Our  clever and creative vision

By 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive and cares for its people and environment.

Strategic objective

Greater Geelong is an age-friendly place where:

• people, as they age, are valued and thrive
• people, as they age, are respected, supported and participate in strong, local communities
• people, as they age, have equitable access to social, economic and civic activities and
• people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are welcomed and enjoy interacting with each other.

Guiding principles

• Engagement and participation – encouraging and supporting older people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to share their views and shape their future
• Local community responsiveness – planning and working to meet local needs and aspirations, and building on existing community assets
• Connection and collaboration – embracing a whole-of-organisation approach and promoting partnerships with, and between, local communities and other organisations

Themes and priorities

Theme 1 - People, as they age, live in safe, welcoming and strongly connected local communities

Priorities

1. Our places, activities and events are intergenerational and welcome older people
2. Activities and events that appeal to the diverse needs and preferences of older people are held in a variety of local neighbourhoods
3. Services and supports are available to enable older people to create and maintain informal networks and social connections
4. Housing (including social housing and residential aged care) is appropriately located in areas that are safe and close to services, and the rest of the community
5. Older people feel safe in the community
6. The amenity and safety of local neighbourhoods is promoted by appropriate footpaths, ramps and pedestrian crossings, good street lighting, public seating and toilets

Theme 2 - People, as they age, are respected, supported and encouraged to participate as active citizens in building strong local communities

Priorities

1. Older people are valued and acknowledged for their past, present and future contributions
2. The diverse experiences and views of older people are actively sought, and supported, to inform the development, implementation and monitoring of our activities
3. Older people are depicted positively and without stereotyping in communications and media
4. A range of flexible opportunities for older people to continue to develop, use and share their skills and expertise is promoted – for example, mentoring, volunteering and learning opportunities
5. Older workers and employees are embraced and celebrated
6. Older people participate in fulfilling arts and cultural activities and actively contribute to the fabric of society

Theme 3 - As they age, people have equitable access to places, spaces and services

Priorities

1. A range of health and support services is available to promote, maintain and restore health, and support independent living
2. Barriers impeding access to health and community support services are minimised and outreach is provided to vulnerable and disadvantaged people
3. There is timely, accurate and relevant information available about services, activities and events, including details about costs, accessibility of facilities and transport options
4. There is wide public access, training and support to use the internet, social media and digital technologies
5. Transport is affordable, accessible and available when it is needed
6. Parks and open spaces are designed with the needs of older people in mind
7. Older people have access to facilities, infrastructure and opportunities to support healthy lifestyles