Helping residents plan for their future
Published on 12 June 2018
A two-day event in Red Cliffs later this month aims to help Sunraysia residents discuss the sometimes delicate topic of advanced ageing and end-of-life choices.
Unspoken: What will become of me? will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, 27 and 28 June at the Red Cliffs Civic Centre and is brought to the region by Mildura Rural City Council, Health Issues Centre (HIC) and Council of the Ageing (COTA) Victoria.
Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole said the event was a valuable opportunity for Sunraysia residents to learn more about the options available to them, as well as gently discussing a topic that can sometimes be difficult to broach.
“No one likes to talk about some of the obstacles we could face during our latter years, such as diminished capacity or loss of independence, but it’s an important facet of our lives that needs to be considered,” Cr Poole said.
“This month’s event is the perfect environment in which to learn more and discuss these issues, including residents’ hopes and fears, in a safe, friendly and supportive setting, surrounded by like-minded people.
“By understanding more about this topic, it can often put people at ease as they’ll know more about what to expect, as well as the help and support available to them, which could ultimately result in a better quality of life.”
Cr Poole said it was also the perfect opportunity to learn more about three critical government end-of-life initiatives that can play a pivotal role in senior residents’ lives:
- the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act
- the new Victorian Palliative Care Framework
- the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill
The two-day event, which is free, will be broken into three sessions and include community conversations, forums and a performance by award-winning physical theatre ensemble Born in a Taxi to inject a little art and light-heartedness into the discussion.
Sessions will be held at the following dates and times at the Red Cliffs Civic Centre, with light refreshments available at each session.
Wednesday 27 June
1pm to 4pm, 6pm to 9pm.
Thursday 28 June
10am to 1pm.
Tickets can be booked online at unspoken-tickets.eventbrite.com or by contacting Council on (03) 5018 8100.
For more information contact Positive Ageing Facilitator at Council’s Aged and Disability Services Linda McGlashan.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au