OCAV joins the age-friendly Victoria initiative

OCAV is delighted to have joined the Age-Friendly Victoria initiative, which is part of the Victorian Government’s response to recognising that age-friendly communities encourage active ageing and boost good health, security and community participation for Victorian seniors.

Phillip Wohlers, CEO of OCAV, said: “Our four villages are living examples of what an age-friendly community looks like. We look forward to welcoming politicians with an interest in affordable housing and older people’s needs to learn more about our quiet achievements over the past 147 years.”

The Age-Friendly Victoria initiative was launched after the Commission for Senior Victorian’s report, Ageing is everyone’s business, was published in April 2016.

Mr Wohlers said that among OCAV’s success hallmarks was its promotion of health ageing and community participation. Last year, residents raised over $10,000 for the benefit of their fellow residents and charities including Peter Mac and Motor Neurone Disease.

“Many of our 500 residents volunteer within our villages as well as in their immediate communities, whether it is working with refugees, Probus and Rotary Clubs, the church, and or running op shops and second hand bookstores,” he said.

OCAV also has 140 volunteers working across its four villages, most at Leith Park. A highlight includes the pet therapy program run by volunteers through the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data identifies the contribution of a volunteer to be $15.90 per hour. On that basis, volunteer contributions to OCAV are over $116,000 each year.

“Volunteering keeps our residents in touch with their immediate communities, and gives people coming into our villages the chance to learn more about older people. It breaks down the barriers in every way, promoting positive attitudes,” Phillip said.

Caption: Rushall Park resident and Merri Singers conductor Ray Hodge congratulates CEO Phillip Wohlers after OCAV joined the Victorian initiative.