Albany wins WA age-friendly local government award for supporting seniors through COVID-19 pandemic

The City of Albany has secured the title of WA’s most age-friendly local government at this year’s WA Seniors Awards.

The City was recognised for its commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of local seniors did not slip through the cracks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual awards were celebrated as part of WA Seniors Week from November 8-16, and presented by the Council on the Ageing WA last Friday.

City staff were recognised for their efforts adapting key programs and initiatives to engage with seniors during a time of social isolation and uncertainty.

Staff made telephone calls to check up on more than 3000 residents aged 65 and over to have a chat and offer assistance during the challenging time.

The award also recognised the City’s efforts to adapt key services through COVID-19 restrictions, including offering home delivery of library books and loaning tablets to keep seniors connected to friends and family.

Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre also provided at-home workout sessions, check-in calls and a gym library for seniors to borrow equipment to keep fit at home.

City of Albany chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the award was a testament to the passion staff had for their community.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do and we’re really proud of the way our staff collaborated to support seniors in our community and keep them connected, safe and positive during a very challenging time,” he said.

“Seniors were among the most vulnerable in our community during this pandemic so to be able to respond quickly and support them was a great outcome.”