WA Seniors Week recognises the important role seniors play in our community and celebrates the contributions of older Western Australians
WA Seniors Week runs from 12-19 November 2023 with a wide range of events held Statewide
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch has recognised the contributions of older Western Australians and encouraged people of all ages to get involved with the range of activities and events planned as part of WA Seniors Week 2023.
Held annually, WA Seniors Week encourages everyone to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions that older people make to the Western Australian community.
More than 16 per cent of WA's population are aged over 65 years and WA Seniors Week is an opportunity to support the active participation of older people in all aspects of community life and promote positive ageing.
Through getting involved with Seniors Week activities, older people can find out about opportunities to connect with their local community, volunteer, build friendships, gain new skills and keep active.
A total of 74 community organisations and local governments in metropolitan, regional and remote areas have shared in $80,000 of Seniors Week Community Grants program funding to host Seniors Week activities, which will be held throughout the week.
Highlights of the week include the WA Seniors Awards held at ANZAC House and Have a Go Day, run by the Seniors Recreation Council, which is one of Perth's largest annual events for over 55's.
The Cook Government's Seniors Week Community Grants program and the WA Seniors Awards are facilitated by the Council on the Ageing WA and supported by the Department of Communities and Lotterywest.
The Cook Government is committed to improving WA seniors' well-being and participation in the community, launching the State's first Seniors Strategy 2023-2033 and five-year Action Plan earlier this year.
WA Seniors Card members have access to a comprehensive range of State Government concessions, rebates and services.
Since the commencement of the Safety and Security Rebate more than 25,000 applications have been paid to WA Seniors Card members with over 44,000 eligible items purchased, installed, or repaired in seniors' homes, improving community safety and security.
More than 1,000 seniors have attended information sessions as part of the Seniors Card Regional Roadshows, which is supporting seniors in the regions to access on-the-spot replacement card services and sign up for benefits such as the Cost of Living Rebate.
For more information on WA Seniors Week events and how to get involved visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/wa-seniors-week-events
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Labor Government encourages all Western Australians to get involved in celebrating the priceless contributions of older people.
"These contributions, large and small, are enriching communities and lives throughout Western Australia.
"Community participation is a powerful way to improve mental and physical well-being and to age well and there are so many wonderful events and opportunities to get involved."
