Several special guests were featured at the Kyneton Mechanics Institute on Sunday June 15 as Macedon Ranges Shire Council and the Kindness to Elders Initiative presented a free afternoon of film to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Despite the cold, grey day, a good turnout came to show support for the event, which was hosted by veteran actor Ian Rooney. The welcoming sounds of the Kyneton Brass Band and smells of sizzling sausages, frying donuts and brewing coffee greeted all with a carnival air.
Local identity Janet Wood AM, former president of the Council on the Ageing (Victoria), raised the inaugural WEAAD flag to open the event and gave a stirring and informative speech on how society could act on elder abuse. After a short film on financial elder abuse, it was time for Ian’s first guest, another local identity and international speaker, Bob Nixon, who delivered an impressive session on protecting one’s finances.
While the pure vocals of Young Voices of Macedon Choir rang out through the hall, Ian’s next two guests waited in the wings. Arriving on stage to the delight of all and needing no introduction, local identities of film and fame, Shane Jacobson and Stephen Curry, both donated valuable time for their community. Alongside Ian, the three actors kept everyone spellbound and if it weren’t for the scheduled screening of the feature film Thelma at 2pm, their talk on life in film would have far exceeded the 45 minutes they gave.
Thelma itself was well attended and its screening was the perfect ending to a successful day.
Council and the Kindness to Elders Initiative would like to thank everyone involved – each and every one donated their time to take part and their community spirit shone the light on kindness to elders.
If you or anyone you know are experiencing elder abuse phone the confidential helpline at Senior Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 (and press option 1).
