The new strategy will replace the council’s previous Positive Ageing, Municipal Early Years, Community Access and Inclusion and Youth Strategies.
City of Greater Bendigo health and wellbeing director Vicky Mason said the new All Ages All Abilities Action Plan would help guide council’s actions in improving the physical and social environment for all community members. It aims to ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully and actively participate in activities and events across Greater Bendigo.
‘‘This is very important work given we have a growing population forecast for all age groups, and the shire’s overall population is expected to exceed 155,000 by 2036,’’ Ms Mason said.
‘‘Greater Bendigo’s families and households come in all shapes and sizes with grandparents, families, people with disability, carers, young children and youth and we want as many people as possible to have input into the plan so we can find out what they think would make the shire a better place to live.
‘‘We will be asking community members to share what health and wellbeing means to them, their families and their community.
‘‘There will be plenty of opportunities for residents to have a say as we will be in attendance at a range of local community events and locations.’’
Ms Mason said council is also encouraging residents to complete a survey to help inform the development of the plan at surveymonkey.com/r/allagesallabilities
‘‘The feedback we receive will help us to develop the All Ages All Abilities Action Plan for the next two years,’’ she said.
‘‘Council has a vision to create the world’s most liveable community and one of the ways we do this is by protecting, improving and promoting health and wellbeing within our community.’’
More information about the strategy, surveys and other ways to provide feedback is available at bendigo.vic.gov.au/allagesallabilities or by calling Jo Connellan at council on 54346000.