- 22 organisations to receive up to $3,000 each in grant funding to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2023
- Western Australians urged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse'
- McGowan Government committed to the prevention of elder abuse
Western Australians are being urged to 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' on 15 June 2023 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch today announced the recipients of regional grant funding to host WEAAD activities which raise awareness of elder abuse in Western Australia's regional areas.
Regional local governments and registered not-for-profit organisations around WA were invited to apply for grants to hold events and activities during the week of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Metropolitan based organisations were also eligible to apply to run in-person activities in regional areas.
A total of 22 organisations across nine regional areas will receive up to $3,000 each. Events planned include information workshops, education seminars, morning teas and art projects to support local people to work together to identify and respond to elder abuse in their local community.
The grants program is being funded by the Department of Communities and managed by the Council on the Ageing WA.
WEAAD has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2011 and provides an opportunity for people around the world to unite in voicing opposition to elder abuse and the suffering it inflicts upon older people.
This year, the tagline 'Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse' encourages the Western Australian community to find out more about elder abuse, recognise the signs, access support, and take action in their own lives and communities to stop it from happening.
For more information about WEAAD events around WA, go to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - events (www.wa.gov.au)
If reading any of this content is distressing, please contact the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service on 1300 724 679. This program is funded by the Department of Communities and delivered by Advocare.
Comments attributed to Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"Elder abuse is a complex issue in our community that affects people of all backgrounds.
"Preventing and responding to incidences of elder abuse starts with recognising the signs and knowing where to access support.
"This grants program is designed to highlight World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in regional areas and ensure as many people as possible across the State are aware of this significant issue.
"All Western Australians are encouraged to Wise Up, Rise Up Against Elder Abuse by getting involved in awareness-raising activities and learning more about abuse against older people. Together, we can put an end to elder abuse."
Minister's office - 6552 6900
