Senior Victorians are an important group in our community. We all know that the number of older people in Victoria is increasing, mainly because we are now living significantly longer than previous generations.
Population projections indicate that in 2011, one in five Victorians will be aged 60 or over, and by 2021 over a quarter of Victorians will be aged 60 or over.
Within the Brumby Labor Government, the Office for Senior Victorians is committed to enhancing the quality of life of seniors by promoting positive ageing and encouraging the community to plan for an ageing population. The Office for Senior Victorians was established in May 2002 to provide a coordinated, whole-of-government response to the issues affecting older people. The activities of the Office for Senior Victorians strongly reflect an emphasis on supporting older people to live independent, active lives in the community.
If you are a permanent resident of Victoria, aged 60 years and over, retired or not working more than 35 hours per week in paid employment, you are eligible for a Seniors Card. The Seniors Card entitles you to discounts on a wide range of businesses and services including public transport. Look for the distinctive Seniors Card logo at the entrance of business premises or on their promotional material. If you currently don’t have a ‘Victorian Seniors Card’, please contact my Office and I can arrange for an application form to be sent to you.
My office also has available to you an Information Brochure on ‘Seniors Information Victoria’, which is a free information service provided by the Council on the Ageing (COTA).
As a member of the Brumby Labor Government, I would be very pleased to assist you with any information or enquiries you have regarding State Government services.
Please contact my office should you need any assistance.