Some of Macedon Ranges Shire’s most esteemed elders were in the spotlight earlier this month for a ‘Kindness to Elders’ event held at the Jubilee Hall, Macedon, for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Led by Athol Guy AO for services to the performing arts as a member of The Seekers, was Janet Wood AM for significant services to aged welfare, human rights, and health advocacy, Jack Harris AM for community services and contribution to Australian Rules Junior Football, Colin Cook for his 1960s pop sensation and star of London shows Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair and Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and Bob Nixon, the shire’s longest serving financial advisor of over 50 years, guiding those entering retirement and aged care.
Each guest delivered their inspiring speeches to attendees, who listened avidly to the array of life stories.
Coordinator for WEAAD and Kindness to Elders Lynda McClure Cameron praised the scout and guide groups that helped out on the day, stating that ‘kindness to elders was exactly what the scouts from the first Gisborne and New Gisborne groups, and guides from Gisborne, Romsey, and Lancefield gave’.
“Working together they were a great team, from setting up the venue, decorating, to running a BBQ lunch and pack down,” she said.
“Everyone assisted the valuable and hard-working Country Women’s Association (CWA) elders in the kitchen, the Gisborne Day Branch and Kyneton ladies who offered morning and afternoon teas and a soup lunch.”
Special moments from the day included a performance by the Young Voices of Macedon Choir and hearing Colin sing his 60s hit single Heart, accompanied by his son and band Midnight Mantra. In between, the Kindness Collective from Kyneton gave away a two-course lunch and the Gisborne RSL awarded special certificates to three Macedon children, thanking them for holding a fundraiser in the wake of a fire that destroyed their club rooms. Presenters Jack Harris and Dawn Bamforth closed the day with stories told to scouts by Men’s Shed elders from Riddells Creek.
Ms Cameron said the day provided an opportunity to raise awareness about elder abuse.
“[It] was a good, fun event for all, but most importantly, one that raised the bar for awareness in kindness to elders,” she said.
“At the heart of everything, including the Shire trees with purple bows, was kindness to elders.”
To learn more about World Elder Abuse Day, please visit https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing elder abuse and want to know what options are available, please call the Seniors Rights Victoria helpline on 1300 368 821.
