Advocacy groups join Victorian Govt advisory group

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) say they are pleased to announce their inclusion in the Victorian Government’s Public Health and Wellbeing External Sector Advisory Group (ESAG). 

Established by the Victorian Government Department of Health, the ESAG will provide advice on the implementation of the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2023-2027. 

The group’s primary purpose is to drive collective efforts towards improved public health and wellbeing outcomes, and to strengthen coordination and engagement across government, sector, and community. 

Acting CEO of COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, Ben Rogers, will represent the organisation, working alongside consumer representatives and sector members from across the state. 

“As always, we’re incredibly pleased to be able to represent the rights and interests of older Victorians as part of this advisory group,” said Mr Rogers. 

“As Victoria continues to age, distinct needs and changes will increasingly present themselves. Older Victorians need to be at the heart of all decisions and implementations by the Victorian Government to ensure we can all benefit from positive health and wellbeing outcomes. 

“We’ll ensure the unique perspectives and experiences of older Victorians are represented as we provide advice on the implementation of the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2023-2027.” 

This announcement follows the recent launch of a resource guide for councils on including healthy ageing in forthcoming Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans, which were a key item in the Ageing Well in Victoria 2022-2026 strategy. This was produced by COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria, in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria. 

Sector members include the Municipal Association of Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Diabetes Victoria, Gender Equity Victoria, Sexual Health Victoria, VicHealth, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Victorian Healthcare Association, Climate Health Alliance, the Australian Dental Association, and the Western Public Health Unit.