- Cook Labor Government awards 19 regional organisations grants for initiatives that raise awareness of elder abuse and mistreatment of older people
- Grants program amplifies the message of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June
- Western Australians urged to "Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse"
- Cook Labor Government creating safe and inclusive communities
The Cook Labor Government is delivering a $60,000 funding package to support regional initiatives that raise awareness of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people across Western Australia.
Regional local governments and not-for-profit organisations were invited to apply for grants to host events and activities which raise awareness of elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people, amplifying the message of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June.
A total of 19 organisations have received up to $5,000 each for events across the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Kimberley, Great Southern, Mid West, Peel and Wheatbelt regions.
Events include information workshops, education seminars, morning teas and art projects to support local people to work together to identify and respond to elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people in their local community.
The grants program is being funded by the Department of Communities and managed by Encompass Legal and Community Services.
The tagline "Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse" encourages the Western Australian community to find out more about elder abuse and the mistreatment of older people, recognise the signs, access support, and take action to stop it from happening.
For more information about WEAAD and events around WA, go to www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day
People seeking support can call the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679.
Comments attributed to Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk:
"Elder abuse is a complex issue experienced and carried out by Western Australians of all backgrounds.
"This grants program is designed to raise awareness of the abuse and mistreatment of older people and to support older Western Australians by building safe and inclusive communities.
"Every older Western Australian has a right to feel and be safe. It is vital that as many people as possible are aware of this significant issue and how and where to access support and information."
