Pino Migliorino will chair the NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing (MACA) – the expert panel which advises the Iemma Government on ageing and policy issues.
NSW Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally, today announced that the MACA is coming to Newcastle today to officially launch their new website and to host a forum about the opportunities and benefits associated with volunteering.
"The MACA’s new look website will help in expanding on the priorities outlined in the NSW Government’s recently announced plan for our ageing population, Towards 2030," Ms Keneally said.
"Each month the website is visited by about 6,000 people looking for important research, reports and documents and it has been redesigned to make information more readily available for the high volume of website visitors including individuals, businesses and community organisations."
Mr Migliorino said that website upgrades include bolstered search options, a sleek and easy to navigate layout, and a review of all information to make sure it is relevant and up-to-date.
"The website represents the MACA’s new ethos, which is all about looking toward the future and planning for the issues of both today and tomorrow," said Mr Migliorino.
Ms Keneally said that the MACA website is not the only thing getting a new look this year.
"Today is the first of four regional visits that the MACA will make over the next 6 months, with their new Chair Pino Migliorino and Deputy Chair Tom Slockee at the helm," Ms Keneally said.
"This reflects the importance of ensuring that those in rural and regional areas have the opportunity to participate in discussions about the issues important to older Australians and their families.
"Today’s forum - ‘Volunteering: it’s never too late’ hits at the heart of the MACA’s message, which is that we are never too old or young to start getting involved in our communities."
Ms Keneally said that the volunteering forum will be the first of many consultations held to challenge people of all ages and all walks of life to start thinking about the implications of Australia’s ageing population, and how they can help prepare for this huge demographic change.
"Towards 2030 tells us that inclusive communities where everyone has an opportunity to participate - whether it be through volunteering or paid work - will help in ensuring we maximise the benefits and address the challenges associated with our ageing population," Ms Keneally said.
"Our new Chair and Deputy Chair echo the importance of diversity and the involvement of both current and future generations of older people in long-term planning for our changing population.
"I encourage people to get involved in the MACA forums being held across the state and thank local Member for Newcastle, Jodi McKay, for inviting us to hold the very first of these in her electorate."
The first MACA consultation will be held at 10.00am at Newcastle Town Hall. To view the new look MACA website visit www.maca.nsw.gov.au