Blue Mountains News

The public forum will be held on from 10am to 1pm on Monday 16 June at the Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub in Springwood, and feature speakers from financial institutions, as well as the Seniors Rights Service and Blue Mountains Police Area Command. 

Designated by the United Nations, WEAAD is marked around the world every year on 15 June, to raise awareness of elder abuse, educate older people about what elder abuse is and promote the importance of their wellbeing. It’s also an important opportunity for us to stand together against the abuse, mistreatment and neglect of older people.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Protecting your finances is crucial to maintaining independence and wellbeing at any age, and it’s also vital in the fight against elder abuse.

“One in six seniors experience elder abuse in Australia. That’s equates to 15 per cent of our population, and it’s a staggering increase from just five years ago, when that number was one in 20.

“Elder abuse doesn’t discriminate and is devastating for victims. One of the most heartbreaking statistics I learned is that not only are most abusers trusted people – neighbours, friends or paid carers, but half of all perpetrators are family members.

“We have an ageing population right across Australia, and particularly here in the Blue Mountains where the over 65s group makes up over 22 per cent of our population. While this issue is often unseen, it is very real, and its impacts are devastating.

“Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of elder abuse, while psychological abuse, physical abuse and neglect occur as well.

“This forum is part of our ongoing efforts to bring awareness to important issues effecting members of our community, and providing access to support, information and services that can protect them and improve their wellbeing and welfare,” Cr Greenhill said.

The Protect your Finances forum is proudly supported by our partners: Blue Mountains Food Service, Blue Mountains Police Area Command, Central Tablelands legal Centre, Katoomba Men’s Shed, NSW Ageing and Disability Commission, Rotary, Seniors Rights Service, Services Australia and Wentworth Health Care provider of Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.

More information about WEADD and the public forum, including how to book, is available at: here

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, there are support and services available locally and across NSW to help:

·        The Blue Mountains Elder Abuse Collaborative – a partnership of local services and NSW Ageing and Disability Helpline, overseen by Blue Mountains City Council in partnership with the Ageing and Disability Commission. The collaborative can provide resources to help identify and support elder abuse.

·        Call the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm). They can provide information and support on how to be safe, how to protect your rights and help connect you or the older person with relevant services. You can also be anonymous when you call.