community
support services for older people
by:
 Undertaking a needs/gap and
situational analysis (that takes
into account e.g. impact of
AFC Action Plan
How will we know
it has been
achieved
(indicators)?
Stakeholders
By when?
Older people are
actively engaged in:
 Planning,
implementation
and review of all
new policies,
strategies and
plans
 Review of
existing policies,
strategies and
plans
Older people’s
needs are
addressed in the
review of the
CERMP
MRSC
Executive,
Communica
tions Team,
Manager
Community
Services,
Coordinator
Community
Support
From Dec 2014;
Healthy Ageing
Engagement Team
Leader (HAETL)
MRSC
Executive,
Manager
Community
Services,
Coordinator
Community
Support,
Community
Safety Dept
From Jun 14;
Coordinator
Community
Support

Community
Services
Manager,
Mar 16;
Coordinator
Needs/gap
analysis has
been completed
Who is
responsible?
March 2015


federal aged care reforms and
the focus on re-ablement and
reconnection to community)
Developing a shire-wide Healthy
Ageing Strategy that prioritises
needs and addresses gaps
consistent with partners’
capacity
The Healthy Ageing Strategy is
reviewed and reported against
annually

in collaboration
with partners
A shire-wide
Healthy Ageing
Strategy has
been developed
in collaboration
with partner
agencies
Coordinator
Community
Support,
HAET,
MRHAP,
Consultant
Community
Support
Jun 16; Manager
Community
Services
What has been achieved to date?
 Restructure of the Community Support unit to prepare for changes to the funding and management of aged care and the impact on
Council’s delivery of services
 Development of the Community Support Service Plan
Page | 23
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Area of action 3: Civic participation and employment
Goal: To ensure older residents have opportunities to participate in and contribute to their communities that:
 Reflect their diverse needs and interests
 Incorporate appropriate support and recognition
Outcome: Older Macedon Ranges residents will be encouraged and enabled to participate in all aspects of community including decision-making;
and their contributions to community will be appropriately supported and recognised.
Relevant Age-friendly features:
 A range of flexible options for older volunteers is available, with training, recognition, guidance and compensation for personal costs
 Decision-making bodies in public, private and voluntary sectors encourage and facilitate membership of older people
Related Council policies, strategies and plans:
 Council Plan
 Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-18
 Communications Strategy 2014-17
 Crowe Horwath Volunteer Management Review 2013
 Volunteer Policy 2013 and Volunteer Policy Statement 2014
Page | 24
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Goal
To ensure older
residents have
opportunities to
participate in and
contribute to their
communities that:
 Reflect their
diverse needs
and interests,
and
 Incorporate
appropriate
support and
recognition
Council
Plan
goal
Outcome
2
1. A whole-ofshire
approach to
volunteer
management
ensures
effective and
consistent
processes are
established
and
maintained
2. Older
residents are
empowered to
advocate,
Page | 25
How will we do it (tasks)?
1. Council will collaborate with
other partner agencies, other
organisations and groups that
provide volunteering
opportunities to facilitate a
Volunteer Working Group
o Common policies and
procedures are
determined by the
Volunteer Working Group
and implemented as
needed
o Volunteers are consulted
and/or have the
opportunity to provide
feedback on matters that
have an impact on their
roles
2. Facilitate access to training for
older residents in facilitation,
leadership, advocacy and
governance
AFC Action Plan
How will we know Stakeit has been
holders?
achieved
(indicators)?
By when?

Dec15: Manager
Organisational
Development
At least three
meetings of the
Volunteer
Working Group
are conducted
each year
 Policies and
procedures that
apply to all
Council
volunteers are
developed and
implemented
(including
processes for
consultation and
feedback)
 Council
volunteer
records are
included on
Councils the
TechOne Human
Resources
training
database
At least 10 older
people trained each
year
MRSC
Executive,
HAET,
Human
Resources,
all Council
depts who
work with
volunteers,
community
partner
agencies,
organisatio
ns and
groups
Who is
responsible?
From Jun 15:
Manager
Organisational
Development
From Jun 15;
Manager
Organisational
Development
HAET, all
Council
depts,
Service
From Jun 15;
HAETL
March 2015
take on
leadership
roles and
contribute
actively to
their
community
3. Promote opportunities for older
people to use their skills on
projects or initiatives being
undertaken within the shire
(Council and/or other
groups/organisations)
A process has been
developed that
facilitates skill
sharing
Access,
Service
Delivery
Team
Leader
Mar 15; HAETL
What has been achieved to date?
 Completion of a review of volunteer management practices within the Community Support unit and implementation of improvements
 Completion of the Volunteer Management Review 2013 and successful completion of the quality review of HACC services against the
Community Care Common Standards.
Area of action 4: Social participation
Goal: To maximise opportunities for and access to social and/or community activities that contribute to active, healthy ageing.
Outcome: Council will support a range of social and/or community activities that are sustainable and reflect diverse community needs and interests.
Relevant Age-friendly features:
 A wide variety of activities is offered to appeal to a diverse population of older people
 There is consistent outreach to include people at risk of social isolation
Related Council policies, strategies and plans:
 Council Plan
 Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-18
 Communications Strategy 2014-17
 Community Support Service Plan
Page | 26
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Goal
To maximise
opportunities
for and access
to social
and/or
community
activities that
contribute to
active, healthy
ageing
Council Outcome
Plan
goal
How will we do it (tasks)?
2
Older Macedon
Ranges residents
have access to a
choice of programs
and activities that
reflect the diverse
needs and interests
of our ageing
population
How will we know
it has been
achieved
(indicators)?
Stakeholders
By when?
1. Refer:
 Area of Action 1: Communication
and Information: Embed practices
that ensure older people have
access to accurate, current
information, are engaged in
consultation and are equally valued
participants in planning,
implementation and review in
relation to social participation
Older people are
actively engaged in:
 Planning,
implementation
and review of all
new policies,
strategies and
plans
Review of
existing policies,
strategies and
plans
MRSC
Executive,
Communicatio
ns Team,
Manager
Community
Services,
Coordinator
Community
Support
From Dec 2014;
Healthy Ageing
Engagement
Team Leader
(HAETL)

A process has been
developed that
facilitates skill
sharing
HAET, all
Council depts,
Service
Access,
Service
Delivery Team
Leader
Community
Support unit,
Community
Development
unit, local
older persons’
groups, other
community
groups e.g.
sports clubs,
Mar 15; HAETL
Area of Action 3: Civic participation
and employment: Promote
opportunities for older people to use
their skills on projects or initiatives
being undertaken within the shire
(Council and/or other
groups/organisations)
2. Identify barriers and enablers to
participation by older people in
current local activities, including
clubs and other organisations
 Through working together and
consulting with older people, local
groups and businesses:
- Explore and where needed,
implement new opportunities
that address gaps and emerging
Page | 27
AFC Action Plan
Completion and
evaluation of the
Casserole Club trial
in Lancefield
Who is
responsible?
Dec 15;
Casserole Club
Project Officer
(CCPO)
March 2015
-
needs, with a particular focus on
social dining e.g. Casserole
Club, Community Lunch etc.
Address current barriers to
participation by e.g. expanding
or changing programs and/or
volunteer roles, supporting
groups to make changes to the
way they operate
3. Enhance support for groups that
want to engage older people in
healthy and active ageing activities
At least two MR
Senior Citizens
groups increase
their memberships
over 2013/14 levels
At least one
additional social
dining program is
implemented and
evaluated each year
Council supports
older persons’
activities through the
Community Funding
Scheme
arts/culture
groups etc.,
local
businesses
Dec 16; HAETL
From Dec15;
HAETL
Council,
Executive,
Community
Wellbeing
Directorate
Jun 17;
Coordinator
Community
Support
What has been achieved to date?
 Changes introduced in 2014 for allocation of funding to support Seniors Festival activities
 Preparation of a briefing to Council on current support for older people’s groups
 Funding secured and implementation has commenced of a trial of the Casserole Club in Lancefield
 Planning is underway to trial a weekly Community Lunch in Kyneton
Page | 28
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
4.4
Age-friendly Communities communication strategy
Project name:
Age-friendly Communities Action Plan
Project addresses Council Plan
objectives:
An empowered community
Project manager:
Healthy Ageing Engagement Team Leader
Brief description of project:
In the Council Plan 2013-2017, Council committed to applying for membership of the World Health
Organisation Global Network of Age-friendly Cities (Communities).
Target Audiences / Stakeholders
(anyone who has an interest in the
project):
Internal:
Councillors and Executive Team
Staff
Volunteers, including the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee
External
Aged care sector partners
Businesses, especially cafes
Community groups:
- Older persons’ groups
- Other groups e.g. sporting clubs, arts/culture groups, especially those catering or wanting to
cater for older people
Residents, especially older people (but everyone is ageing)
Visitors
Page | 29
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
Communications Objectives
What do you want your target
audiences to know/feel/think/do?
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to making the shire age-friendly by empowering older people to
age as actively and healthily as possible
Evidence
What evidence (emotional or rational)
makes this believable?
Council has documented this commitment in the Council Plan 2013-2017
Council has (will) endorse the Age-friendly Communities Action Plan:
1. By providing a letter of support for the application to WHO for membership of the Global Network of
Age-friendly Communities
2. Committing resources as necessary to the implementation and review of the Action Plan
Page | 30
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
4.4.1
Key Messages
Overarching key
messages (3-4
maximum):
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 The community, and especially older people must be involved in helping to
make Macedon Ranges more age-friendly
Key messages by target audience
Councillors and
Executive Team
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 To demonstrate its commitment to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
Council needs to embed procedures and practices that recognise the
needs, interests and diversity of older people
 To achieve an age-friendly Macedon Ranges, all Council departments need
to work together
Staff
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 To demonstrate its commitment to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
Council needs to embed procedures and practices that recognise the
needs, interests and diversity of older people.
 To achieve an age-friendly Macedon Ranges, all Council departments need
to work together
 You should always consider and plan for the impact on older people of
policies, strategies and projects
Volunteers
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 To demonstrate its commitment to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
Council needs to embed procedures and practices that recognise the
needs, interests and diversity of older people
 You can help make Macedon Ranges more age-friendly by supporting
Council’s age-friendly initiatives
 Your role as a volunteer may change as a result of Macedon Ranges
becoming more age-friendly
Aged care sector
partners
Page | 31
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
AFC Action Plan
March 2015
 To demonstrate its commitment to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
Council needs to embed procedures and practices that recognise the
needs, interests and diversity of older people
 We want to work with and support our partners to make Macedon Ranges
more age-friendly
Businesses,
especially cafes
 You can contribute to your community by being age-friendly
 Your business can benefit by being age-friendly
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
Community groups
(older persons’
groups)
 Your club and its members will benefit by supporting and enabling healthy,
active ageing
Community groups
(catering/wanting
to cater for older
people)
 Your club and its members will benefit by supporting and enabling healthy,
active ageing
Residents,
especially older
people and their
families (but
everyone is
ageing)
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 Older people have diverse needs and interests
 Older people have diverse needs and interests
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 Older people are active participants in making Macedon Ranges more agefriendly
 Older people have diverse needs and interests
Community
partners e.g.
Victoria Police
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
 Older people have diverse needs and interests
Visitors
 Council is committed to an age-friendly Macedon Ranges
 An age-friendly Macedon Ranges is welcoming and inclusive of all ages
and abilities
Key messages by project phase
Phase 1: Internal
 As for Councillors, Executive Team, Staff and Volunteers
Phase 2: External –
early partners
 As for residents
 As for sector partners
 As for Community groups (older persons’ groups)
Phase 3: External –
all partners
 As for Community groups (all groups)
 As for Businesses
 As for Community partners
 As for Visitors
Page | 32
AFC Action Plan
March 2014
4.4.2
Communications Activity Plan
Target
Audience /
Stakeholder
Activity
Communication
channels
Content/tools
Key dates
Person
responsible
Status
Ensure Councillors and
Executive Team
understand
requirements and
implications of an agefriendly MR
 Council
meetings
 Executive Team
meetings
 Briefings
 PowerPoint
presentation
 AFC Action
Plan
 Printed
materials as
appropriate
AFC Action Plan
and
Communication
Plan to be
submitted to
MRSC Exec early
September 2014.
Manager
Community
Services
Draft AFC Action
Plan and draft
Communication
Plan prepared.
Phase 1: Internal
Councillors and
Executive Team
Implementation
will commence
from approval of
these plans.
Other dates will be
determined
subject to approval
process
Staff


Page | 33
Communicate need
for whole-of-Council
approach to
implementation of
age-friendly MR
Consultation re best
approach(es) to
implement





Exec meetings
Department and
unit meetings
Staff meetings
Working groups
as appropriate
Department, unit
and individual
planning
sessions
AFC Action Plan




PowerPoint
presentation
Planning tools
and templates
Intranet
(policies,
plans and
strategies)
Department,
unit and
individual
work plans
Coordinator
Community
Support
March 2014
Not started
Target
Audience /
Stakeholder
Activity
Communication
channels
Content/tools
Volunteers


Meetings and
training
Minutes
Printed
materials
Council website

Local media
Printed
materials
Information
sessions and
consultations
Working groups
Surveys
Events
Competitions

Ensure volunteers
understand what an
age-friendly MR
means for them as:
- Volunteers
- Residents
 Promote new
opportunities
 Provide training as
appropriate to assist
them in fulfilling their
roles
Phase 2 – External: early partners
Residents


Page | 34
Raise awareness of
benefits of an agefriendly MR
Engage residents,
especially older
people, in
implementation of
AFC Action Plan
through:
 Awareness
raising
activities
 Consultation
 Opportunities
for
participation










AFC Action Plan






Key dates
Person
responsible
Status
Newsletter
articles
Fact sheets
Face-to-face
presentations
and
discussions
Healthy Ageing
Engagement
Team Leader
(HAETL)
In progress (Agefriendly Expo and
forums 2013,
website)
Media
releases and
alerts
Fact sheets
Shire Life
articles
Face-to-face
presentations
Website
articles
HAETL
In progress (Agefriendly Expo and
forums 2013,
website)
March 2014
Target
Audience /
Stakeholder
Activity
Communication
channels
Content/tools
Sector partners


Meetings e.g.
Macedon
Ranges HACC
P’ship (MRHAP)
Consultations
Healthy Ageing
Strategy
Review of and
reporting
against Healthy
Ageing Strategy

Printed
information
Local media
Council website
Information
sessions and
consultations
Meetings and
working groups
Surveys


Printed
information
Local media
Council website



Raise awareness of
Council’s
commitment to an
age-friendly MR
Engage them as
partners in
implementation



Community
Groups (older
persons’
groups)

Raise awareness of
the benefits and
implications of an
age-friendly MR
 Engage as partners
in implementation
through:
- Information
provision
- Consultation
PHASE 3 – External: all partners
Community
groups (all)
Page | 35

Raise awareness of
the benefits and
implications of an
age-friendly MR









AFC Action Plan







Key dates
Person
responsible
Status
PowerPoint
presentations
AFC Action
Plan
Planning tools
and templates
Website
articles and
updates
Printed
materials e.g.
Fact sheets
Fact sheets
Media
releases
Website
articles
Face-to-face
presentations
and
discussions
Coordinator
Community
Support
In progress (Agefriendly Expo and
forums 2013,
website)
HAETL
In progress (Agefriendly Expo and
forums 2013,
website)
Fact sheets
Website
articles
Face-to-face
presentations
HAETL
Not started
March 2014
Target
Audience /
Stakeholder
Local
businesses
Community
partners
Activity
Communication
channels




Engage as partners
in implementation
through:
- Information
provision
- Consultation
Raise awareness of
the benefits and
implications of an
age-friendly MR
Raise awareness of
the benefits and
implications of an
age-friendly MR
Information
sessions and
consultations
 Meetings and
working groups
 Surveys
 Printed
materials
 Email
 Council website
 Meetings and
consultations
 Local media
 Surveys
 Competitions



Visitors
Page | 36

Raise awareness of
the benefits and
implications of an
age-friendly MR


Meetings and
working groups
Joint planning
for partnership
activities
Printed
materials
Printed
materials
Surveys
AFC Action Plan
Content/tools
Key dates
Person
responsible
Status
Fact sheets
Media
releases and
alerts
Website
articles
HAETL
Not started


Planning tools
Fact sheets
Coordinator
Community
Support
Not started

Brochures,
fact sheets
Coordinator,
Economic
Development &
Tourism
Not started
and
discussions



March 2014
5 APPENDIX I: Advocacy undertaken by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council Positive Ageing Advisory
Committee and outcomes since 2008
Advocacy activity
Efforts to make Macedon Ranges a more ‘agefriendly’ community.
Motion from the PAAC requesting Council to write to
Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Social
Services expressing concern about the abolition of
the Advisory Panel for Positive Ageing and
requesting a review of the ministerial structure of the
current government.
Letter to federal and state members of parliament
expressing concern about closure of facility to lodge
Medicare claims via pharmacies in Macedon
Ranges, which disadvantaged older people with
limited transport options and/or IT access.
Page | 37
AFC Action Plan
Date
initiated
2012
November
2013
August 2013
Outcome

Current Council Plan (2013-17) identifies MRSC
applying for membership of the WHO Global
Network of Age-friendly Cities (Communities) as
an action for the first year of the plan
 This plan comprises the first step in complying with
the WHO requirements for membership
 Letter sent to Prime Minister and Minister for
Social Services December 2013 – reply received 8
September 2014 from PM’s advisor, describing
government policies relating to ageing, including
aged care reforms
 At least two other local governments have
expressed support
 Councillors sought to advocate for further action
through the Municipal Association of Victoria
(MAV) with Notice of Motion included on the
agenda at the MAV National Conference
 The motion was carried
Three responses received from local members. The
PAAC member who initiated the advocacy
subsequently received a phone call from federal
Department of Human Services, explaining the
changes and alternatives for submitting claims within
Macedon Ranges. The fact that these alternatives had
not been effectively promoted was also discussed.
Date
achieved
June 2013
July 2014
December
2013 and
ongoing
June 2014
June 2014
October
2013
March 2014
Submission regarding Kyneton Structure Plan.
July 2012
Recommendations considered as part of the planning
process.
Response received from Minister pointing out existing
arrangements. No changes have been introduced to
address the issues raised.
August
2012
June 2012
Letter to Victorian Minister for Transport requesting
improved access to weekend transport services for
regional seniors, and follow-up letter indicating that
issues identified in the initial letter were not
addressed.
Watching brief on impact of introduction of Myki
ticketing system on public transport accessibility and
fares for older people.
April 2012,
July 2012
Committee support for appointment by Council of an
officer responsible for coordinating ageing programs,
including supporting the PAAC after previous officer
was unable to continue in the role.
Request for changes to placement of seating. Underutilised seats to be relocated to areas where there
was a shortage of seating in areas with more
pedestrian traffic.
October 2011
Healthy Ageing Officer appointed.
May 2012
July 2011
Seats were relocated and/or added as recommended
by the PAAC in Kyneton.
2011?
Request for improvements to footpaths as a result of
township audits.
Improvements to transport within townships,
especially town bus services.
2008
Ongoing
2008
Discussion of possible changes to seating in Woodend
– to be revisited when more is known about the
outcome of the Woodend Structure Plan and the
impact of the relocation of the supermarket is better
understood.
Improvements as recommended by the PAAC were
2009-13
incorporated in Council’s Footpath Strategy.
Introduction of a community bus service in Kyneton.
2010
Supporting advocacy for community bus service in
Woodend (feasibility investigation under way).
Page | 38
AFC Action Plan
March 2014