CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong is playing a leading role in raising awareness about the rights and wellbeing of older Australians as part of its commitment to community care and social justice.
In partnership with the Diocese of Wollongong, CatholicCare hosted a free community forum on 13 June titled “Ageing with Confidence”. The event brought together parishioners, families, and community leaders to explore issues such as elder abuse, structural ageism, and the future of aged care.
Keynote speaker Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, emphasised the urgent need for cultural change in the way society treats older people. “It’s not ageing itself that creates barriers, but the societal attitudes and structures that discriminate based on age,” he said. “We must shift focus from age to the systemic biases that limit opportunities, rights and dignities for older Australians.”
The Bishop of Wollongong, Bishop Brian Mascord, announced a new Diocesan-wide education and awareness campaign to shine a light on the often-hidden issue of elder abuse. “It is too often unseen, underreported, and misunderstood,” said Bishop Mascord. “As a Church grounded in the dignity of every human life, we cannot remain silent. We are called to bring this issue into the light.”
With major aged care reforms on the horizon, including the introduction of a new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program in late 2025, the event provided a timely opportunity to support older people and advocate for person-centred care.
Michael Austin, CEO of CatholicCare, said the reforms align with CatholicCare’s long-standing mission. “Now more than ever, older Australians deserve to be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives.”
“The reforms signal a shift toward more personalised, preventative support. This aligns strongly with the work CatholicCare has been doing for many years in in our Diocese, delivering community aged care that respects the voice, values and dignity of all.”
This initiative reflects CatholicCare Wollongong’s ongoing commitment to uphold dignity, promote inclusion, and advocate for the most vulnerable in line with Catholic Social Teaching.
Source: Media Release from CatholicCare Wollongong