ADVOCARE has been named WA’s new independent peak body for seniors following a competitive tender process by the Department of Communities.

The seniors’ organisation will fulfill an important function representing the interests of more than 428,000 seniors who make up a vital part of the state to help ensure they are supported, connected and heard.

Advocare will engage with older people to hear their views and present these to government and the community sector.

Importantly, it will provide a strong voice for older people in WA, supporting their wellbeing and working towards the vision for older people to feel valued, safe, and empowered to live happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.

The organisation has been providing services for older people in the state for more than 27 years, helping older people access the right supports, information and protections available to them.

It also delivers the National Aged Care Advocacy Program, the Care Finder Service, the Elder Abuse Helpline and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme as part of their support for older people.

Establishing an independent peak body is a key action of WA's first-ever seniors strategy, An Age-Friendly WA: State Seniors Strategy 2023-2033, and its accompanying five-year action plan launched last year by the state government.

Its role is to represent older people in WA and work collaboratively with the state government to drive positive outcomes.

It will also support vulnerable seniors and take steps to address and combat elder abuse, with the current functions under the ‘vulnerable seniors peak’, focussing on raising awareness of elder abuse, merged into the seniors peak body, commencing on July 1.

Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch said he looked forward to working with Advocare in this important role to support older people throughout WA, and to achieve the vision and outcomes of the seniors strategy.

“The seniors peak body will represent and advocate for older people in Western Australia to help ensure they are supported and thriving.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank COTA WA for their work over the past four years advocating for vulnerable seniors.”