Events
November 2011
Information and photos from events the Ambassador for Ageing attended in, November 2011.
Crystal Set Choir 10th Annual Christmas Concert - Sydney - 25 November 2011
The Crystal Set Choir is a seniors group which was established in 2000 through a grant from the South Sydney Council. Now the group is self funded and they currently perform at nursing homes, church services, schools and community festivals regularly throughout the year."As Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing I applaud these kinds of community events – events which not only entertain but also provide an opportunity for community members, particularly older people, to get together in an enjoyable environment to experience the joys of music," Noeline said.
"A few years ago researchers from the University of New England, NSW, examined the personal meaning and importance of music in the lives of older people, paying particular attention to the ways in which music contributes to self-identity and the quality of life.
"The research revealed that older people felt music allowed them to escape from some of the hardships they experienced as they grew older, and they concluded that music promotes quality of life by contributing to positive self-esteem. It also helps people feel competent and independent, and lessens feelings of isolation and loneliness.
"A major ingredient of healthy active ageing is staying connected to life and what better way to be part of the community than by belonging to a choir!" Noeline said.
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Suncare Community Services Health and Wellbeing Carers' Forums - Maroochydore Qld, 17 November and Brisbane, 18 November 2011
Noeline was invited to speak at the Suncare Community Services Health and Wellbeing Carers' Forums in both Maroochydore and Brisbane during 17-18 November.The aim of the events were to provide carers with strategies to build resilience to enable them to continue to fulfil their role in caring for their loved ones.
"Providing care has a significant impact on the physical, emotional and mental health of those who spend their lives helping loved ones. Sadly, carers generally have a lower income and a lower standard of living than other people in Australia. Anyone who provides care knows there is a great personal cost that comes with caring for a loved one, especially as a primary carer, and carers are most at-risk of compromising their health and wellbeing," Noeline said.
"Carers come from every walk of life - although their personal stories may differ, what they all have in common is a deep-seated compassion and a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the people they love.
"Carers give up so much of their own quality of life to improve it for someone else, yet they don't do it for recognition or a pat on the back. As a consequence of giving up much of their time and energy to a loved one, studies have found that carers often find they have little left for themselves.
"That's why forums like this, and organisations such as Suncare Community Service, are so valuable. These community events are about helping carers build resilience so they can cope with the challenges in their lives.
"At the forums I urged carers to try and take time out for themselves when they can. It is vitally important they look after themselves so they have the energy to help those they love.
"To carers I say this - you are true heroes. What you do for others may not receive the public recognition you deserve, but you are what's good about the world. Your generosity, kindness and selflessness is an inspiration to us all and as Ambassador for Ageing I want to thank you for all you do," Noeline said.
Maroochydore Qld - 17 November 2011
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Brisbane - 18 November 2011
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Award Presenter – Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards – Gold Coast, QLD – 12 November 2011
In her role as Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline again had the privilege of presenting the 'Master Builders National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award' this time at a ceremony at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast.This award, sponsored by the Australian Government is designed to encourage builders to prepare for the changes that an ageing population will bring. The award celebrates individual builders and designers who provide thoughtful, innovative and inventive design, and construction of age-friendly and adaptable housing.
Noeline said that there is an opportunity for the building industry to capitalise on an untapped market of older people. As people grow older they usually want to downsize and this is where they will be looking for dwellings which meet their needs.
As well as looking after our health, we also need to build houses and cities that will cater to a growing older population. As architects and builders it is a sensible thing to consider the needs of older people when building houses in the future.
Retirement Communities Australia
Ravida Group
Conversations on Ageing with Federal Minister for Ageing Mark Butler – Deception Bay, QLD - 10 November
Noeline was invited by the Federal Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, to attend his Conversations on Ageing event in Deception Bay, Queensland, on 10 November.Minister Butler has been travelling around the country engaging with the older community to find out what their needs are as the population ages and people are living longer.
"What a wonderful opportunity for older people to meet with Minister Butler to discuss the issues of concern to them. We all know the population is ageing and what better way to meet the needs of older Australians than by asking them what is important to them as they age," Noeline said.
"The participants at the forum asked some really important questions and I'm sure Minister Butler will take on board all the issues raised. We are lucky to have someone like Mark Butler as Minister for Ageing because he understands the challenges of an ageing population and he is someone who is genuinely interested in the needs and aspirations of older Australians."
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CareConnect Queensland - Stakeholder Event - 2 November
Noeline was thrilled to be invited to speak at the CareConnect Qld Stakeholder Event. CareConnect is a community care provider supporting people to live independent lives at home and in the community. The organisation supports children, young people, adults, carers and older adults in accessing information services and support, case management and care coordination, advocacy, service delivery and carer support.Noeline was impressed with CareConnect's commitment to providing a respectful service that values the rights of every person, including gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex people.
"As Ambassador, one of the things I’m very interested in are the needs of, and issues facing gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) older people. As a community we need to provide services for older Australians which are appropriate, and we need to ensure that people from all backgrounds are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect - this includes the needs and aspirations of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) people."
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