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The City of Whyalla is seeking three community members to join a focus group on disability and ageing.
The three community members would join two councillors, Council Director – City Growth Kristina Roberts and Regional Development Australia Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula (RDAWEP) Economic Development Manager David Penfold on the focus group.
The group will review and provide recommendations on the future of the Whyalla Master Plan for Disability and Ageing, in light of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and report back to future Council meetings.
Council Manager of Community Services, Ann Ryan said the focus group was an ideal opportunity for community members interested and passionate about the welfare of the aged and those living with a disability to have a say and a positive input into the plan.
“The focus group will benefit from having members that have an understanding of the needs of our ageing population and those living with a disability,” Ann said.
“They will be a voice for the community in bringing issues to the focus group and providing information and advice to Council.”
The implementation of the plan was initiated in 2014 as a joint project between Council and RDAWEP. It was developed to address Whyalla’s ageing population and its high number of people living with a disability while identifying a number of challenges and opportunities.
Demographic analysis and modelling contained within the plan indicates that Whyalla’s population is ageing faster than the national averages and there are a relatively high number of people living with a severe disability. Delivering on the actions of the plan is seen as critical to implementing a strategic response to this growing trend.
The plan includes twelve goal areas:
1. vision, leadership, consultation and action;
2. personal and public safety and security;
3. housing and residential care choices;
4. well‐maintained roads and paths access;
5. accessible public transport services;
6. comprehensive health, personal support and household services;
7. a skilled health and care workforce;
8. education, training and personal development programs;
9. wide range of retail and hospitality options and professional services;
10. opportunities for employment and volunteering;
11. well‐maintained open spaces and a range of recreational activities; and
12. a wide range of social and cultural activities.
Each of the goal areas are supported by a coherent set of objectives and strategies. The masterplan document identified priority actions to be completed over a ten year plan (2015‐2025).
One key area that has emerged since the writing of the plan is the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, (NDIS). This is seen as a key area that will require further investigation to identify any gaps or opportunities for the city and its residents. There is an urgent need to address accommodation needs to support Whyalla’s ageing population and those residents with disabilities.
Expressions of interest for community members interested in joining the focus group can be forwarded to Ann Ryan at ann.ryan@whyalla.sa.gov.au. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, October 12, 2018.