WA Seniors Week is an annual event that encourages people of all ages to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of older people to the Western Australian community. WA Seniors Week is also a celebration of seniors’ active participation in community life.
During Seniors Week 2022, the Department of Communities encourages all Western Australians to get involved in celebrating the priceless contributions of older people. These contributions, large and small, are enriching communities and lives throughout Western Australia.
To find an activity near you, visit the Seniors Week web page or the Council of the Ageing (COTA) WA’s website.
Have a Go Day
Have a Go Day is a free activities and information day aimed at creating awareness around the importance of seniors leading active lives. In 2022, Have a Go Day will be held on Wednesday 9 November.
The Department of Communities, Seniors and Ageing, Elder Abuse and WA Seniors Card teams will be sharing an information stall at the event. The WA Seniors Card Centre will be able to support WA Seniors Card members needing a replacement WA Seniors Card on the day.
For more information about Have a Go Day 2022, please visit the Seniors Recreation Council website and the Have a Go News Seniors Week 2022 Events Guide.
Seniors Week Grants Program
The recipients of the Seniors Week Grants for 2022 have been announced by the Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Don Punch.
More than fifty community organisations and local governments will share in grants totalling over $40,000 to run events for Seniors Week.
Grant funding, of up to $3000 per event, has been awarded in metropolitan, regional and remote areas and will be used to encourage participation in community events.
The Seniors Week Community Grants Program and the WA Seniors Awards are coordinated by the Council on the Ageing (WA) in partnership with the Department of Communities.
View the full list of recipients.
WA Seniors Awards
The WA Seniors Awards 2022 awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, 16 November.
The WA Seniors Awards program is delivered by the Council on the Ageing WA (COTA WA) on behalf of the State Government, funded through Communities.
Congratulations to the following award winners:
WA Senior of the Year Metropolitan
WA Senior of the Year Regional
WA Seniors Advocate
WA Age-friendly Business
WA Age-friendly Local Government
General information and support services for seniors
Communities plays a leading role in helping ensure that older Western Australians are safe, respected and valued in the community. This includes the funding of support services, grants programs and initiatives across the seniors and ageing portfolio. Some useful information and support services for seniors is listed below.
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The WA Seniors Card program enables seniors to connect to active ageing, health, entertainment and financial benefits. Go to the WA Seniors Card website or phone 1800 671 233.
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In August 2021 the State Government announced the Safety and Security Rebate. The $12 million program allows WA Seniors Card members to claim up to $400 per household towards the purchase and installation of eligible home security equipment.
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COVID-19 information, seniors supports and services information, and healthy and active ageing information are available on Communities’ Seniors COVID-19 web page.
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COTA WA is the Seniors Peak Body in Western Australia. COTA WA’s At Home Guide supports older Western Australians to live well. Developed in partnership with Communities, the guide is designed as an ongoing companion for seniors at home.
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Communities is working to reduce elder abuse in Western Australia through the implementation of our elder abuse strategy and providing support services and resources designed to support older Western Australians. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, or has a question about elder abuse, please call the WA Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 724 679 for a confidential discussion. The helpline is funded by Communities and operated by Advocare.