MEDIA RELEASE
Council invites community feedback on draft Ageing Well Strategy
Link to the strategy can be found here:
Draft CGVC Ageing Well Strategy | Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
Clare & Gilbert Valleys residents, visitors and stakeholders are being encouraged to help shape how the district supports its growing population of older residents.
A draft Ageing Well Strategy 2026-2031 has been released for public consultation by the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council.
With almost half (48.5 per cent) of the district's population aged 50 years and over and a median age of 48 years, the Strategy provides a coordinated framework to help people remain independent, connected and active within their communities of choice.
"This Strategy acknowledges the demographic shift continuing across our district,” Mayor Aughey OAM said.
“With almost half of our residents now aged over 50, we have a clear responsibility to plan for the future in a way that supports people to remain independent, connected and active within their communities.
“This draft has been shaped by extensive community input, and I encourage all residents to review it and tell us whether we have captured your priorities accurately," Mayor Allan Aughey OAM said.
The Strategy development was funded through an Office for Ageing Well grant (Department of Human Services). This allowed Council to partner with Healthy Environs to co-develop the draft, informed by extensive community engagement undertaken during March and April 2026, with more than 85 people participating through several workshops, listening posts, surveys and staff sessions.
It aligns with the four South Australian priorities for ageing well: Be safe and well, Have peace of mind, Feel valued and visible and Participate in society.
The draft Strategy identifies priorities across housing diversity, transport access, health and wellbeing, social connection, accessibility and digital inclusion.
It outlines practical actions Council will take as a facilitator, advocate, connector, planner and partner over the next five years.
"Council serves as a facilitator, advocate, connector, planner and partner in this work, but the Strategy will only be effective if it continues to reflect the lived experience of our older residents,” Mayor Aughey said.
“I encourage the community to take advantage of this consultation period and help us refine the final document before submissions close on 11 September."
Residents, visitors and organisations can read the draft Strategy and make submissions in several ways. People of all ages can email or post a written submission, make a verbal submission, or respond via a short online survey.
Details for the strategy and submissions can be found on the Council website; or hard copies for both are available through the Clare and Saddleworth offices and libraries. Participants can remain anonymous if they wish.
Contact: Douglas Eatts, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council
4 Gleeson St, Clare, 5453
Email: admin@cgvc.sa.gov.au
Phone: 08 88426400