The search is on for active and involved seniors to nominate to be members of the Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians. The Victorian Minister for Aged Care, Lisa Neville has issued the call for nominations from seniors with the skills and experience to provide independent advice on issues affecting the wellbeing of senior Victorians.

“I am looking for people who put the needs of our aged community first,” Ms Neville said.

“Council members must also be able to consult effectively, analyse issues and represent a wide range of views and varied life experiences.

“To be effective, the council needs a balance of experience and skills and I particularly encourage seniors from rural and regional areas, culturally diverse backgrounds and Indigenous elders, to nominate.”

Advertisements for nominations for the Ministerial Advisory Council of Senior Victorians were in newspapers over the weekend.

Members of the Ministerial Advisory Council are appointed for a three-year term and are appointed as individuals not as representatives of specific organisations.

The Ministerial Advisory Council, originally announced by the Premier, Steve Bracks, in 2001, is supported by the Office of Senior Victorians within the Department for Victorian Communities.

Ms Neville said the Bracks Government wanted to maintain a focus on the needs of senior Victorians at the forefront of policy making for the state.

“The ageing of Victoria’s population has made the work of the Ministerial Advisory Council even more crucial,” Ms Neville said.

“The previous council, chaired by Janet Wood, focussed on a number of important issues for seniors and did valuable work on mobility and transport, housing, volunteering and human rights.

“I thank the members of the previous council for their contributions. This has given the new council a solid foundation to build on.”