In 2016, the City of Monash was officially recognised as an Age-Friendly City. Guided by the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities framework, we are committed to integrating Age-friendly principles into our policy planning and development. This ensures we are creating an environment that supports safe living, promotes good health, and encourages active participation in local life for people of all ages.

Monash Council’s journey toward becoming an Age-Friendly City began in June 2013, when the initiative was formally endorsed. In partnership with older residents who served as Age-Friendly Ambassadors, the Council engaged the community to identify key priorities and actions, culminating in the development of the Age Friendly Monash – A Positive Ageing Plan 2015–2019, adopted in June 2015. Building on this foundation, Age-friendly actions were integrated into the broader Healthy and Resilient Monash: Integrated Plan 2017–2021 in 2018. This evolution continued with the Monash Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021–2025(MHWP), which adopts a whole-of-life approach to health and wellbeing. The MHWP unites all areas of Council to help define what makes a healthy city, setting strategic priorities to enhance the health, happiness, and wellbeing of the Monash community.

In alignment with the strategic objectives of the Monash Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021–2025, actions implemented to foster an Age-friendly environment include:
­- Establish Monash as a dementia-friendly community.
­- Provide a range of programs that build connection and support wellbeing.
­- Actively engage older people from a diverse range of backgrounds to be represented on Council committees, networks and forums.
­- Active inclusion of LGBTIQA+ older people by including positive and supportive themes in programs and events.
­- Develop a whole-of-community approach to addressing ageism and preventing elder abuse.