Council Developing New Positive Ageing Strategy

Council is soon to develop a new Positive Ageing Strategy for 2026-2031 and is seeking valuable community input. 

Mayor Cr Robert Taylor noted consultation for Council’s new Positive Ageing Strategy 2026-2031 will commence next month in line with the Bathurst Seniors Festival. 

“Council’s current Positive Ageing Strategy 2021-2026 has reached its final year. This means we are in the process of developing a new strategy, building on the learnings and approaches of the previous version and renewing Council’s commitment to improve our region’s ability to cater for an ageing population.  

“This new plan will be drafted in line with a number of leading policies and national action plans. However, to ensure we appropriately reflect the realities of our Bathurst Region, Community members are invited to provide input and feedback.  

“Commencing Monday 2 March 2026, in conjunction with Bathurst Seniors Festival, and running through to 24 April 2026, a range of consultation methods will be used to gather community sentiment. This includes online and in‑person surveys distributed across town and at Seniors Festival events, along with face‑to‑face community focus groups held in March. Registrations have just opened for these focus groups and numbers are limited, so make sure to put your name down early to ensure your spot,” said Mayor Taylor.  

Location and registration information for the two community focus groups is as follows: 

• Tuesday 24 March – 10am to 12pm – Bathurst Library meeting room 

• Friday 27 March – 10am to 12pm – The Neighbourhood Centre 

To register your attendance, please call Council’s Community Services Team on 6333 6523. 

Additionally, details on the survey consultation can be found below: 

• Online YourSay Survey 2 March to 24 April 2026 via: https://yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/positive-ageing    

• Physical Surveys will be distributed at a selection of Seniors Festival events, including:  

• 2 March 2026 – Nationaliteas of Bathurst 

• 3 March 2026 – Improving the Health and Wellbeing of People Living with Dementia 

• 4 March 2026 – Fun & useful apps for seniors  

• 9 March 2026 – Current Affairs Discussion  

• 10 March 2026 – The Great British Songbook & Epic Historical Movie Posters 

• 11 March 2026 – Nepean Paddle Steamer  

• 11 March 2026 – Seniors Expo  

• 12 March 2026 – Cycle & Aqua Fitness (Cityfit)  

• 13 March 2026 – Lunch at the Ophir  

• Physical surveys will also be available at the Civic Centre and Bathurst Library from Monday 2 March. 

All completed surveys are to be returned to the Civic Centre or Bathurst Library by the closure date, 24 April 2026.  

For further information, please call the Community Services team on 6333 6523 or visit Council’s website: https://www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Services/Supporting-Our-Community/Older-People/Positive-Ageing-Strategy