Seniors Forum 2022 Summary

SENIORS FORUM August 2022

THANK YOU Thank you for attending the Wagga Wagga Seniors Forum on Tuesday 28 June 2022. A total of 58 people attended. This summary provides an overview of the discussions had at the forum.

Minister for Seniors The forum was attended by the Minister for Seniors and Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP, who provided an update on behalf of the NSW Government. Minister Coure's presentation included details about programs such as the digital Seniors Card and Seniors Regional Travel Card. Following his presentation there was a short Q&A where issues such as social isolation, healthcare, housing and scams were raised.

WHAT YOU TOLD US

Review of the current situation Each table of attendees was asked to select two topics, from a list relevant to State Government, and to provide an assessment of each topic by discussing what is and isn’t working.

See below the list of topics, along with how many tables discussed each. Please note, while most tables discussed two topics, some tables discussed more.

Discussion topics: Housing and homelessness – 8 Health – 8 Digital services - 4 Transport – 3 Parliament (incl. diversity and functionality) – 0 Environment (incl. climate change) – 0 See below a summary of the feedback raised.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS There were few positive comments regarding 'Housing and Homelessness'.

In terms of what isn’t working, common themes from feedback were: More needs to be done to address homelessness, including the creation of short-term housing and the provision of bathroom and laundry facilities and amenities Concerns regarding lack of housing supply, particularly affordable housing, and resulting high costs to buy or rent More social housing needed Derelict homes should be utilised Impact of investors on the housing market, suggestions included they are inflating prices A strategy is needed to ensure there's enough affordable housing in the future "Short term housing to reduce homelessness"

"Now thirty plus tents at Wilkes Park"

"Supply shortage – out of region buyers"

"More social housing with low maintenance blocks"

HEALTH Most tables mentioned that, overall, healthcare services are very good in Australia and it is positive Wagga Wagga has a new hospital and carpark.

However, the vast majority of table discussions on ‘Health’ were focussed on what isn’t working. The most commonly mentioned issue was staff shortages, across health and aged care services.

Feedback mentioned staffing, in particular nursing, shortages have been an issue for years and staff need to be paid more.

Other issues raised across tables included: Mental health issues worsened during COVID and it can be difficult to access support COVID restrictions imposed by GPs are placing increased pressure on the hospital’s emergency department Accessing GPs and specialists can be difficult. GPs are booked out online, while specialists have long wait times "Staff shortages not just recent, for years, staff need higher wages" "Feeling isolated, (need) services that check in’" "Not able to visit GP with cough, issue (when) then sent to hospital emergency department causing increased pressure on ED and waiting times"

When discussing ‘Health’, most tables raised issues with Aged Care services, including: Shortage of staff Long wait times for assessments and aged care packages High costs and lack of coordination of service providers Aged Care is overseen by the Federal Government.

DIGITAL SERVICES Positive feedback was received on the TechSavy for Seniors program.

Multiple tables raised the issue of some seniors not wanting to or being able to access digital services. It was also raised that when accessing services via telephone, rather than internet, the wait times can be lengthy and, in regards to Service NSW, advice can vary to that given over the counter.

One table suggested communicating with Seniors via monthly newsletters outlining services available, and in winter provide a checklist for Seniors that covers off services, environment and home.

"Not all seniors are or want to be on technology. Technology is expensive, not everyone can afford it."

TRANSPORT Positive feedback was received on the Seniors Travel Card, Uber, Fuel Check App and the addition of bus services on Sundays.

Buses were the most common issue mentioned, in terms of: Bus routes can be indirect and there is no service to The Grange Bus stop locations selected without consultation Lack of shelters at bus stops and buses braille removed

Where to next?

Attendees were asked to discuss two questions at their table: 1. In the next 12 months what would you like to see happen in the Wagga Wagga Electorate?

2. Beyond the next 12 months (thinking longer term), what would you like to see happen (change) in the Wagga Wagga Electorate?

Responses to the above questions were wide-ranging and often beyond the scope of State Government, with some suggested changes falling under the remit of Local and Federal Government.

See below the key themes raised, which includes feedback regarding areas not overseen by State Government.

Short-term The most commonly suggested changes for the next 12 months were: Fix roads, particularly potholes Better training and wages for nurses and aged care workers Better transport services, including more frequent, direct buses around Wagga Wagga and connections to Sydney Address homelessness issue at Wilks Park Ensure neighbourhoods are safe

Long-term The suggested long-term changes were more varied. Multiple tables mentioned solutions to transport and housing issues, including duplication or widening of Gobbagombalin Bridge and a more diverse housing mix, including more social housing.

When each table was asked to share with the room just one of their discussed long-term changes, the following were mentioned, noting some tables mentioned more than one point : More taxis for handicapped Free parking at the Base, and better training for hospital staff Seniors Shuttle Service Bus service named the McGirr Bus to get around CBD Need a plan for a bypass Transport Plan that is transparent More support for North Wagga, including better access for emergency service vehicles, a shopping centre and bypass Safe and secure neighborhood Sustainable infrastructure and environment A water park and entertainment ventures Lift standards of education in NSW Better planning by Council, including of housing and roads Aged care definition of service provision Coordination of service providers with a working group that reports back

NEXT STEPS Thank you again for attending the Seniors Forum and providing your feedback. Updates on the issues raised will be provided via email, newsletters and social media. If you have any followup questions, please contact the Electorate Office. We hope to see you again at future Seniors Forums.

Post event feedback 35 feedback forms were completed.

Participants were asked to rate the following questions regarding the forum. There was strong agreement with statements below.

Feedback was also collected on the below questions, with responses summarised below.

Do you have any suggestions about how the forum could have been improved?

Overall the feedback was positive and most attendees didn’t have suggestions about how the forum could have been improved. A few suggestions were received including: Restrict feedback from tables and keep more succinct Difficult to hear when everyone speaking Would be good if all topics were covered Better signage outside venue A venue with more toilets What did you value most about today’s forum?

Common responses were the opportunity to have a say and share ideas, the information provided and connecting with other seniors.

Do you have any comments regarding Minister Coure’s visit and presentation?

Most feedback was positive, with attendees stating it was good to have a minister present and that his presentation was informative.

Do you have any other comments?

The majority of other comments stated thank you.

STAY IN TOUCH

waggawagga@parliament.nsw.gov.au www.joemcgirr.com.au (02) 6921 1622 64 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga