18 November 2019
Perth, Australia – The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is excited to announce that Dr Jane Barratt, IFA Secretary General is providing the opening keynote address – Innovate: International perspectives on age friendly at the 4th Age Friendly Australia National Forum held on 20 – 21 November 2019 at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, Australia.
A proud Western Australian and graduate of the University of Western Australia and Curtin University Dr Barratt has led the IFA’s work across the globe including formal relations with the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the past 16 years. Dr Barratt is a Churchill Fellow, and was honored to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in Canada in recognition of her commitment and passion to enhance the understanding of issues relating to ageing and engaging in dialogue with governments and the private sector to improve the quality of life of older people.
Dr Barratt strives to strengthen the roles and relationships between government, NGOs, academia and industry in order to help shape and influence policy to improve the quality of life of older people. In many leadership positions she has facilitated changes in organizational management and the analysis of governance and management leading to improvements in policies, programs and client outcomes across sectors and disciplines.
The purpose of the 4th Age Friendly Australia National Forum is to provide an inspiring and educational shared learning experience around age friendly concepts, where delegates can be ‘joining the dots to inspire, connect, exchange and innovate.’
“Leadership is not about looking behind, it’s about stepping forward, standing up and taking that moment to decide what it will take to move the agenda forward,” said Dr. Barratt. “Age friendly good practices around the world will be showcased through the lens of culture and opportunities that come by living in Australia.”
The event will feature motivational speakers from different organisations, highlighting the successful age friendly strategies and tactics that have contributed to many achievements of age friendly communities around the globe.
“In a world with many divisions, age friendly communities bring us together in a shared commitment to make our communities a better place for older people. Communities where older people flourish are communities that are thriving,” said Ms Christine Young, Chair, LG Professionals WA Age Friendly Communities Network, Director Community Development, City of Melville.
Media Contact
For more information regarding the forum or interview opportunities, please contact Dr Jane Barratt at Jbarratt@ifa-fiv.org
About Local Government Professionals Australia
Local Government Professionals Australia is the national component of the peak body representing local government professionals, with a focus on developing organisations and the broader local government sector, to build better communities around Australia. Since the foundation of the organisation in 1936, LG Professionals Australia has created opportunities for the near 200,000 local government workforce across over 500 councils to come together to share ideas, discuss challenges and learn new ways of practice. www.lgprofessionalsaustralia.org.au
About the International Federation on Ageing
The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is an international, non-governmental organization (NGO) with a unique membership base comprising government, NGOs, academics, industry, and individuals in over 80 countries. Now over 45 years old, the IFA has become known as a leading and innovative organization that works across disciplines and sectors toward common goals that improve the lives of older people. Through the IFA’s formal relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and general consultative status at the United Nations and its agencies, the IFA is in the position to advocate directly with member states and contribute to and inform intergovernmental dialogue.