• The ‘Older, Safer, Wiser Roadshow’ in 13 communities will assist participants to be alert to the risks that can befall the elderly

A Charles Sturt University academic will lead a series of public talks in 13 central west communities in February and March to provide advice and guidance on a range of issues pertaining to elder abuse.

The Central West Region Collaborative for the Prevention of Abuse of Older People has organised and will present the ‘Older, Safer, Wiser Roadshow’ to assist individuals and families to be alert to a variety of risks that can befall the elderly.

Roadshow presentations will be in Forbes, Grenfell, Blayney, Cowra, Parkes, Peak Hill, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Bathurst and Wattle Flat. Events have already been staged in Lithgow, Molong and Cumnock.

Adjunct Associate Professor Sue Field in the Charles Sturt Centre for Law and Justice will chair the ‘Older Safer Wiser Roadshow’ talks and will speak on ‘Financial safety and Power of Attorney’.

Professor Field said the roadshow invites participants to join a panel of experts over morning or afternoon tea to help them understand all the issues, with practical information and handy hints to live a full, happy and secure life.

“We challenge our audience with questions and provide answers that will assist them,” she said.

“Do you know how to protect yourself from scams? Stay physically safe? Recognise elder abuse? Be financially secure? Have a Power of Attorney? Improve communication or pursue mediation?

“The events are free and we welcome all who are concerned about these issues and wish to protect themselves and loved ones.”

The Collaborative received a grant from the Commissioner for Ageing and Disability to enable them to stage the roadshow.

Other speakers include:

• Ms Jane Atkinson from Relationships Australia, who will speak on communication and mediation in ‘Let’s Talk Elder Mediator’.

• An Aged/Crime Prevention Officer, NSW Police local region police district (Central West, Chifley, Hume), who will speak about ‘Physical safety and abuse of older people’.

• Ms Christine Wright a Financial Information Service Officer with Services Australia, who will speak about how the Financial Information Service can assist elderly people.

• Legal Support, who will discuss ‘Phone and internet scams’ and the need to be vigilant.

The communities, dates and venues are:

• Forbes: Monday 28 February at 10.15am Club Forbes 41-43 Templar Street

• Grenfell: Monday 28 February at 2.15pm Grenfell Bowling Club Cross Street

• Blayney: Wednesday 2 March at 10.15am Blayney Shire Community Centre 41 Church Street

• Cowra: Wednesday 2 March at 2.15pm Central West Libraries – Cowra Branch, 77 Darling Street

• Parkes: Thursday 10 March at 2.15pm Parkes Services Club, Sunset Room 9-17 Short St

• Peak Hill: Friday 11 March at 10.15am Peak Hill Ex-Services & Citizens Club, 57/61 Caswell Street

• Condobolin: Tuesday 22 March at 2.15pm Condobolin RSL Club 20 McDonnell Street

• Lake Cargelligo: Wednesday 23 March at 10.15am Lake Cargelligo Bowling Club, Prior Street

• Bathurst: Wednesday 30 March at 10.15am Courtyard Room, RSL Club, 114 Rankin Street

• Wattle Flat: Wednesday 30 March at 2.15pm Recreation Hall, Brae Lane

All sessions are free, but places are limited, so early bookings are encouraged.

Book via Eventbrite.com.au or call Orange Community Services Centre on 6393 8600.

Community Transport options may be available at some locations but must be booked in advance. Contact your local Community Transport provider to book, or telephone 6393 8600 for assistance.