The Marrickville Ageing Strategy 2008-2011 outlines Council’s vision for the future and commitment to an age-friendly community for current and future generations of older people. The document provides a strategic direction and developed actions to support a range of activities and programs to improve the quality of life for older people living in Marrickville.

In the development of the Ageing Strategy, discussions were held within Council and this led to the development of a number of ongoing partnerships to deliver regular activities and engage older people. For example, the Library has taken on a range of activities with a particular focus around Intellectual Fitness.

Within the aged sector, the Marrickville Aged Services Interagency brings together service providers to collaborate and share knowledge. The Interagency was actively engaged in providing feedback on, firstly the Ageing Strategy and then the Active and Connected program. Working parties are formed to respond to specific needs such as Movie Club at the Library and a series of Multicultural Dementia Information Sessions. Council’s Community Grants Program offers small grants to not for profit community organisations to deliver projects that engage older people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.

Tom Foster Community Care provides services to older people, people with a disability and carers who live in their own homes in the Marrickville Local Government Area. These services assist people to continue to live independently in the community.

• Food Services – home delivered frozen, chilled or hot meals
• Marrickville Social Support Service – volunteers are recruited to provide social interaction through home visiting or accompanying clients to appointments or personal shopping.
• Tom Foster Seniors Groups – groups meet at the centre and also go on monthly outings.
• Seniors Gentle Exercise and Yoga Groups
• Dementia Support Service – assist with meals and nutrition
• Volunteering – volunteers are recruited to support the Social Support Service and to deliver meals to client’s homes.

Marrickville Council’s Home Library Service offers free monthly delivery of reading, viewing and listening material to those who are unable to visit the library in person. The Library can supply materials in community languages.

Established in 2001, the Seniors Reference Group provides an opportunity for local seniors to participate in the democratic process by informing and acting in partnership with Council. This improves social capital and encourages active citizenship. Every two years, older residents are encouraged to join the Seniors Reference Group. This provides an opportunity for the local community to participate in the democratic process by informing and acting in partnership with Council on issues of concern to older people. On a practical level, members provide direct feedback on Council plans and initiatives as well as input on seniors’ activities in the local area.

Through this mechanism, members have suggested ideas to expand the Active and Connected program and taken a lead role in the development of a new activity (for example establishing a Women’s Shed and a Mahjong group). With initial support from Council staff, both these activities now attract regular participants and are completely volunteer lead. The Active and Connected seniors program was established in 2009. The program includes creative, physical wellbeing, intellectual fitness, community education and social activities.

Marrickville Ageing Strategy 2008-2011