The City of Melville continues to demonstrate its commitment towards being an Age-friendly City, advancing the aspirations and wellbeing of older people and the broader community. The City has continued to be an active member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities since 2010.

The Age Friendly Melville Plan 2022-2026 has been developed in direct consultation with community and relevant stakeholders through surveys and workshops. The City engaged with people aged over 55, family members, carers, service providers and the wider community to determine the top four priority goals that guide the current plan, namely:

• Community Support and Health Services: Advocate for the provision of good quality, appropriate and accessible community support and health services.
• Transportation: Advocate for accessible, innovative and integrated transportation options to meet a wide range of community needs.
• Communication and Information: Advocate for City of Melville communication and information to be accessible and inclusive for older people.
• Housing: Advocate for increased choice and diversity in appropriate housing for older people.

Key Achievements from our 2017-2021 Age Friendly Melville Plan:

• Fit for Life campaign: we encouraged and supported people aged over 55 to exercise regularly to maintain health and independence. We introduced a subsidized Fit for Life LeisureFit Booragoon membership whereby subsidies increase with age.
• Active in the Park: free outdoor fitness classes were created.
• Melville Age Friendly Accessible Business network: support and training opportunities were given to local businesses to become more age-friendly and accessible. A key highlight included the weekly Quiet Hour at Hawaiin’s Melville.
• Age Friendly Melville Assistance Fund: we provided funding to support older people to maintain their independence in their own home.
• Housing Decisions Toolkit for Older People: resources were developed to raise awareness of different housing options for older people.
• Dementia-specific initiatives: monthly Memory Café provided social opportunities for people living with dementia and their carers; resources and support information about dementia was made available on the City’s Living Well with Dementia webpage; and community information sessions were held with Michael Verde, an international dementia-expert.
• Hand to Heart Social Connection Program: ongoing partnership with ConnectGroups was established to connect older people with relevant services and activities to help create social connections.
• Healthy Lifestyle Expo: the expo was held to promote health and wellbeing to older people, in partnership with surrounding Local Governments and Seniors Recreation Council of WA Inc.
• Elder abuse awareness: we represented and advocated for the National Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.
• MelvilleTalks: various community engagement opportunities were made available.

View of a summary of the Age Friendly Melville Plan 2022 – 2026.