Keeping Older People Safe | Central West Community Forum

Keeping Older People Safe: Central West Community Forum

Join us for a collaborative one-day forum bringing together community members, health professionals, legal practitioners, police, government representatives and sector partners to strengthen awareness, build connections and promote practical responses to keeping older people safe.

Older people deserve to live with dignity, respect and free from abuse. This forum will explore current issues affecting older people across the Central West and provide practical information on recognising, preventing and responding to elder abuse.

Through keynote presentations, expert speakers and opportunities to connect with others working across the sector, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and practical strategies to support safer communities.

What to expect

• Pre-conference dinner at Norma Joan in Bathurst

• Welcome and Smoking Ceremony led by local Elders

• Keynote presentations from nationally recognised leaders

• Expert insights into elder abuse prevention and response

• Legal, health and community sector perspectives

• Opportunities to network with professionals and community organisations

• Practical information to strengthen local responses and collaboration

Featured Speakers

• Elisabeth Shaw - CEO, Relationships Australia NSW (Welcome)

• Robert Fitzgerald AM - Age Discrimination Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission (Keynote)

• Cecilia Cox - Manager, Strategy & Innovation, NSW Ageing & Disability Commission

• Attorney-General's Department - Senior Leadership Team Member

• Bev Lange - Executive Officer, Elder Abuse Action Australia

• Jane Humphreys - Elder Law Specialist

• Jill Marshall - Senior Solicitor, Legal Aid Orange

Who should attend?

This event welcomes:

• Community members

• Health professionals

• Legal practitioners

• Police

• Government representatives

• Community organisations

• Service providers

• Anyone with an interest in supporting the safety and well-being of older people

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

An accessible drop-off zone is available near the conference building for attendees with mobility requirements. A venue map with parking and accessible access information will be provided prior to the event.

Registration

Attendance at the Forum is completely free;

However, registration is essential to secure your place.

Please register by Monday, 7 September 2026.

During registration, you'll be asked to provide:

• Any dietary requirements

• Any accessibility requirements

• Whether you would like to join the

  pre-conference dinner on Monday,

  14 September at 6.00 pm

Pre-Conference Dinner (Optional)

Why not make the most of your visit to Bathurst and connect with fellow attendees before the Forum?

Join us for an informal pre-conference dinner at:

Norma Joan
Shop 4/142 William Street, Bathurst NSW 2795

Cost: $65 per person

This is a wonderful opportunity to network, share ideas, and build connections with colleagues and peers in a relaxed setting ahead of the Forum.

We warmly encourage you to attend and look forward to seeing you there.

Contact

For enquiries, please contact:

Leona Bishop or Lauren O'Brien
Phone: (02) 6333 8888