Funds to spread community support initiative
A Sydney-based community support initiative that is helping older Australians combat social isolation and age well in their own homes has proved so successful that the federal government is providing funds to spread the idea around the country.
A Sydney-based community support initiative that is helping older Australians combat social isolation and age well in their own homes has proved so successful that the federal government is providing funds to spread the idea around the country.
The Waverton Hub project was established in Sydney’s lower north shore five years ago. Today it is a 300-strong membership organisation bringing neighbours together through a host of organised activities and support initiatives, including acting as a contact point for local services like tradesmen and transport.
It was named North Sydney Council’s Community Group of the Year in 2014 and holds an Australia Day Council Outstanding Achievement Award.
Members describe it as “an intentional community building activity” as well as a point of contact for new people who come into the community.
Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt announced on Wednesday that the model could now be shared across the nation with the help of $42,000 of federal funding.
“This grant will help the founders share their expertise widely and encourage the development of new hubs,” he said.
“The Hub works to constantly engage and reinvigorate older locals and is run by 80 of its contributing members.
“As well as almost daily activities, Hub members look out for each other and connect their colleagues to the services they need.”
More than 30 other communities, as well as localities in New Zealand, have expressed interest in adopting the model, he said.
Find out more about the Waverly Hub here
Great news for Waverton Hub. They really are pioneers of this concept in Australia! Happily we at Connect Victoria Park Village Hub in Perth WA are following in their footsteps and those of the founders in Beacon Hill, USA! We commenced operations in January this year and are the second Village Hub in Australia – New members Very Welcome!