Links especially for people in Western Australia
The Office of Senior Interests (located within the Department for Community Development) focuses on policy and service provision in Western Australia. The site provides an extensive range of linkages to service providers across Western Australian Government, Federal Government, as well as non-government and community groups.
Council of the Ageing
Western Australia
The Council on the Ageing Western Australi (COTAWA) is an independent organisation. It is run by older people for older people. It conducts research and advises on policy as well as offering a range of services including the long-running WA Retirement Education Seminars (WARES).
Small Business
Development Corporation
The Small Business Development Corporation in Western Australia recently released a practical kit for older people wanting to start a small business or micro-enterprise. It has been designed for people who have not been involved in small business before, people who have been employees rather than self-employed and contains useful ideas for making that transition.
The Active Ageing Taskforce in WA completed its work in 2003. However, its final report continues to inform planning and policy in WA and is well worth looking at if you have not done so. A number of local government authorities have been examining the ways they might make their areas attractive and helpful to residents and visitors from age 50 to 100. A good example is the study conducted for the Western Suburbs which can be accessed through the City of Nedlands website.
Volunteering Western Australia is an active and energetic organisation. Its primary mission is to promote the concept of volunteering and to provide a range of resources, services, information and support to the community. It provides an information and referral service so potential volunteers can be matched to tasks which they will find rewarding. It also provides education and support to both volunteers and the organisations which use volunteers. Simply viewing the site is a great reminder of the potential that exists out there.