15 June 2020
Today, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the State Government’s Office for Ageing Well is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the rights of older Aboriginal people and the importance of respect for Elders, connection and community.
The Office is reaching out to Aboriginal people across South Australia, using the theme Respect Connect #StopElderAbuse
Jordan Lovegrove, a Ngarrindjeri man of Dreamtime Creative, has produced an artwork showing the importance of Elders as the foundation of Aboriginal culture and the Office is working with Aboriginal community representatives to co-design the campaign.
Mr Lovegrove also created the snake mural depicting ANMF values that winds up the stairwell of the ANMF (SA Branch) office in Ridleyton.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates that up to 14% of older Australians are impacted by mistreatment or neglect, and we know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not immune.
There are many barriers to reporting mistreatment. This awareness campaign will highlight that there is support for Aboriginal people if they, or someone they know, is being disrespected or mistreated.
The new campaign emphasises that valuing and respecting Elders and older Aboriginal people and their wisdom is the pathway to maintaining culture and building a better future.
The Office for Ageing Well will be reaching out further to older Aboriginal people, Elders and advocates and inviting them to be ambassadors to spread the word through their communities over the next five years.
The SA Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line 1800 372 310 provides free, confidential information and advice. Find more information at
www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/stopelderabus