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Key dates and campaigns for older people

Throughout the year, there are campaigns and awareness days that advocate for and support older people. This page brings together key dates and will be updated to highlight what we are doing to recognise and celebrate these occasions.

Two smiling older women enjoying an arts and crafts session together at a community event.

Victorian Seniors Festival 

Every year, Seniors Festival delivers a range of free and low-cost events for older Victorians. The City of Melbourne is proud to support the festival, with numerous events and celebrations taking place across our city and throughout Victoria.
 

Victorian Seniors Festival External link


EveryAGE Counts – Ageism Awareness Day

Held on 9 October, Ageism Awareness Day highlights the impacts of ageism in Australia. City of Melbourne is a proud member of the EveryAGE Counts coalition and has pledged to end ageism. Melbourne Town Hall will be lit up in green to show support and encourage conversations.
 

Ageism Awareness Day External link


National Carers Week

Taking place in October, the week recognises the 2.65 million Australians who provide care and support to a family member or friend. It sparks community awareness of the diverse roles careers play and celebrates their contributions with events and activities taking place across the country.
 

National Carers Week External link


National Advance Care Planning Week – 16 to 22 March

National Advance Care Planning Week is the perfect time to have a conversation with your loved ones and healthcare providers so they understand what matters most to you and respect your treatment preferences. 

For free advice or to receive a free starter pack, call the National Advance Care Planning Support Service on 1300 208 582 or visit our neighbourhood centres throughout March to access copies of advance care planning resources.
 

Advanced Care Planning Australia External link


World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Each year on 15 June, we highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society — harm caused to an older person by someone they know and trust. Elder abuse is everyone’s business. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821.
 

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day External link


Dying to Know Day 

Held on 8 August, this national campaign encourages open conversations about death, dying and grief. Resources are available on our Support and Wellbeing page, including our librarian-curated booklist External link

Printed copies of end-of-life planning resources are also available at neighbourhood centres in August.


Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week, running from 15 to 21 September, aims to provide information and tips to encourage all Australians to increase their understanding of dementia, help eliminate discrimination, and learn how they can make a difference in the lives of people impacted by dementia. 
 

Dementia Australia External link

our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.