Golden Plains Shire Council is dedicated to supporting older residents and people with a disability to age well, remain connected and meaningfully participate in their community.
The Active Ageing and Inclusion team incorporates four key areas:
- Positive Ageing – Supporting community to maintain a positive attitude throughout life by feeling good about yourself, keeping fit, healthy and engaging fully in life as you age.
- Social Connections – Ensuring that people feel connected in their community by creating pathways and establishing strong community partnerships to reduce isolation.
- Access and Inclusion – Removing barriers for our ageing community and those living with a disability by providing an inclusive, accessible and supportive environment for all.
To speak with a member of our Active Ageing and Inclusion Team please call 5220 7151 and follow the prompts.
Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan
The Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024 seeks to improve the overall quality of life for residents who face accessibility challenges by removing barriers in creating an age-friendly, inclusive municipality and making it easier for the community to interact with Council. The Plan guides future work to identify the needs of older residents and people with a disability, and assists Council to improve awareness of ageing, disablement and any related issues in Golden Plains Shire.
The Plan provides the framework to address active ageing, disability access and inclusion issues across all areas of Council’s operations. It identifies access barriers and opportunities, and outlines 51 actions across 4 priority areas:
- Our Social Environment
- Our Support Environment
- Our Built and Natural Environments
- Our Leadership
View the Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024
Active Ageing and Inclusion Advisory Group
The Golden Plains Shire Council Active Ageing and Inclusion Advisory Group was established in 2009 and provides Council with valuable information surrounding access and inclusion for people living, working or visiting Golden Plains Shire.
The advisory group acts as a resource to Council on issues affecting people with disabilities which may limit access or inclusion and recommends best practice solutions to issues of concern within Golden Plains Shire.
The advisory group consists of community representatives, people with disabilities, service providers, Councillors and Council staff and meets quarterly across the Shire to contribute to relevant parts of the Council Plan, Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and identify current and emerging issues within the community and discuss potential strategies for recommendation.
The advisory group plays an important role in the consultation, development, monitoring and implementation of the Golden Plains Shire Council Active Ageing and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024, which provides a framework, strategies, and objectives for Council to work towards making the community and services more inclusive and accessible over future years.
Interested in participating in our advisory group?
Our Active Ageing and Inclusion Advisory Group is a fantastic way to be involved in your local community. If you are interested in joining the advisory group, contact Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer on 5220 7151.
Carer Respite & Support Services (P: 5333 7104) to discuss relevant services to support role as a carer.
Carer Gateway: www.carergateway.gov.au.au who provide phone counselling, an online carer forum, and self-guided coaching and skills courses to give you support, skills and information.
Shannon’s Bridge: www.shannonsbridge.com/home (M: 0448 827 956). Shannon's Bridge is a registered charity and largely volunteer run organisation to help connect patients to existing palliative care services and supports.
Victoria Legal Aid (P: 1300 792 387) to seek information on setting up/changing a legal Will.
Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service Inc: www.bgcls.org.au (P: 1800 466 488) to seek information on setting up/changing a legal Will and/or setting up/changing Power of Attorney details.
Office of the Public Advocate: www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/ (P: 1300 309 337) to seek information on setting up/changing Power of Attorney details.
Advanced Care Planning Australia (P: 1300 208 582) or own GP, to seek information should illness or serious injury (temporary/permanent) prevent you from making decisions about your health care.
Dental Health Services Victoria (P: 1300 360 054) for subsidised routine and/or emergency dental care as needed.
Hearing Services Program (P: 1800 500 726) for subsidised hearing services as needed.
Victorian Eyecare Services (P: 1300 303 125) for subsidised eye care services as needed.
Live Life Alarms (P: 1800 936 774) or on-line at www.livelifealarms.com.au or from searching similar products on-line.
SureSafeGO (P: 1300 739 991) or on-line at www.personalalarms.net.au or from searching similar products on-line.
“In-Case-of-Emergency” ID usb device by contacting M: 0478 786 449 or online at www.icemergency.com.au
CPAP Australia services (P: 1300 931 525) when needing expert guidance and care for sleep related matters.
Partners in Wellbeing (P: 1300 375 330) or online at www.partnersinwellbeing.org.au for free mental health and wellbeing support for people across Victoria. If you are not coping or have been feeling distressed, anxious or down over several weeks.
Beyond Blue (P: 1300 224 636) or online at www.beyondblue.org.au for information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
QUIT helpline (P: 13 78 48). Calling the QUIT line can increase your chance of quitting successfully. QUIT specialists are trained to listen carefully to you to help meet your needs.
Red Cross (P: 8346 8342 / M: 0400 113 069) to discuss the Tele-Yarn program that offers a connection to the community for people who may be feeling a little lonely.
Vision Australia (P: 1300 847 466) to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition: www.visionaustralia.org/
State Wide Equipment Program (SWEP) (P: 1300 747 937) to discuss relevant services as needed (eg, adaptive equipment, home modifications, general support). SWEP provides Victorian people who either have a permanent or long-term disability, or are frail aged, with subsidised aids, equipment and home and vehicle modifications to enhance their independence: http://swep.bhs.org.au/
Yooralla (P: 1800 966 725) to discuss relevant services as needed (eg, adaptive equipment, home modifications, general support). Yooralla Independent Living Centres (ILC) provide information about a large range of assistive and communication technologies that can also be viewed. Therapists are available to provide information and advice www.yooralla.com.au/services
The National Continence Helpline (P: 1800 330 066) or online at www.continence.org.au for info/continence products/suppliers of continence products/various subsidy schemes that are available to support diagnosed health condition.
Fight Parkinson's (formerly Parkinson's Victoria) (P: 1800 644 189) or online at www.fightparkinsons.org.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Diabetes Australia (P: 1800 637 700) or online at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Heart Foundation (P: 13 11 12) or online at www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/high-blood-cholesterol re: relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Ballarat Community Health Cardiac Rehab Program (P: 5338 4500) designed for CHSP clients. The program is derived from an evidence based program developed by the Heart Foundation.
- For further information, please contact Jodilee Chapman (Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse) or Jarrod Parsons (Exercise Physiologist) at Ballarat Community Health 5338 4500
- For further information, please contact Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse at BCH > P: 5338 4500
Kidney Health Australia (P: 1800 454 363) or online at www.kidney.org.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Stroke Association (P: 9670 1117) or online at www.strokeassociation.com.au/ re: relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Dementia Australia (P: 1800 100 500) to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
- Help Sheets provide advice, common sense approaches and practical strategies on the issues most commonly raised about dementia: www.dementia.org.au
COPE (Care of People with Dementia in their own Environment) - www.copeprogram.com.au
Peace of Mind Foundation (M: 0411 382 457) or online at www.peaceofmindfoundation.org.au to give support, courage and community to brain cancer patients, their carers, family and loved ones.
- Peace of Mind Foundation understands the stress, anxiety and journey that brain cancer patients, their families and loved ones go through. To manage these and create opportunity for the other important things in life, Peace of Mind Foundation services focus on providing supportive care for patients and their families across 4 key areas (1) counselling and wellbeing, (2) financial assistance, (3) home services, (4) retreats and community events.
Healthy Bones Australia (P: 1800 242 141) or online at www.healthybonesaustralia.org.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
Arthritis Australia (P: 1800 011 041) to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
- There are many items available to people who have problems with daily living skills due to arthritis. Because the disabilities are different for each person, the appropriate items for each person will vary www.arthritisvic.org.au/Living-Well-with-Arthritis/Aids-and-Equipment
Asthma Australia (P: 1800 278 462) or online at www.asthma.org.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
- Asthma educators know when to listen and are there to empower people to better manage their asthma so as to live life free from its constraints.
Brain Injury Matters (P: 9639 7222) or online at www.braininjurymatters.org to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
- Brain Injury Matters (BIM) is a not for profit self-advocacy organisation that aims to empower people living with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
Migraine Foundation Australia (P: 9331 7297) or online at www.migrainefoundation.org.au to discuss relevant services as needed to support diagnosed health condition.
- The Migraine Foundation Australia is dedicated to advancing migraine care, education, advocacy, research and starting vital and critically important conversations that empower millions of Australians and their families.
Telstra Disability Equipment program (P: 1800 068 424) or online at www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/community-environment/community-programs/disability/disability-equipment-program re: alternate communication devices.
- Telstra are committed to ensuring products are accessible and inclusive of customers with various needs
“Making Choices, Finding Solutions: A guide to independence and wellbeing” booklet online at www.issuu.com/ila-inc/docs/new_2022_mcfs
“Don’t fall for it – falls can be prevented” booklet online at www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/04/don-t-fall-for-it-falls-can-be-prevented.pdf
“Staying Safe & Independent” (re: falls and balance) booklet by ordering online at www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 1300 655 957.
Ballarat Uniting Care (P: 5335 3508) to discuss community transport service (where available) to assist getting to/from important medical/other appointment.
Travellers Aid (P: 1300 700 399) or online at www.travellersaid.org.au offer trained volunteer Medical Companions to meet at your train/bus/tram/taxi and guide you to/from your medical appointments. Your companion is FREE - you just have to pay your own fares.40
Recommended to contact Red Cross for Patient Transport Service* (M: Ballarat 7 820 276) or Geelong (P: 5223 8717) (*conditions apply)
Housing Victoria (P: 1300 475 170) or online at www.housing.vic.gov.au/movable-units-home-owners for information regarding Dependent Person's Units (DPU) which are a great option for home owners that have a dependant person they want to live with them.
Ballarat & District Community Support Register (M: 0431 655 015) or online at www.ballaratnc.org.au/bdcsr.php to register relevant personal details in case of emergency, or for regular welfare checks.
- The B&DCSR keeps a record of a person's details which can be accessed in an emergency, or for regular welfare checks. These records may contain information about your medical details/who to notify if you are unable to provide this information to relevant authorities.
Accessible Parking Permit (APP) (application information and/or assistance is available from GPSC Customer Service > P: 5220 7111).
Scamwatch (P: 1300 795 995) to find out more about scams and to report scams.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is a free, confidential, and independent service supporting people receiving or applying for Government-subsidised aged care. OPAN helps you resolve any aged care issues and understand your aged care rights. Call 1800 700 600, 6am-10pm, 7 days a week. Visit: www.opan.org.au. All services and resources are free, confidential and respect your culture, religion, identity, and lifestyles.
Seniors Rights Victoria (P: 1300 368 821) or online at www.seniorsrights.org.au/ to discuss any issues regarding elder abuse (“elder abuse” is any act occurring within a relationship where there is an implication of trust, which results in harm to an older person. Abuse may be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, social and/or neglect)
LiveUp website: www.liveup.org.au
- LiveUp is designed to help you live life to its fullest. There are personalised suggestions for your healthy ageing journey, tailored activities, assistive products, social connection.
BINS4Blokes is a men’s health campaign and initiative of the Continence Foundation of Australia, supported by a number of Australia’s leading men’s health and health professional organisations, as 1.34 million boys and men across Australia experience incontinence. The campaign encourages providers of toilets in public spaces to include disposal bins for incontinence products in male toilets. Bins4Blokes are located in below toilets:
Golden Plains Civic Centre
2 Pope St, Bannockburn VIC 3331
Bannockburn Town Hall
12 High St, Bannockburn
Bannockburn Family Services Centre
2A Pope St, Bannockburn
Smythesdale Well
19 Heales Street, Smythesdale
Bannockburn Cultural Centre
27 High St, Bannockburn
Linton depot
Shelford depot
Rokewood depot
Linton Public toilets
Surrey Street, Linton
Victoria Park Bannockburn
3 Moore St, Bannockburn
1 Rokewood Recreation Reserve
McMillan St, Rokewood
Shelford Recreation Reserve public toilets
1 The Parade Rd, Shelford VIC 3329
Teesdale Turtle Bend public toilets
Mercer Tce Teesdale
Inverleigh public toilets
East St, Inverleigh
Bannockburn Heart public toilets
22 Byron St, Bannockburn
Meredith public toilets
Wilson St, Meredith VIC 3333
Contact Us
Phone
(03) 5220 7151