RMIT University
Centre for Organisations & Social Change

“Empowering Seniors Voices” Project

We are undertaking an “Empowering Seniors Voices” Project in the City North Precinct area in collaboration with City of Melbourne. We are also trying to recruit seniors for the walks and discussion in the project (see the flyer).

This project responds to the rapid growth of the ageing population in the City North Precinct, where many older residents face social isolation, digital exclusion, and limited access to age-friendly infrastructure.

By promoting discussions and enabling older adults to use digital tools to document local challenges, co-analyse findings, and advocate for change, this project builds community capacity, strengthens multicultural and intergenerational trust, and contributes to a civic data infrastructure that reflects lived experiences.

We have walks planned for many dates in September (9,12, 16,19,23, 24) and we would love for older adults (65+) who either live in the area or attend workshops in the area, to participate in them. We would especially appreciate those with diverse cultural backgrounds and those with accessibility issues. The City of Melbourne will be helping encourage participation by providing a $50 voucher to those who sign up for it.

The first stage of this work is a discovery walk, a participatory activity where older adults walk slowly for about 40 minutes, with stops along the way, to capture issues and opportunities in their local environment. Using smartphones with a specific very easy to use app (designed by Stanford University), participants can take photos of things that support or hinder healthy ageing—for example, footpaths and crossings, public seating, green spaces, community facilities, places of gathering or isolation, places that facilitate or hinder access for culturally-diverse communities, or signage. These images then become prompts for group reflection and storytelling to support healthier, more inclusive communities.

Please email seniorvoices@rmit.edu.au or phone 0415 045 927 for more details.

Bernardo Figueiredo
Positive Ageing Lead
Centre for Organisations & Social Change

You’re also welcome to send an email to feedback@residents3000.org.au if you need any further information or wish to let us know your thoughts.