Canning named finalist for WA Age-Friendly Local Government Award

The City of Canning has been named a finalist for the WA Age-Friendly Local Government Award, to be presented at the WA Seniors Awards this November.

The City was recognised for the positive outcomes delivered for older people through its 2024–2026 Age-Friendly Action Plan, having completed 100 per cent of the Plan’s actions and partnered with more than 20 community organisations to improve inclusion and accessibility for older people in Canning.

Initiatives supported the participation, inclusion, wellbeing and connection of older people across the community, including Aboriginal Elders, culturally and linguistically diverse seniors, LGBTQIA+ older people and people living with dementia.

City of Canning Deputy Mayor Mark Bain said collaboration was central to the City’s approach to age-friendly initiatives.

“By combining strategic planning with genuine partnerships, the City of Canning has created an age-friendly approach that values older people as contributors, leaders and holders of cultural knowledge,” he said.

“Through collaboration with Aboriginal organisations, multicultural communities, community service providers and volunteers, the City is creating opportunities for older people to remain connected, celebrated and supported throughout later life.”

The City’s partnerships have resulted in a range of activities designed to bring older people together and strengthen community connections.

In partnership with the Spear Foundation, the City hosted three events for seniors: a Bingo Day, Pamper Day and Yonga Stew and Pamper Day.

Central to the partnership is a co-design approach, with the City and Spear Foundation working together to ensure activities are culturally safe, meaningful and shaped by the priorities of Aboriginal Elders and the community.

The Everlasting Elders Pamper Day welcomed 24 Aboriginal Elders to the City’s Administration Building for a day of connection and pampering, including professional hair styling from corporate event partner Maurice Mead, make-up and seated massage treatments and personalised photographic portraits.

Sevenoaks Senior College students also took part, painting the Elders’ nails, performing for the group and connecting with Elders through yarning and sharing food.

Age-friendly initiatives are delivered across Canning through libraries, community and seniors centres, recreation facilities, neighbourhood events and partnerships, creating opportunities for older people from diverse backgrounds to participate, connect and stay engaged in their community.

The other finalists for the WA Age-Friendly Local Government Award are the City of Gosnells and the Town of Cambridge. The awards will be presented on 13 November during WA Seniors Week, with categories including WA Senior of the Year, WA Seniors Advocate of the Year and WA Age-Friendly Business.

Minister for Creative Industries; Heritage; Industrial Relations; Aged Care and Seniors; Women Simone McGurk announced the finalists, congratulating them on their achievements.

“Congratulations to all the finalists for the WA Seniors Awards, which recognise and celebrate the vital contributions older Western Australians make to community life,” she said. "Age-friendly communities create safe and inclusive environments for all Western Australians.”