The City of Joondalup, Western Australia (WA), hosted more than 60 international delegates from China’s aged care industry for the inaugural Innovation: Solutions for an Ageing Population International Conference at Joondalup Resort.
A collaboration between the City of Joondalup and Shanghai Science and Technology Service Centre for Ageing, Bethanie, Australian Medical Association (WA), Edith Cowan University and Aus Global Exchange – the conference attracted about 120 people and featured an energising and informative program of speakers and an extensive program of events, networking opportunities and site visits.
Joondalup Mayor, Albert Jacob, said the exciting conference program attracted a great deal of interest – particularly from overseas.
“Catering for the future needs of an ageing population is an issue that transcends all boundaries and is a growing global issue.”
The City has secured hosting rights to the conference every two years, alternating with Shanghai, after it led its own successful delegation to China last year, as part of its International Economic Development Activities Plan (IEDAP).
Mayor Jacob said the IEDAP had long identified China as a priority market for development with a focus on key industry sectors such as education and training, tourism, health and medical and retail.
“Our City’s Strategic Community Plan drives the City’s vision for Joondalup to be a bold, creative and prosperous city and we are committed to ensuring that Joondalup has a place on the international stage.
“While in Joondalup, a Chinese TV camera crew was documenting the conference and filming parts of the Joondalup region, potentially showcasing our City to an audience of 680 million people.
“As well as spending money in our City during the conference, boosting the local economy to the tune of $400,000, delegates will no doubt have returned home and tell their family and friends all that Joondalup has to offer, and we’ll host even bigger visitor numbers in 2020.”
