Age Friendly Community Declaration

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Colac Otway Shire Council has publicly affirmed its commitment to proactive planning for older members in its community with the signing of the Age-Friendly Victoria Declaration (the Declaration) by Mayor Jason Schram.

The Age-Friendly Declaration is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government and Municipal Association of Victoria based on the Age-Friendly Cities Framework developed by the World Health Organization.

The Declaration provides a foundation to support inclusive, accessible and liveable communities that enable people to age well.

Read the Age-Friendly Community Declaration

AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY DECLARATION

A solemn commitment to dignity, participation and belonging at every stage of life

I, the Mayor of Colac Otway Shire Council, acting on behalf of Council and in service to our community, acknowledge the wisdom, experience, resilience and continuing contribution of older people to the social, cultural, civic and economic life of Colac Otway Shire.

I AFFIRM that every person has the right to age with dignity, respect, independence, safety and connection, and to participate fully in the life and decisions of their community.

IN ENDORSING the Age-Friendly Victoria Declaration, I solemnly commit Colac Otway Shire Council to fostering a community in which older people are valued, heard and supported, and in which people of all ages can live, contribute and belong.

ACCORDINGLY, WE PLEDGE TO

  • uphold respect, inclusion and the inherent dignity of older people;
  • challenge ageism and celebrate the diversity, knowledge and leadership of older residents;
  • plan for places, services and public environments that are safe, accessible and welcoming;
  • enable ageing well in place, social connection, lifelong participation and civic contribution;
  • listen to older people and reflect their voices in decisions that shape our shared future; and
  • work in partnership with community, government, service providers and business to advance an age-friendly Colac Otway.

BY THIS DECLARATION, we dedicate ourselves to building a Colac Otway Shire where every person can age with dignity, purpose, connection and opportunity, and where every stage of life is honoured as an essential part of our shared community.

Declared publicly on Friday, 9 October 2026 and signed by Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jason Schram.

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