POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING 2025 AWARDS
AWARDS BOOKLET
AWARD SPONSOR
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING 2025 AWARDS
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Formerly known as the Active Ageing & Wellbeing Awards, LGPro’s Positive Ageing & Wellbeing Awards have been rebadged to reflect Local Government’s refocus from service delivery to capacity building in promoting health and wellbeing as they strive for an age-friendly society.
These awards recognise the individuals and teams working in Victorian Local Government that have made significant contributions to positive ageing and wellbeing, with councils nominating in the following two categories:
• Outstanding Program or Project – Grant-based (externally funded)
• Outstanding Program or Project – Non-grant (Council funded)
WINNERS HIGHLY COMMENDED & FINALISTS
(Listed in alphabetical order based on council)
Outstanding Program or Project – Grant-Based WINNER
Kingston City Council
Virtual Reality Headsets for Seniors
HIGH COMMENDATION
Knox City Council
Keeping it Reel FINALISTS
Whitehorse City Council
Rainbow Seniors Festival / Rainbow Trivia
Mitchell Shire Council
Impact Seniors Exercise Park
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – GRANT-BASED
Kingston City Council Virtual Reality Headsets for Seniors
In response to growing isolation among aged care residents, Kingston City Council launched an innovative virtual reality (VR) program to foster connection, storytelling, and digital literacy among seniors. Delivered through Kingston Libraries and in partnership with Bolton Clarke Avonlea Aged Care, the initiative uses VR headsets to create immersive experiences - allowing participants to virtually fly planes, swim with fish, or explore world-class museums. The program has sparked joy and engagement among residents, many of whom had previously withdrawn from group activities. Funded through the Victorian Government’s Digital Literacy for Seniors grant, the initiative has brought technology and connection to those who need it most.
The program’s goal was to increase social connection and confidence with technology among older residents, particularly those in aged care. Research shows that VR can support brain health and foster shared experiences, and Kingston’s program has delivered on both fronts. Residents have become more animated and socially engaged, with sessions often triggering storytelling and memory recall.
A former pilot, for example, was overjoyed to relive flying to Bermuda, while others enjoyed virtual strolls through tropical islands. These experiences have not only reduced isolation but also contributed to emotional wellbeing and cognitive stimulation.
The initiative was made possible through strong collaboration between Kingston Libraries’ Seniors Engagement Team, aged care staff, and state government partners. Library staff played a key role in delivering the program, providing technical support and creating a welcoming environment for first-time VR users. The program has also helped build digital confidence among seniors, many of whom had never used such technology before. The success of the pilot has led to its integration into Kingston Libraries’ 2025 programming, with plans for expansion in 2026.
Kingston’s VR for Seniors program exemplifies how local government can use emerging technology to address social challenges. By combining innovation, partnership, and compassion, the initiative has delivered meaningful outcomes for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – GRANT-BASED
Knox City Council Keeping it Reel
As part of the 2024 Knox Seniors Festival, Knox City Council launched “Keeping it Reel,” a men’s fishing program designed to engage older men experiencing social isolation. Targeting men over 55 who live alone or face barriers to participation, the program recognised that men often connect through shared activities. Trusted community connectors referred participants, ensuring they felt welcome regardless of personal circumstances. With more than 20 men attending each week, the program received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many describing it as the highlight of their week.
The initiative aimed to remove common barriers such as transport, cost, and equipment needs, while supporting mental and physical wellbeing. Participants reported increased social connection, and six men have continued to meet independently to fish postprogram - an unexpected and heartening outcome. The program also demonstrated the value of outdoor engagement and shared experiences in fostering sustainable social networks.
Council is now exploring opportunities to continue the program, including a Council-run fishing day in late 2025 and potential partnerships to expand its reach.
Developed by the Positive and Healthy Ageing team, the program was led by the Social Connections Specialist and Community Connections Recovery Officer, with support from Council’s Community Transport team. A staff member and hobbyist fisherman provided instruction and selected fishing locations. The Victorian Government’s Seniors Festival grant supported the initiative, while local community groups assisted with promotion and recruitment. Participants particularly appreciated returning to a successful fishing location, which fostered familiarity and confidence.
With 24 men registered and 70 per cent attending all four sessions, the program exceeded expectations. Participants formed new friendships, shared stories, and rekindled past interests. One community connector noted, “It has put smiles and laughter on faces that haven’t had a good time in a long time.” “Keeping it Reel” is a powerful example of how creative, low-barrier programs can foster connection and wellbeing among older men.
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS 2025
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – GRANT-BASED
Whitehorse City Council Rainbow Seniors Festival / Rainbow Trivia
Whitehorse City Council’s Positive Ageing and Community Strengthening teams delivered a groundbreaking initiative during the 2024 Victorian Seniors Festival, securing $10,000 in funding from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to support LGBTIA+ seniors. In partnership with Val’s LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care, Eastern Health, and Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, Council hosted three inclusive events, including the standout Rainbow Trivia night. With 48 of 50 registered guests attending, 90 per cent of participants reported feeling “very welcome,” and 88 per cent expressed interest in future events. The initiative successfully created safe, celebratory spaces for older LGBTIA+ residents, many of whom had not previously engaged with Council programming.
The project addressed a long-standing service gap for older LGBTIA+ individuals. By prioritising cultural safety, accessibility, and emotional affirmation, the program fostered trust and connection. Partnerships with trusted organisations ensured culturally appropriate delivery, while events like Book Bingo and the Underground Cabaret drew strong participation and positive feedback. The initiative has laid the foundation for ongoing engagement, with 11 participants opting in for future communications. With continued support and funding, Whitehorse City Council plans to embed LGBTIA+ inclusion into future strategic planning, ensuring older LGBTIA+ residents feel seen, valued, and connected within their community.
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – GRANT-BASED
Mitchell Shire Council Impact Seniors Exercise Park
The Impact Seniors Exercise Park project is a health and wellbeing initiative that redefines ageing through movement, connection, and leadership. Delivered in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), the program empowers trained community volunteers to lead outdoor exercise sessions at accessible parks in Kilmore and Seymour. Designed to reduce social isolation and promote healthy lifestyles, the initiative has achieved far-reaching outcomes - from supporting post-surgery rehabilitation to helping participants regain confidence and re-enter the workforce. The program’s success is reflected in its organic growth, with participants forming friendships and continuing activities beyond the sessions. Volunteer Champions have played a pivotal role, gaining leadership skills and fostering inclusive, age-friendly spaces.
The project was made possible through collaboration across Council teams and external partners, including Nexus Primary Health, Kilmore Physiotherapy, and Goulburn Options Seymour. Supported by a Local Sport Infrastructure Grant, three outdoor gyms were installed in Kilmore, Seymour, and Beveridge, with site selection guided by equity-based metrics. The initiative also informed the Mitchell Shire Open Space Strategy, embedding community experience into strategic planning. With a 75 per cent volunteer retention rate and a thriving peer network, the program has set a new benchmark for community-led engagement. It continues to evolve through inclusive consultation, ensuring long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for Mitchell’s ageing population.
WINNERS HIGHLY COMMENDED & FINALISTS
(Listed in alphabetical order based on council)
Outstanding Program or Project – Non-Grant
WINNER
Monash City Council
Golden Tales Short Story Competition
HIGH COMMENDATION
Yarra City Council
Seniors and Sprouts
FINALIST
Whitehorse City Council
The Biscuit Tin
Greater Bendigo City Council
Ageing Well in Greater Bendigo
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT –
Monash City Council
Golden Tales Short Story Competition
The Golden Tales Project was an intergenerational storytelling initiative that brought together young people and older adults to celebrate meaningful relationships and foster mutual understanding. Delivered as a short story competition, the project invited participants to share stories about significant individuals in their lives. Children and older adults also served as judges, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration and dialogue across generations. With over 240 submissions, the project exceeded expectations and highlighted the power of storytelling to build empathy, challenge ageist stereotypes, and promote positive ageing.
The initiative was made possible through strong partnerships with local libraries, neighbourhood houses, schools, and community groups. Libraries promoted the competition, while neighbourhood houses provided accessible spaces and encouraged older adults to participate. Youth Services engaged local schools, ensuring strong representation from younger voices. The Positive Ageing Reference Group played a key role in outreach and promotion.
These collaborations enabled the project to reach a broad audience and foster community-wide engagement, demonstrating how shared resources and networks can amplify impact.
Golden Tales was designed to be inclusive and sustainable. Pre-schoolers and prep students could submit drawings with caregiver notes, ensuring even the youngest voices were heard. The project’s low-cost model, supported by digital platforms like social media and the Positive Ageing Lifestyles catalogue, ensured broad reach and minimal financial burden. The initiative has now been embedded into annual intergenerational programming, with a 2025 Golden Tales Art Competition planned to expand creative expression and engagement.
The project’s legacy lies in its ability to create lasting connections and shift community attitudes. Participants reported increased appreciation for intergenerational relationships, and many stories continue to be shared online. Golden Tales has become a cornerstone of Council’s efforts to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and lifelong connection - proving that storytelling can be a powerful tool for community transformation.
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – NON-GRANT
Yarra City Council Seniors and Sprouts
Yarra City Council’s Seniors and Sprouts program is a heartwarming example of how small initiatives can grow into powerful community connectors. Launched as a pilot in 2023 at Richmond Kindergarten, the program invites seniors to spend an hour each week with kindergarten children, fostering intergenerational engagement, social connection, and civic participation. With strong public support, the program expanded to a second kindergarten in 2024 and is set to reach four locations by 2025. The initiative aligns with Yarra’s Ageing Well policy and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, offering a welcoming space for children and older adults to learn from one another.
The program’s outcomes have been profound. Seniors reported 100 per cent enjoyment and increased social connection, while children expressed excitement about seeing their “senior friends” each week. Teaching teams observed enhanced empathy and social awareness among children. The initiative has also strengthened participants’ connection to Council, with many seniors going on to join other Council-run programs.
With 80 per cent of participants returning for future sessions, the program has proven its value in reducing isolation, promoting mental wellbeing, and building lasting community ties.
Seniors and Sprouts is a slow-growing but deeply rooted initiative. In 2023–2024, it involved 38 children, 16 seniors, eight teaching teams, and three support staff across three kindergartens. The program’s success lies in its thoughtful design, strong relationships, and commitment to accessibility. It has been featured in Yarra News and continues to grow through wordof-mouth and participant advocacy. The program’s qualitative data highlights its impact on wellbeing, identity, and belonging for both age groups.
By nurturing empathy, respect, and shared learning, Seniors and Sprouts is helping Yarra rediscover the value of intergenerational connection. It is a shining example of how local government can foster inclusive, compassionate communities - one story, one smile, and one shared moment at a time.
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS 2025
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – NON-GRANT
Whitehorse City Council
The Biscuit Tin
The Biscuit Tin Project, a collaboration between Whitehorse City Council and Celebrate Ageing, brought together 12 diverse older women to share their stories and challenge ageism and sexism through the symbolic and nostalgic lens of biscuit tins. While honouring their roles as nurturers, the project celebrated their broader achievements in careers, community leadership, and advocacy. Participants shared personal narratives and recipes, culminating in the publication Recipes for Respect, a beautifully designed resource that combined storytelling with cultural tradition. A professional photoshoot, a community launch event, and a month-long photographic exhibition further amplified the women’s voices and visibility.
The project achieved significant outcomes across individual, community, and sector levels. Participants reported increased confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, with some stepping into advocacy roles. Community response was overwhelming1,000 copies of the booklet were distributed within a month, prompting a second print run. Sector-wide impact followed, with the project featured in forums on intersectionality and elder abuse. Key partners, including Eastern Community Legal Centre and Women’s Health East, helped extend the project’s reach and influence. By using storytelling and visual media to promote respect, the Biscuit Tin Project has become a powerful, values-based model for celebrating older women and fostering inclusive, age-friendly communities.
POSITIVE AGEING & WELLBEING AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OR PROJECT – NON-GRANT
Greater Bendigo City Council Ageing Well in Greater Bendigo
The Ageing Well in Greater Bendigo multimedia campaign celebrates the contributions of older adults while challenging ageism through powerful storytelling, photography, and videography. Featuring local seniors in iconic Bendigo locations, the project promotes social connection, active living, volunteering, and lifelong learning. Aligned with the council’s Positive Ageing Action Plan 2023–2025, the initiative supports healthy ageing and inclusion. A highlight was the premiere of a widely viewed video at the Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival, attended by over 500 people. The campaign also produced 100 high-quality images for ongoing use in council publications, ensuring older adults are positively and consistently represented.
The project addressed low awareness of ageism and the underrepresentation of older adults in public life. It delivered measurable outcomes, including increased community engagement and participation in local groups such as Dragon’s Afloat and Goldfields Ukestra. The campaign’s success was amplified through partnerships with community groups and professional creatives, ensuring authenticity and broad reach. A key innovation was the integration of real-life stories with a call to action, directing audiences to ‘Connect Greater Bendigo’ for further involvement. With its sustainable design and ongoing integration into council communications, Ageing Well in Greater Bendigo sets a benchmark for inclusive, age-friendly storytelling that inspires respect and community connection.