Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Community Services, Seniors and Veterans, has opened community consultations on a 10-year plan to make Canberra a great place to grow older.

“Canberra should be a city where we can age with dignity, pride and excitement!” Ms Davidson said.

“With an inclusive, accessible and welcoming city, everyone in Canberra will be celebrated as they grow older.

“The ACT Government will develop the next Age-Friendly City Plan 2025-2035 to set the direction and priorities to make Canberra where we can all age well – to do that, we need your thoughts and vision.”

The consultation will cover five focus areas, including:

• health
• employment and financial security
• housing
• access and connection
• respect, inclusion and belonging

“We want to learn from the knowledge and experiences of older Canberrans to ensure our whole community support their needs,” Ms Davidson said. “I also encourage everyone in our community on what you would like Canberra to be as you, your parents and grandparents grow older.”

Canberrans can share their thoughts through the YourSay survey, upload a submission, attend an in-person facilitated discussion at a library, or host a discussion with friends or community groups using a discussion guide designed to draw out feedback that can be shared with the government.

Consultation opened on Monday 22 April and continues until Friday 28 June. For more information, visit the ACT Government’s YourSay Community Consultations webpage: www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/agefriendlycityplan