A new interagency dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of seniors in the Central Coast region has been established.
The Central Coast Seniors Interagency is a partnership between The Central Coast Community Council, Central Coast Council, and Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service.
It will support a collaborative approach across services and community organisations who are dedicated to addressing the unique and changing needs of the rapidly growing seniors population on the Central Coast.
“With the proportion of people on the Central Coast aged 70 years or older expected to increase from 16% in 2021 to 20% in 2041, it is important we facilitate opportunities to work collectively to not only identify needs and challenges, but also streamline communication and information sharing,” Samantha Hingerty, Health Promotion Officer at Central Coast Health Promotion Service, said.
“We hope that the formation of this group will inherently build capacity and provide an innovative think tank to address complex problems impacting the lives of our community.
“It also has scope to become a regional platform for policy discussion and advocacy initiatives within this sector,” Ms Hingerty said.
A key focus of the interagency will be on areas critical to providing a supportive local environment that promotes a wholistic and positive approach to ageing, including physical activity, nutrition, mental health, social engagement and isolation, and digital literacy that facilitate people living independently in the community.
Central Coast Council Community and Recreation Services Unit Manager, Phil Cantillon, said the partnership “marks a significant step forward in Council’s commitment to supporting the senior members of our community,”
“The creation of this interagency will enable all members to leverage their collective strength to make a tangible difference,” Mr Cantillon said.
Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart commended the collaboration and establishment of the new interagency.
“By working together, we can build a healthier, more vibrant community for our seniors on the Central Coast,” Mr Hart said.
The interagency encourages membership from any service or community organisation that supports positive ageing, aiming to build a broad and inclusive network dedicated to the wellbeing of older adults living on the Central Coast.
The Central Coast Seniors Interagency will hold an in-person launch event on Tuesday 16 April at The Hub, Erina at 10am, at which interested members are invited to attend to help shape the alliance.
Services and community organisations supporting seniors on the Central Coast are invited to register by contacting Penny Newson at Central Coast Community Council on 0425 277 518 or rdo@thecccc.org.au.