Latest News

Latrobe Local News:
New Campaign Celebrates the Elderly

Positive attitudes towards ageing and senior citizens in Latrobe City.

By Portal Admin - 21st December 2020 - Back to News

The faces of elderly Latrobe City residents will appear on posters across the City as part of a new campaign to promote positive attitudes towards ageing and senior citizens in Latrobe City.

The campaign raises awareness of the issues of elder abuse and ageism, and is a project of the Latrobe Elder Abuse Prevention Network, of which Latrobe City Council is a part.

Elder abuse can take various forms, including: financial, physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect. No older person should be subjected to any form of abuse, including being coerced into handing over property and money.

It is estimated that one in 10 older people will experience elder abuse. It can be carried out by someone known to the older person, like family members, a friend, a professional or a paid caregiver.

Ageism is stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment based solely on a person’s age. When directed towards older people, it comes from negative attitudes and beliefs about what it means to be older. At its extreme, ageism contributes to elder abuse.

"The elderly are respected and valued members of our community, and that’s why Latrobe City Council is celebrating their contributions to our community," Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson said.

The Elder Abuse Prevention Network’s The AGE≠OLD (reads: age does not equal old) campaign will see lifesized photos of older Latrobe residents erected around the City with a short story about what they do for the community.

The public will be able to see the posters on such Council buildings as the Moe Library, Moe Town Hall, Churchill Hub, Morwell Leisure Centre and Traralgon Library, as well as Mid Valley Shopping Centre in Morwell.

Council staff will give campaign postcards to businesses to raise further awareness.

People can go to the website www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/ageold for more information about the project, about elder abuse and about support agencies that are able to help.

Social posts will run on Council’s social media pages concurrently and the public will be invited to take photos of themselves with the posters, using the hashtag #ageold.

They could also write a positive story about someone they know or thank someone for their community work or contribution to family and friends.

The campaign was launched on Tuesday, 15 December 2020 at Moe Library and Service Centre by Cr Gibson.

"At first glance you may see the wrinkles, grey hair and walking stick but behind this you will see diversity, strength and determination," Cr Gibson said.

"They have caring hands, their eyes shine brighter and they still work hard in our community. They are all unique, they all have a story and they all make a difference."

One of the elderly residents to be photographed and interviewed is Narracan resident, Soula Kannellopoulus.

A native of the Greek island of Corfu, she came to Australia in September 1964 and became a nurse.

"Amongst the many skills and attitudes instilled in me in my upbringing was respect and to help others," she said

Having retired from nursing after 25 years, she now keeps busy with involvement in many cultural and community groups, as well as several committees.

"As I look back over the years in Australia I feel that I have achieved many of my dreams," Soula said.

If you are concerned about elder abuse, contact:

Senior Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821. Free information, advocacy and legal advice for older people or service providers.

Elder Rights Advocacy: 1800 600 700. Free advice and support for older people accessing residential care or a home care package.

1800ELDERHELP: 1800 353 374. Free advice line for people experiencing elder abuse or services needing advice.

CALD-In Touch: 1800 755 988. Family Violence support service.

Aboriginal inclusive service: 1300 946 337. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Gippsland Windemere Victims of Crime (all genders).

For more information on the campaign or the Latrobe Elder Abuse Prevention Network, contact Latrobe City Council, 1300 367 700 or communitysafety@latrobe.vic.gov.au

If someone is in immediate danger call 000.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

If you are the author of this story you can edit it by clicking here

• New Lights Brighten the Way at Traralgon Reserves
  New lighting will make people feel safe.
• New VicHealth Funding Available
  $2.5 million in new funding to support local organisations to address the immediate health and wellbeing concerns of Victorians hardest hit by the impact coronavirus pandemic.
• New Paths lead to Improved Community Access
  Construction has started on a new path along Storey Street in Wonthaggi, between Wentworth Road and Korumburra Road.
• New Paths lead to Improved Community Access
  Construction has started on a new path along Storey Street in Wonthaggi, between Wentworth Road and Korumburra Road.
• A New Home for the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre
  PICAL’s current site is set to be the site for the new Phillip Island Community Hospital.
• New Infrastructure for Latrobe Regional Hospital
  Hospitals across the state will receive the latest life-saving medical equipment and upgrading vital infrastructure.
• New mental health jobs and support for the Latrobe Valley
  Postgraduate nurses for mental health scholarship being appreciated.
• New Energy and Growth Program for the Latrobe Valley
  Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program (LVEGP) is now open for applications.
• New Agriculture Minister Will Have a Full Plate Over Summer
  Lack of leadership on key challenges affecting farmers and regional communities.
• New Federal funds could open the floodgates to Big Buffalo
  Victoria must seize the opportunity to build Big Buffalo and boost water security for irrigators in the northeast after the Federal Budget delivered an unprecedented $2 billion for water infrastructure
• New geothermal aquatic centre opens in Gippsland
  Opening of a facility to help the community's wellness and economy.
• New Initiative Opens Cultural Doors for Locals
  Distance and transport will no longer be a barrier for Latrobe Valley residents wanting to attend cultural events in the regional city.
• New Business Penalties and Rules raise concern
  Strong penalties and rules that now apply for booking arrangements in Regional Victoria.
• New look Morwell Rose Festival to Go Ahead
  Annual celebration of the stunning blooms of Morwell’s Centenary Rose Garden will push thru.
• New Addition to Cowes Footpath Network
  $90,000 project will take around four weeks to complete under the Aspirational Pathways Program.
• New Regional COVID Rules a Mixed Bag
  Mixed views on COVID-19 restrictions for Regional Victorians.
• New CFA Station for Winnindoo
  Winnindoo Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer fire station in the Wellington Shire will be under the $126 million CFA capability funding.
• Traralgon Renewable Energy Project Supported by Latrobe City Council
  Renewable energy project at Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House.
• Launch of New look 2020 International Rose Garden Festival Morwell
  Launch of International Rose Garden Festival Morwell
• Announcement of New Latrobe City Councillors
  New-look Latrobe City Council.
• Lighting Gives New Life to Traralgon Parks
  New lighting funded.
• Liberal Nationals Release New Plan to get Victorians Back to Work and Back in Business
  Victoria needs a bold plan.
• Shocktober Campaign aims to help Save Lives in Regional Victoria
  Ambulance Victoria are encouraging communities to learn CPR and how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), everyday 18 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest, this can happen to anyone anywhere at any time.
• Council Elects New Mayor and Deputy Mayor
  Councillor Sharon Gibson is the new Mayor of Latrobe City
• Have your say on Victoria‘s New Container Deposit Scheme
  Victorians can continue to dispose of their bottles with a 10 cent refund for aluminum, glass and plastic drink containers returned for recycling.
• Dalyston readies for new netball precinct
  Dalyston Football Netball Club to benefit from complete overhaul of its existing facilities.
• Labor Pressed for Answers on Campaign against Recreational Hunters
  Explanation wanted for unsolicited threat to suspend or cancel firearms licences.
• On the Lookout for a New Kind of Art
  Artists need to register their interest by submitting a portfolio of previous works by Sunday, 22 November.
• 2021 Latrobe Regional Galley new exhibitions
  A fun and wonderful way to spend time with the family while expanding our creativity through art.
• Boosting Red Meat Industry, Smart Farms Small Grants, and Have your Say on New Fisheries Framework
  Free weekly update on research to benefit farmers.
• Regions Still in Lockdown Despite No New Cases
  Why do communities and businesses in country Victoria can’t move to the Last Step?
• Policies Adopted in Time for New Act
  The Public Transparency Policy 2020 provides clarity on the information Council must make available, access to that information and categories of information that Council may not be able to make available to the public.
• Kinders in the Latrobe Valley Get Tech Savvy with New Gear
  $1.1 million in technology grants for kindergartens.
• Liberal Nationals’ Positive Plan to Freeze Bills to Help Households
  Freezing a raft of fees and charges as a means to financially assist Victorian families.
• COVID-19 Restrictions to impact Bass Coast over New Year
  No fireworks displays in 2020.