Amplifying multicultural senior’s voices in shaping Aged Care

Empowering seniors to shape inclusive Aged Care services

The Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC) collaborated with the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing to host a workshop aimed at amplifying the voices of seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. SMRC’s workshop was one of three held with key community organisations to ensure that seniors from CALD backgrounds were well represented in the engagement process. This initiative is part of a broader consultation to inform the future of aged care services in Australia, ensuring inclusivity and equity for multicultural communities.

Listening to diverse voices in Dandenong

Held in Dandenong, the workshop brought together seniors from Filipino, Spanish, Polish, Turkish, Serbian, Romanian, Cambodian, and Chinese backgrounds. SMRC’s in-language programs and community connections were instrumental in facilitating meaningful discussions about the unique challenges and priorities faced by these communities. Participants highlighted the importance of fairness in aged care, culturally appropriate support, and reliable transport services to maintain their independence and connection to the community.

Key insights and recommendations

The workshop at SMRC revealed several key priorities:

• Fairness in Aged Care: seniors emphasised the need for equitable access to services, regardless of financial or cultural barriers.
• Respect for seniors: wanting to be treated with dignity and for their life experiences to be valued.
• Reliable transport: reliable and affordable transport was highlighted as essential for social and medical needs.

SMRC remains dedicated to supporting multicultural seniors by collaborating with community organisations and advocating for culturally inclusive practices in aged care. By participating in this consultation, SMRC continues to ensure the voices of migrant and refugee seniors are central to shaping services that reflect their needs and values.

You can read the full report from the Centre for Diversity in Ageing including the key report recommendations or visit their website.