Transport Guide aims to empower

A DOCUMENT outlining the ways residents and visitors can move around the city with confidence has been released.

The Ballarat Transport Guide for Older Adults lists public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure and a variety of rideshare services.

It also highlights community groups and service providers offering transport support.

This is the first older adults transport guide developed by the City of Ballarat.

“We know that staying connected to community, services and social activities plays an important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“The Ballarat Transport Guide for Older Adults is designed to empower people to move around our city independently and with confidence.

“There are many supports available to older community members, including discounted myki passes, accessibility assistance on public transport and funding programs for eligible community members. The guide brings all this information together in a clear and easy–to–understand format for residents, carers and families.”

Transport was identified as a key goal within the council’s Ageing Well in Ballarat Strategy 2022-2026 and included the action related to developing an information guide for older adults.

In partnership with RoadSafe Central Highlands, the council also recently delivered a three-part transport education program for older adults called Wiser Walker, Wiser Traveller.

Participants learnt such things as how to access public transport safely as well as myki concessions.

Hard copies of the guide can be accessed at Ballarat Libraries, customer service at the Phoenix Building and the Vickers Street, Lucas and Djila-tjarriu community hubs.

Similar transport booklets by other local government areas were used as reference documents in the development of the guide.

Residents can phone 5320 5500 or email [email protected] to request a copy by mail.

The guide and Ageing Well newsletter are available at ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/ageing-well-ballarat. Alternatively, phone 5320 5500 to ask about Ageing Well programs.