Benalla Rural City Council continues to fund, support and celebrate older adults in the community with the recent appointment of Megan Martin in the Ageing Well Officer role. Megan will continue the valuable work undertaken by Christine Greentree, Council’s first Ageing Well Officer.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn welcomed Megan’s passion, experience and enthusiasm.
“Council is focused on ensuring older community members feel valued, connected, and engaged and the recent appointment of Megan Martin as Ageing Well Officer will continue to support our older residents lead fulfilling, active and healthy lives,” Cr Hearn said.
With industry qualifications, Megan brings warmth, empathy, and a background in aged care and disability services to her role as Ageing Well Officer, helping improve health and wellbeing outcomes for older people.
“I’m passionate about promoting positive ageing and firmly believe that growing older is a strength; bringing wisdom, experience and value to the entire community,” Megan said.
Central to Megan’s role is the support of the Age Friendly Benalla Reference Group, a team of 13 passionate and active community members who provide a strong voice for local residents.
“I see my role as the Ageing Well Officer to support the Age Friendly Benalla Reference Group in providing and delivering programs and resources that strengthen the community’s capacity to age well.”
“Together, we are the voice of the community and support the development and implementation of Council’s Age Friendly Benalla Strategy and Action Plan.”
“Our focus is to advocate for older residents by coordinating programs like the pilot Age Well in Benalla Info Hub and the Benalla Treasures articles, while also promoting positive ageing events such as the Victorian Seniors Festival.”
“I love working collaboratively,” Megan says. “There is no ‘I’ in team; decisions are made together with input from the Age Friendly Benalla Reference Group always front and centre.”
Megan’s work also focuses on identifying and supporting vulnerable older adults, helping to ensure people don’t feel isolated or overlooked.
“We ideally want every older person in Benalla Rural City to feel heard, supported and connected, because inclusion, opportunities, and community matter,” Megan said.
Megan said they were always open to welcoming new committee members to join the Age Friendly Benalla Reference Group.
“We would love to hear from community members who are positive and eager to make a difference in the lives of senior residents,” Megan said.
To learn more about the Age Friendly Benalla Rural City program, upcoming events, or how to get involved, contact Benalla Rural City Council on council@benalla.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5760 2600.