We’re keen to introduce you to our newest team member whose role is to steer Advocare’s activities as custodian of the Seniors Peak Body. You might recognise her face and name based on her 14 years’ experience working in roles and services to support older people.
Welcome to Bianca Marson Whait who’s feeling highly motivated and excited to build on Advocare’s work over the past 25 years to elevate the voices of older people. We asked what continues to drive her passion for working to put the wellbeing of older West Australians in the spotlight.
“I believe we can learn so much from older people if we take the time to listen in our busy world. Human stories are full of wisdom, and I remember being fascinated as a young child listening to my grandparents speaking of their experiences. I reflect back on them now and recognise valuable lessons, advice, and incredible resilience in the face of hardship and life-altering decisions,” Bianca shares.
“The later stages of life should be something to look forward to, not being fearful of how we may be treated or even ignored by society. Older people have so much to contribute, and they deserve to age with dignity and respect in a safe and supportive community.”
What’s happening in the next six months?
With a new Aged Care and Seniors state government portfolio to navigate, as the WA Seniors Peak Body Manager, Bianca will be directing her efforts towards spending valuable time growing those relationships and working closely with our funders at the Department of Communities to achieve shared goals.
She’s already planning for Peak Body activities to become a formidable vehicle for the voice of older people.
“My vision for the Seniors Peak Body is for it to serve as a connective hub to foster collaborative opportunities for research, innovative project development and service delivery in the sector, as well as a platform to elevate the perspectives of our ageing population to be visible and considered by policy and decision makers at every stage.” Bianca adds enthusiastically.
“There is a wealth of experience and knowledge in the seniors sector and beyond which we can bring together to maximise our collective impact. We are stronger together!”
Contact Bianca Marson Whait to discuss Seniors Peak Body matters or ideas for amplifying the voice of older people at seniorspeak@advocare.org.au or call 08 9479 7566.
