Ageing Well Strategy 2007 - 2017
Year 4 Progress Report 2010/2011
August 2011
2010/2011 Ageing Well Strategy Action Plan - Highlights
This paper discusses the highlights and outcomes achieved during the implementation of the
2010/11 Ageing Well Strategy Action Plan. Progress reports provided by each department’s
manager via the Social Planning and Development Reporting tool provide the basis for this
report.
The Reporting Tool provides the opportunity to report on the status of each action included
in the Action Plan using the following status reporting key:
Ongoing
These actions need ongoing work and will be directly included
in subsequent action plans until no longer required
Progressing
Work is currently being undertaken
Deferred
For various reasons the work cannot be undertaken at the
present moment. These actions will remain in the action plan
and reviewed at the end of the action plan period (and/or when
appropriate)
Not Started
For various reasons the work has not been started. These
actions will remain in the action plan and reviewed at the end
of the action plan period (and/or when appropriate)
Completed
These actions are complete and require no further work
This document comprises of two sections:

Section 1 provides the overall results of the implementation of the Year 4 Action
Plan.

Section 2 provides a summary of work undertaken within each of the 6 goal areas of
the plan, detailing the achievements to date, any opportunities that may have arisen
during the year as well as any outstanding issues.

Section 3 provides a brief overview of some of the key work to be undertaken within
each of the 6 goal areas of the plan during year 5.
The audit of the Year 4 action plan allows the Council to inform the development of the Year
5 action plan for 2011/12.
Overall Results of the Year 4 Ageing Well Strategy Action Plan
The 2010/2011 Ageing Well Action Plan included 68 separate actions, which were to be
implemented by 11 separate Council Departments. The following graph shows how the
actions are divided across the various Council departments. The Community Development
department has the most actions.
Out of the 68 actions, 40% (27) of the actions have been completed, 29% (20) of actions are
progressing towards completion, 6% (4) of the actions have been deferred, and 15% (10) of
actions were not started. The graph below illustrates this.
In relation to each goal area, all areas are progressing well. The graph below illustrates the
percentage of actions within each goal that are either completed, progressing or ongoing
versus the actions not started and/or deferred. It is worth noting that 100% of the actions
under Goal Area 3 were completed, progressing or are ongoing, which is a great
achievement.
At the end of implementing the Year 4 Action Plan for the Ageing Well Strategy, 40% of the
actions are completed and another 39% are either progressing or ongoing.
Year 4 Action Plan: Summary of Achievements
The following represents a summary of the achievements of the Year 4 Action Plan:

The Council adopted the Affordable Housing Policy Statement, which advocates for
housing diversity in the municipality which considers the afforability needs of people on
low incomes (Housing, 1.2.1).

As part of the Industrial Land Management Strategy, Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
Guidelines for Developers have been produced and endorsed by the Council. SIAs have
begun being requested from developers and the Council is advocating for a mix of
housing types in redevelopment areas. (Housing, 1.3.1)

A consultant was engaged and prepared a review of community transport within
Hobsons Bay with short term and longer term recommendations. (Access and Mobility
2.1.1).

The Council, in partnership with the Victoria Police and Gateway Social Support
Options, established the Hobsons Bay Community Register to which 62 people have
registered. (Social Connection & Participation 3.1.2).

A social connectedness pilot has been implemented at the Walker Close Older Persons
Residential Units. All residents were invited to join in a weekly supported activity
conducted by Community Care’s Social Support Team. Cross departmental input has
been achieved, with Community Development linking a vegetable drop off to this weekly
activity (Social Connection & Participation, 3.1.5)

The Arts and Culture Plan was developed and adopted by Council (Social Connection &
Participation, 3.1.7)

The Council affiliated with the Victorian Carer Card and have promoted it through the
performing arts program, local businesses, Council facilities, Visitor Information Centre,
social and cultural event organisers, and Community Centres and Neighbourhood
Houses. Bayfit and Laverton Swim Centre registered their participation. Requirements
for the Carer Card have also been included in the Community Grants Terms and
Conditions (Social Connection & Participation, Objective 3.2, multiple actions).

Two food security projects commenced which facilitated the distribution of surplus food
to groups including seniors, newly arrived families and residents of two housing estates.
Both projects are being managed by community organisations with limited support from
Council (Social Connection & Participation, 3.4.1).

Work to develop an evaluation framework is currently taking place to assist with
evaluating how well actions in the Council’s Social Policies are working towards the
achievement of policy objectives (Service Planning and Delivery, 4.3.1)

Co-locating Volunteer West at Altona Library has enhanced partnership opportunities
with the Council. A series of information sessions and workshops were held throughout
the year for community groups about recruiting volunteers, and also for the community
providing information about volunteering (Lifelong Learning, 5.1.3)

The Draft Service and Infrastructure Strategy was prepared (Lifelong Learning, 5.2.2)

The Libraries have extended the Libraries for All program in partnership with the South
Kingsville Community Centre. Altona Meadows Library will provide life skill sessions in
partnership with David House. The library has also extended the number of technology
programs for older people by 20% from 2010. It is hope that programs will be further
extended in 2011 (Lifelong Learning, 5.4.4).

A scoping paper was prepared to inform consultation with older residents in Laverton to
identify their priorities and opportunities for addressing their needs in an Ageing Plan for
Laverton (Information and Communication 6.4.1).

The consultation period was completed in the development of a draft Play Space
Strategy (Information and Communication 6.4.2)
Section 2: Breakdown of Achievements and Opportunities
for Further Work by Goal Areas
The overall vision of the Ageing Well Strategy is “Live Well Age Well in Hobsons Bay”. The
goals and objectives in the Strategy guide the work of the action plan to achieve the changes
needed to attain this overall vision. This section provides a summary of work undertaken
within each of the 6 goal areas of the plan, detailing the achievements to date, any
opportunities that may have arisen during the year as well as any outstanding issues.
Goal 1: Housing
Residents will be supported by the Council to age positively within their municipality by
fostering the provision of a range of suitable housing options.
To achieve this the Council has a significant role to play in assisting older residents to plan
ahead to ensure their housing circumstances are suitable and manageable in their older
years. The Council also has a role to facilitate the provision of advice and support to those
wishing to undertake modifications to their own homes.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Support residents to safely remain in their homes by facilitating appropriate
modifications and maintenance to existing homes.
Influence and encourage new housing developments and innovative housing models
that are designed with the needs of the ageing population in mind.
Build a proactive town planning process which will encourage and actively support
development of housing that provides suitable options for older people.
Advocate for and support additional residential aged care places to meet forecast
increased demand.
The plan identified a total of 4 actions within this goal area, of which 75% (3) have been
completed. The remaining one has not been started.
Achievements to Date

The Council adopted the Affordable Housing Policy Statement, which advocates
for housing diversity in the municipality which considers the afforability needs of
people on low incomes (Housing, 1.2.1).

As part of the Industrial Land Management Strategy, Social Impact Assessment
(SIA) Guidelines for Developers have been produced and endorsed by the
Council. SIAs have begun being requested from developers and the Council is
advocating for a mix of housing types in redevelopment areas. (Housing, 1.3.1)
Opportunities Identified

Implement training about Social Impact Assessments for relevant Council
officers to encourage the development of housing that provides suitable options
for older people.
Goal 2: Access and Mobility
Residents will be able to move about their community safely, access services, facilities and
physical infrastructure which meets their needs. To achieve this, among other actions, the
Council will ensure that Australian Standards for disability access are embedded in the
planning and designing of built environments so that they are safe and accessible to older
people.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Explore and evaluate the feasibility of alternative transportation modes and the
expansion of the Council’s community transport service.
Work with public transport operators to review and evaluate options for meeting the
future needs of an ageing municipality.
Foster the mobility of residents by addressing and improving the municipality’s
physical infrastructure.
Ensure Australian Standards for disability access are embedded in the Council’s
planning and designing of built environments.
The plan identified a total of 19 actions within this goal area, of which 68% have either been
completed, are progressing or are ongoing.
Achievements to Date

A consultant was engaged and prepared a review of community transport within
Hobsons Bay with short term and longer term recommendations. (Access and
Mobility 2.1.1).
Opportunities Identified

Implement the recommendations arising from the review of the community transport
system for socially isolated residents.
Goal 3: Social Connection and Participation
Hobsons Bay is a municipality which values diversity, promotes social connections and
encourages participation and cooperation. Many older residents felt it was important for the
Council to take an active role in supporting and promoting an increased range of
opportunities for social and recreational activities.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Facilitate residents’ opportunities to feel socially connected through a broad range of
social, active and passive recreational, physical and culturally appropriate activities.
Support and encourage the wellbeing of residents who care for others.
Take a lead role in encouraging cooperation and support between residents at a
local level.
Explore potential funding sources for suitable activities which encourage residents to
remain physically and mentally healthy.
The plan identified a total of 23 actions within this goal area, of which 96% have either been
completed, are progressing or are ongoing.
Achievements to Date

The Council, in partnership with the Victoria Police and Gateway Social Support
Options, established the Hobsons Bay Community Register to which 48 people
have registered. (Social Connection & Participation 3.1.2).

A social connectedness pilot has been implemented at the Walker Close Older
Persons Residential Units. All residents were invited to join in a weekly
supported activity conducted by Community Care’s Social Support Team. Cross
departmental input has been achieved, with Community Development linking a
vegetable drop off to this weekly activity (Social Connection & Participation,
3.1.5)

The Arts and Culture Plan was developed and adopted by Council (Social
Connection & Participation, 3.1.7)

The Council affiliated with the Victorian Carer Card and have promoted it
through the performing arts program, local businesses, Council facilities, Visitor
Information Centre, social and cultural event organisers, and Community
Centres and Neighbourhood Houses. Bayfit and Laverton Swim Centre
registered their participation. Requirements for the Carer Card have also been
included in the Community Grants Terms and Conditions (Social Connection &
Participation, Objective 3.2, multiple actions).

Two food security projects commenced which facilitated the distribution of
surplus food to groups including seniors, newly arrived families and residents of
two housing estates. Both projects are being managed by community
organisations with limited support from Council (Social Connection &
Participation, 3.4.1).
Opportunities Identified

Further work is needed to redevelop service agreements for seniors clubs,
which involves consultation across Council departments.

A grant has been received from Sport and Recreation Victoria which will allow works at
Edwards Reserve in Spotswood to ensure it is more accessible and provides
opportunities for physical activity for residents of all abilities and ages.

Include consideration of the Council’s Social Policies when finalising the development of
the Sport and Recreation Strategy, to improve sport and recreation opportunities for
residents of all abilities.
Goal 4: Service Planning and Delivery
The Council will actively plan and advocate for the provision of a wide range of appropriate
services which address the needs of older residents. The Ageing Well Strategy recognises
that many older residents are very fond of the community they live in and highly value their
friendships and involvement in community activities. This goal area recognises the Council’s
position as a leader in planning for the needs of older residents.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Work in conjunction with all levels of government and local service providers to
ensure funding for services is reflective of the needs of an ageing population.
Advocate for quality health and support service provision, in particular GP services,
within the municipality.
Continuously strive for best practice in service delivery and a whole of organisation
approach to older people.
Empower residents to become informed consumers within the aged care services.
The plan identified a total of 6 actions within this goal area, of which 50% have either been
completed, are progressing or are ongoing.
Achievements to Date

Work to develop an evaluation framework is currently taking place to assist with
evaluating how well actions in the Council’s Social Policies are working towards the
achievement of policy objectives (Service Planning and Delivery, 4.3.1)
Opportunities Identified

A series of fact sheets will be developed to inform the community of topical
social issues for Hobsons Bay.

The Community Development department will trial the action evaluation
framework during the implementation of the 11.12 Action Plans, with support
from the Social Planning and Development team. The outcomes of this trial will
inform a review of the framework and methods for its adoption across Council.
Goal 5: Lifelong Learning
Residents will benefit from access to stimulating learning, vocational and volunteer
opportunities.
The Council has a role to play in relation to encouraging skill development and the hiring of
older people in the municipality. The Council will support older residents to be involved in
meaningful volunteer activities and mentoring opportunities.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Support and create opportunities for older people to actively contribute to positive
community outcomes through volunteering and mentoring activities
Move towards the flexible and innovative use of community facilities which provide
increased access and reflect the diverse interests of older people
Work closely with employment agencies and other organisations to support older
workers to remain in and/or return to the workforce
Encourage a broad range of lifelong learning opportunities and intergenerational
exchanges within the municipality tailored for the changing interests of older people.
The plan identified a total of 14 actions within this goal area, of which 72% have either been
completed, are progressing or are ongoing.
Achievements to Date

Co-locating Volunteer West at Altona Library has enhanced partnership
opportunities with the Council. A series of information sessions and workshops
were held throughout the year for community groups about recruiting
volunteers, and also for the community providing information about volunteering
(Lifelong Learning, 5.1.3)

The Draft Service and Infrastructure Strategy was prepared (Lifelong Learning,
5.2.2)

The Libraries has extended the Libraries for All program in partnership with the
South Kingsville Community Centre. Altona Meadows Library will provide life
skill sessions in partnership with David House. The library has also extended
the number of technology programs for older people by 20% from 2010. It is
hope that programs will be further extended in 2011 (Lifelong Learning, 5.4.4).
Opportunities Identified

Improve the recruitment of volunteers for the home library service through a
partnership with Volunteer West.
Goal 6: Information and Communication
Residents will benefit from open channels of communication with the Council which facilitate
both the dissemination and gathering of information.
Hobsons Bay City Council recognises older people’s desire to remain independent in the
community. To achieve this, the Council places much importance on keeping older residents
well informed so that they are able to make their own decisions.
Under this goal, the Council has agreed to work towards four objectives:
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
Assist residents to access the right information services and programs to prepare
them for retirement.
Ensure information about Council services is provided in a variety of formats and
languages.
Streamline provision of information to residents in an effort to improve access to
municipal and local services information.
Value residents’ contribution and encourage their participation in Council and
community decision making processes.
The plan identified a total of 5 actions within this goal area, of which 80% (4) have been
completed. The remaining 1 is progressing.
Achievements to Date

A scoping paper was prepared to inform consultation with older residents in Laverton to
identify their priorities and opportunities for addressing their needs in an Ageing Plan for
Laverton (Information and Communication 6.4.1).

The consultation period was completed in the development of a draft Play
Space Strategy (Information and Communication 6.4.2)
Opportunities Identified

Undertake consultations with older residents of Laverton to inform the Ageing
Plan for Laverton

Undertake consultations with older residents in the development of the Sport and
Recreation Strategy.
Section 3: Work to be Undertaken in 11.12
The following highlights are among the work (actions) to be undertaken during 2011/2012:
Goal 1: Housing

Implement training about Social Impact Assessments for relevant Council
officers to encourage the development of housing that provides suitable options
for older people.
Goal 2: Access and Mobility

Implement the recommendations arising from the review of the community transport
system for socially isolated residents.
Goal 3: Social Connection and Participation

Further work is needed to redevelop service agreements for seniors clubs,
which involves consultation across Council departments.

A grant has been received from Sport and Recreation Victoria which will allow works at
Edwards Reserve in Spotswood to ensure it is more accessible and provides
opportunities for physical activity for residents of all abilities and ages.

Include consideration of the Council’s Social Policies when finalising the development of
the Sport and Recreation Strategy, to improve sport and recreation opportunities for
residents of all abilities.
Goal 4: Service Planning and Delivery

A series of fact sheets will be developed to inform the community of topical
social issues for Hobsons Bay.

The Community Development department will trial the action evaluation
framework during the implementation of the 11.12 Action Plans, with support
from the Social Planning and Development team. The outcomes of this trial will
inform a review of the framework and methods for its adoption across Council.
Goal 5: Lifelong Learning

Improve the recruitment of volunteers for the home library service through a
partnership with Volunteer West.
Goal 6: Information and Communication

Undertake consultations with older residents of Laverton to inform the Ageing
Plan for Laverton

Undertake consultations with older residents in the development of the Sport and
Recreation Strategy.