Manningham seniors say feeling safe, remaining connected and opportunities to be socially active are fundamental components of an age-friendly community.  

On Wednesday 24 May, Manningham City Council became the 37th local government in Victoria to sign the Age-Friendly Declaration, a pledge to focus on planning and delivering age-friendly communities within Manningham. 

Manningham City Council Mayor Cr Michelle Kleinert said this was significant date in Manningham’s history. 

“With close to one in three residents aged over 60, there is a need for Council to respond and better support people as they age,” she said. 

“This figure will continue to rise with people living longer thanks to better health care support and community services.”

Council’s Ageing Well in Manningham Strategy 2012-2018, highlights an ongoing commitment to provide age-friendly communities, where everyone regardless of age, can maximise their potential and actively contribute to all aspects of community life.    

Guest speaker Barbara Mountjouris from the Department of Health and Human Services said local government played a key role in planning and establishing age-friendly communities. 

The signing was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Health, Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria, Community Chef, Doncare, Doncaster Library, Carers Victoria, Access Health and Community, Manningham Senior Citizens Reference Groups and volunteers and residents of Manningham. 

The vibrancy of Manningham’s seniors was highlighted with a special uplifting, three-song performance by members of the Manningham Social Support Choir. 

Our seniors made the following video describing what an age-friendly Manningham meant to them.