21 September 2023
Some things never grow old... like respect, dignity and feeling safe. Southern Downs Regional Council has partnered with UnitingCare’s Elder Abuse Prevention Unit to host the Southern Downs Safe and Savvy Seniors Roadshow during Queensland Seniors Month in October 2023.
Whether it is financial, health or lifestyle decisions, it is important that seniors have access to the right information and know where to seek trusted advice and support, particularly when many cases of elder abuse go hidden and unreported.
General Manager of UnitingCare’s Wellbeing Services Luke Lindsay said elder abuse is a complex social issue which not only has devastating impacts for the victims, but affects the entire community.
“We recognise elder abuse isn’t an easy topic to discuss, but we can’t have it continuing to exist in the shadows and pretend it’s not happening because it is,” Mr Lindsay said.
“We need to help educate the community and raise awareness on the issue of elder abuse, while letting people know there is help and support available.
“Partnering with the Southern Downs Regional Council to deliver this roadshow in the region is an important step to help facilitate and encourage conversations about elder abuse prevention in a relaxed and safe forum.”
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the upcoming roadshow offered opportunities for seniors to come together, connect with a range of key agencies and discover local programs and services in a safe and inclusive space.
“Seniors are respected members of the community and we owe a great deal to their valuable contributions to the cultural and civic fabric of our region,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“It is fitting that we treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve and have rightly earned through their years of service.
“This year’s Queensland Seniors Month theme is “It’s going to be a Connect Fest” and our roadshow inspires and promotes social connectedness.
“With one in six older Australians reporting elder abuse, the roadshow aims to empower seniors with tips and insights on how to be safe and savvy when it comes to understanding and preventing elder abuse.
“We want seniors to have the confidence to have supportive conversations with their loved ones about their plans and wishes, and equip them with tools they can use to ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity, and feel safe now and into the future.
“The roadshow will be conducted as a Q&A-style conversation with special guest panellists who will share their experience and knowledge around elder abuse, supported decision-making, Enduring Powers of Attorney, conversations with loved ones about plans and wishes, and different strategies that support respect, dignity and feeling safe.
“Please come along and join the conversations over a cuppa, seize the opportunity to ask questions in a safe space and take away some useful information.”
Community sessions
Allora: Wednesday 18 October 2023, 10am – 12pm
Allora RSL Memorial Hall, 22 Warwick Street, Allora
Stanthorpe: Wednesday 18 October 2023, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Stanthorpe Civic Centre Supper Room, Lock Street, Stanthorpe
Warwick: Thursday 19 October 2023, 4pm – 6pm
SDIEA Conference Room, 163 Palmerin Street, Warwick
Killarney: Friday 20 October 2023, 10am – 12pm
Killarney Senior Citizens Rooms, 1 Ailanthus Street, Killarney
These events are supported by guest panellists from the Office of the Public Guardian, the Public Trustee, Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD Ltd, Rural Financial Counselling Service – Southern Queensland and Services Australia (My Aged Care).
Sessions are free but registration by Thursday 12 October 2023 is essential for catering purposes.
How to register?
Contact Council’s Community Development Team on 1300 697 372, email commdev@sdrc.qld.gov.au or visit
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/events.
What is Queensland Seniors Month?
Queensland Seniors Month is a state-wide celebration that provides opportunities for people across all generations to connect and challenge stereotypical views of ageing and the aged. It provides opportunities for people to discover local programs, services and volunteering opportunities, which may assist in reducing social isolation. Seniors Month aims to increase social connectedness of communities throughout Queensland.
Last edited date 21 Sep 2023