Port in bid for oldies

Jessica Benton
A SELF-HELP community initiative plans to keep ageing residents in Portarlington.
Staying Put in Portarlington is the brainchild of the town’s community association.
President Monica Hayes said the program aimed to promote “positive ageing” while strengthening community networks to support elderly residents.
“The development of this idea started back in late 2007 when various issues were being discussed around town planning and how appropriate designs impacted on people as they aged,” she said.
“It’s all about assisting people to age at home and offering them relevant information for their time, place and situation in life.
“It’s important that we continue to develop our strengths and ensure that everyone, as they age, has ongoing opportunities to be included in the life of the community.”
Nearly half of Portarlington’s population was aged over 55 years, Ms Hayes said.
Ms Hayes said the program would link services, social, educational and recreational activities as well as civic events and key support groups.
A “one-stop shop” would supply information on services, clubs and groups along with assistance for older residents when it was not available from existing health, community care and transport systems.
City of Greater Geelong has contributed $3000 to the project.
Ward councillor John Doull threw his weight behind the initiative.
“The idea came to me through council’s community grants and I was delighted to support it,” he said.
“Anything that can encourage people to feel safe and live from home is going to be of benefit for the community.”
Cr Doull said he would push for more funding next year if it was deemed viable.
A pamphlet will be sent to residents this week to gauge interest in the program and to seek volunteers.
Ms Hayes said the pamphlets must be returned to Portarlington Post Office by October 16.
She hoped the initiative could be rolled out to other communities if it was successful at Portarlington.