Positive Ageing Advisory Committee welcomes new members

THE Surf Coast Shire has welcomed four new members to its Positive Ageing Advisory Committee (PAAC) as they work to provide advice and direction in the community.

Harry Wendt, Joy Dwyer, Keri Jones and Kathryn Williamson have been appointed for a three-year term while outgoing members were thanks by council at its March meeting.

The PAAC comprises 11 community representatives from different parts of the Surf Coast who work to provide council with strategies, plans and polices that help people to age well in the community.

Mr Wendt said his general purpose was to make people’s lives as good as they can be.

“We moved here in Christmas 2006, after living in Latrobe Valley and being part-owners of a group of pharmacies there.

“The retirement plan was always to come here and settle into the community.

“When we first came, before we hung up the boots, we worked at Geelong Hospital: my wife Marilyn in oncology and I worked in pharmacy.

“Because of our background in the health industry, I’ve always cared about peoples’ wellbeing and caring for the community.”

Since moving to the Surf Coast, Mr Wendt has become involved in the historical society, men’s shed, church and also part of the Lions for a period.

Now retired, he’s started to notice some of the issues that might arise for people and when the opportunity to become involved in the PAAC came up he raised his hand.

Cr Tony Phelps welcomed the new members.

“It’s so good to see locals who are willing to share their knowledge and passion to help make the Surf Coast an age friendly community, where older people are valued, respected and actively supported in their community,” he said.

There is still a vacancy for a committee member from Aireys Inlet, interested applicants are encouraged to call 5261 0600 or head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au