Seniors Working Group ready to make a difference

Published on Tuesday, 22 November 2022 at 10:00:00 AM

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is excited to announce the members of its newly established Seniors Working Group.

The volunteer group came together for their first meeting last week and are excited to have an opportunity to represent the senior community in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, providing advice to the City on future services and initiatives for seniors.

It is with pleasure the City announced the appointment of the following working group members.

  • Jay Jessup
    Jay regularly attends activities at the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre (EGCC) and previously volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program. Jay volunteers his time assisting local veterans.
  • Joan Gray – Vice Chair
    Joan is a vocal and passionate community member who regularly attends and supports City of Kalgoorlie events, particularly helping at stalls for the KidsFest and Christmas Street Party. Joan is also an avid volunteer for the Inner Wheel Club.
  • Susan Jessup
    Susan has a retail background and is described as being very crafty and a social networker. She is passionate about the EGCC and regular participant in boot-scooting.
  • David Oates
    David volunteers for the North Kalgoorlie Fire Brigade, Goldfields Football League Umpires Committee, Cricket Club Committee and Y Men’s Service Organisation.
  • Paul Franklyn
    Worked at the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for 20 years in Engineering and spent 24 years working for Main Roads WA. He plays tennis, hockey, water polo, golf and is a regular swimmer at the Goldfields Oasis.
  • Rev. Dr Elizabeth Smith
    Dr Elizabeth spends significant time with seniors as a Chaplain at Amana Living. Elizabeth is also an active member of several community organisations including the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group, Goldfields Writers Group, and the Goldfields Women’s Health Care Centre.
  • Esther Roadnight
    Esther is a former City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Councillor and is currently the Deputy President of OWLS. She is a Dizzy Fingers member and Chairs the PCYC Community Advisory Committee. Ether is the Secretary of Rotary Kalgoorlie and coordinates the annual Mayor’s Blanket appeal. She is also a mentor for the Youth Council and is actively involved in the activities and initiatives at the EGCC.
  • Marie Molloy
    Marie has recently transitioned into retirement and is excited to volunteer and bring new initiatives to the community. Marie has a keen interest in acting and is passionate about her community.
  • Gary Paul
    Gary works as a cook and kitchen hand and regularly participates in activities at the EGCC. As a visually impaired person he is interested in providing input into accessibility matters not only for local seniors but also for those visiting the city.
  • Steve Brooks - Chair
    Steve is actively involved in activities at the EGCC and volunteers to help run events such as the Millinery Fashion Workshop. He is interested in disability services and enjoys putting on a large Christmas display at his home every year.

Mayor John Bowler thanked everyone who expressed an interest in being a part of the group and said the City was excited to work with the Seniors Working Group members on important future initiatives.

“We have a fantastic group of seniors, with diverse experience, backgrounds, and interests who will do a great job in representing the senior community on matters that mean the most to them.”

“The first priority for the working group will be to work with City Officers on the development and delivery of an Aged Friendly Strategy.”

“The group will be the primary point of contact for seniors to voice their opinions, put forward suggestions to improve services and facilities for seniors, and connect them with information on community issues,” Mayor Bowler said.

The Aged Friendly Strategy will be developed in consultation with the Seniors Working Group. It will include a four-year action plan outlining community priorities, future service needs, and recommended initiatives to enhance the health and well-being of older people in the city.

Once completed, the Strategy will be presented for Council endorsement in December this year.

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