The Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW has launched The Little Book of Good Things, an inspiring new publication that shines a light on the resilience, creativity and energy of older Australians.
Through powerful individual stories, The Little Book of Good Things showcases the contributions of ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things in their communities, demonstrating that later life is a time for growth, connection and purpose.
Examples include Bill, who uses his own experience with dementia to help and support others with the condition. It hears from Kim, a long-standing western Sydney GP turned climate advocate, and from Jill who supports others with end-of-life care.
Also showcased in the report is Sonny, who found new purpose in a later-life career at Bunnings, and Uncles Widdy Welsh and Bobby Young, survivors of the Kinchela Boys Home, who now lead truth-telling and healing initiatives for their communities through the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation.
COTA NSW CEO Gohar Yazdabadi said the project was born from a desire to highlight the "good things" that come from connection, courage and community as we age.
"Every day, older people across NSW demonstrate strength, tenacity and creativity, enriching our communities"
"The Little Book of Good Things is a tribute to them and a celebration of the wisdom and meaning they bring to our lives. By recognising their stories, we can build a society that truly values older Australians."
Recent COTA NSW research highlights why this recognition is so critical. The 2025 Ageism in NSW report found that 62% of older people had been treated differently because of their age. Following an incident of ageism, nearly one in three respondents (31.3%) reported reduced confidence, 30.3% avoided returning to the person or service involved, and a similar proportion said it affected their mental or emotional wellbeing. Over time, these effects deepen: 29% no longer felt valued by society, and 25.1% began to second-guess their decisions.
"These findings show that ageism is not only widespread but harmful," Ms Yazdabadi said. "That's why a whole-of-society approach is needed — and why retailers, employers and community leaders have such an important role to play in creating more inclusive and age-positive environments."
Bunnings Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Melissa O'Neill, said the company was proud to support The Little Book of Good Things and to champion opportunities for older Australians.
"At Bunnings, we see every day the experience, empathy and knowledge that older team members bring to our stores and our customers. By sharing all the great knowledge and skills built over their careers, we find our older team members often become mentors to their younger colleagues.
"Today, approximately 30% of our store team members are aged 50 and over, and 14% are aged 60 and over. We're committed to creating workplaces where people of all ages can thrive and continue contributing to their communities," Melissa said.
Jodie Harrison MP, NSW Minister for Seniors, who is launching the report today (Weds) in NSW Parliament, said that its stories were truly inspirational:
"These are everyday Australians who have overcome adversity to be a positive force in their local communities and an inspiration to others. They are wonderful examples of what ageing well can look like".
Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM, who provided the book's foreword, praised the publication as: "a delightful and inspiring collection of stories about the power of the greater good that a single person can contribute at any life stage."
Supported by Bunnings Group, The Little Book of Good Things encourages Australians of all ages to look for connection and purpose, and to see ageing not as decline, but as an opportunity.
The Little Book of Good Things can be found attached. Photos supplied upon request.
