Planning for an ageing community

Why engage the community on ageing issues?

The involvement and participation of the community on ageing issues is an important part of the assessment process and is consistent with local government's governance role. Community consultation can assist council to determine the needs and priorities of seniors, identify skills and resources in the community and develop innovative solutions. Community consultation also creates a mechanism to inform the community about council policies, programs and services for seniors and builds partnerships with interest groups, community organisations and other governments.

How can your council consult the community on ageing issues? This section provides tools that assist councils to identify and consult key stakeholders, essential in understanding opinions, views and aspirations of the community on ageing issues.

 Tool 6

Identifying ageing-related stakeholders - This tool is a matrix to assist you ascertain and categorise stakeholders and determine possible areas for engagement, including a selection list.

 Tool 7

Consulting with the community - This tool is an actions guide to help you consult and involve the community on ageing issues, supported by key questions for consideration by your council.

See also: Resource Centre > Community consultation.
For further information on engaging the community on ageing issues, including consultation techniques.