To support the creation of age-friendly communities around the state, the Cook Labor Government has made funding of $220,000 available.
Grants of up to $15,000 have been made available to improve the inclusion and accessibility in communities for people of all ages.
The Age-friendly Communities Connectivity Grants Program has opened to local governments and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations to help action initiatives that build on the connection to community of elderly people to promote age-friendly environments.
Aged care and seniors minister Simone McGurk said older people contribute greatly to WA’s population.
“Western Australians are living longer than ever before, with older people projected to make up one quarter of our population by 2071,” she said.
“These grants will fund projects that improve older peoples’ connections to community and help to achieve age-friendly outcomes.
“Importantly, we are also ensuring local governments have the opportunity to be recognised for their age-friendly leadership and to cement their community’s commitment towards valuing older people, as part of the global age-friendly network.”
The grant program builds on the state’s status as an international age-friendly leader, and as the first Australian jurisdiction to become a part of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (WHO GNAFCC).
Only 18 places globally are affiliated with WHO GNAFCC which aims to connect communities and cities worldwide with the common goal of making their location a safe place to age.
A second stream of funding will also be released to help local governments become members of the WHO GNAFCC.
Applications for NFP organisations and councils close on August 18.
