Week of Ageing Well

Mrs PEARCE (King) (11:54): I move:

That this house—

(a) recognises that South Australia's Week of Ageing Well is held annually, 1 to 7 October, in line with the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October;

(b) notes this week recognises, values and celebrates the diversity and significant contributions of older people and is an opportunity for all South Australians to connect through events or activities that support us to live happy, connected and meaningful lives;

(c) acknowledges that South Australia has the highest proportion of older people on mainland Australia, with more than 37 per cent of the total population aged over 50; and

(d) congratulates the Malinauskas Labor government for introducing free 24/7 public transport for Seniors Card holders and making concession increases to provide support to more seniors and those on low incomes.

I rise today to recognise a week that shines a light on the strength, wisdom and vitality of our older community members. South Australia's Week of Ageing Well is more than just a calendar event; it is a celebration of living and ageing well. It is an acknowledgement of ongoing journeys of contribution, growth and connection.

Ageing well is not about a passage of time—it is about embracing it. It is about recognising that every stage of life offers value, purpose and opportunities to thrive. This week honours rich experiences, diverse voices and lifelong contributions of older South Australians who help shape the heart of our communities. From volunteering and mentorship to advocacy, creativity and care, older people continue to lead by example. As a state and as a government, it is our responsibility to ensure they are supported, celebrated and included every single step of the way.

This week invites people of all ages to connect with each other and have conversations about ageing well to support a deeper understanding of what ageing well means across the state and to highlight the roles we all play in supporting each other to live and age well. This week also aims to promote activities that support us to live happy and meaningful lives, support organisations, groups and community members to host events, and raise awareness of ageism, diversity and accessibility.

South Australia is proud to be a state that recognises and values the contributions of our older citizens. With 37 per cent of our total population now aged 50 and older, we understand that supporting older South Australians is not just important; it is essential. Our state has taken meaningful steps to ensure that ageing well is not only possible but encouraged. We are leading the way in creating an environment where people can continue to live with purpose, dignity and connection at every stage of their life.

Our government is committed to helping ease the cost-of-living pressures for all South Australians. As we know, older people living on low and fixed incomes often feel this burden immensely. We delivered on our election commitment to make public transport free for Seniors Card holders. The increase in patronage by Seniors Card holders since our government extended free travel to all day, every day shows the success of this initiative, which gives seniors more choice and greater independence by removing a barrier they were experiencing when it came to public transport.

I am also proud that our government has delivered a doubling of the Cost of Living Concession for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. This record investment will support more people, including seniors, to meet the cost of living by removing the cost barrier to participating in community life.

The Week of Ageing Well, in part, is due to the fantastic work of the Office for Ageing Well. Along with bringing us the Week of Ageing Well, the office is actively listening to older adults and collaborating with government, non-government and community organisations to ensure they remain active, engaged, supported and safe. Many of us in this place would know of the comprehensive suite of programs and services that the Office for Ageing Well offers, including the Seniors Card program, which provides discounts and benefits for those who are aged 60 and over. By working closely with the community, the office is committed to ensuring that ageing in South Australia is not only safer but more fulfilling and inclusive.

I have witnessed this commitment to connecting with older South Australians firsthand, and it is a commitment that I and the government share deeply. I am always pleased when they accept my invitation to speak directly with my local community at events such as my Community Safety Days and also my Seniors Expos, where information, support and resources can reach seniors directly. These events are more than just an opportunity to distribute flyers, they are a vital space that creates meaningful conversations.

We are there to listen to the experiences, concerns and ideas of older people firsthand, ensuring that programs remain responsive and also relevant. By showing up at events like these, we can break down the barriers to access and build trust, making sure that no senior is left out of the conversation of ageing well.

Community groups play a vital role in promoting independence, purpose and also social connection. Staying socially connected with peers can significantly improve mental health, reduce feelings of isolation, and help older people stay active and also engaged. Whether it is a local walking group, a book club, a men's shed or the local Probus, these spaces offer more than just activities: they provide a sense of belonging.

There are groups in my local community like the Golden Grove Mall Walkers who just this year in March celebrated their 20^th birthday. How incredible. This group plays such an important part of our local community, and I know that the member for Wright would agree that we always enjoy attending and being able to have a cuppa after their morning walks.

Today, I want to place on the record my deep appreciation to Linda Fretwell. Linda has organised the Village Mall Walkers for all of those 20 years, and this month she is stepping down. Linda's work and her dedication to active living and the Mall Walkers is absolutely incredible. From organising each and every session, making Christmas time special for the local members, and also making sure that the volunteering, contributions and efforts of each of the members each year is recognised and celebrated, Linda truly goes above and beyond. She will be missed dearly, and I certainly hope that we will continue to see her at the morning walks every Tuesday and Friday morning.

As we celebrate South Australia's Week of Ageing Well, let us carry forward the message that growing older is something to be valued, supported and embraced. Our older community members have shaped the society we live in today and they deserve absolutely every opportunity to continue living meaningful, connected and independent lives. Our government is committed to building a future where ageing is not seen as a challenge but as a time for continued growth, contribution and joy. We will keep working to make sure South Australia is a place where everyone, at every age, can truly thrive. I commend this motion to the house.

Motion carried.

Mr ODENWALDER: I draw your attention to the state of the house, sir.

A quorum having been formed: