By Jessica Anstice
You could have heard a pin drop at the Embrace Ageing Forum held at the Cultural Centre in Pakenham on Tuesday 10 September.
Victoria Police officer Justin Stanton outlined the many and varied scams with a focus on fleecing seniors in the community of their hard earned savings.
Some audacious examples caused murmurs of surprise.
Mr Stanton shocked the crowd when he discussed the level of fraud perpetrated against seniors, saying this made up a major part of the work conducted by Cardinia police.
The fully booked forum showcased 21 exhibitors who busily handed out all manner of information to attendees after they had their interest in services piqued by the engaging speakers.
Joining Mr Stanton were representatives from services such as Regional Assessment Agency, Monash Health, Advanced Care Planning and Council of the Ageing.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Graeme Moore commended the organising committees for their foresight and dedication in bringing together such a wealth of information for the senior community members.
The Casey/Cardinia chapter of the Rotary eClub of Latitude 38 got the idea rolling with a proposal some months ago, brought in their partners Seniors ROAR who run safe behaviors training for staff and residents in aged care facilities, and were quickly joined by members from the Ageing Alliance.
Cardinia Shire Council ageing coordinator Annmarie Saffin threw her support behind the committee.
“The theme for this year in Rotary is connecting the world,” Rotary district governor Adrian Froggatt said.
“At the forum I saw a brilliant example of connecting the community.”
