A State Government program which funds ageing and disability workers in metropolitan and major regional councils must be extended to rural NSW, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has said.
LGNSW President Keith Rhoades AFSM said it was hard to fully celebrate NSW Seniors Week 2015 when so many seniors in NSW were missing out on the support provided by Ageing and Disability workers during the remaining 51 weeks of the year.
“This is the week we are supposed to ‘Be Inspired’, and to celebrate the richness and depth seniors bring to our communities.
“But that contribution is no less important in the bush, where there are no Ageing and Disability Worker positions funded by the State Government.
“It just doesn’t make sense that these positions, of which there are about 60, are located only in cities and major regional hubs.
“It’s not right and it’s not smart.”
Cr Rhoades said the number of NSW residents aged over 65 was expected to increase to almost 25 percent of the State’s population by 2050.
“Meanwhile, increasing housing costs in the cities can mean more and more seniors are moving to rural and regional areas, so demand for the support of seniors outside of cities may only increase.
“We need fairer funding arrangements and that means extending funding for Ageing and Disability workers to all councils in NSW.”
Cr Rhoades said seniors living in rural and regional areas needed joined-up services that were integrated and responsive to individual needs.
“That’s where Ageing and Disability Workers come in.
“They provide a real, human grassroots connection between seniors and community services, helping the older generation stay active and independent.
“Real results are being delivered by these workers, results we’d all like to see replicated in every Local Government Area in NSW.
“If we really want seniors to ‘Be Inspired’, it’s time for the State Government to ensure the older generation has the support and community linkages they need – no matter where they live in NSW.”
NSW Seniors Week runs from March 14-22, and will be marked by a range of Local Government activities right across NSW.
