Seniors Local Democracy Group
The Seniors Local Democracy Group (LDG) is a Council committee made up of Inner West residents who are passionate about ensuring the voices of older people are heard.
The LDG meets at least four times a year to:
• Provide input into the development and delivery of Council programs and services that support equity of access for seniors, aligned with the Healthy Ageing Strategy and Community Strategic Plan
• Advocate on behalf of older residents and ensure their perspectives inform Council’s decision-making
• Share insights on changing demographics and support innovative approaches that promote the wellbeing of seniors
• Work with Council’s Community Wellbeing team to deliver initiatives such as Seniors Festival, Dementia Action Week, and other community projects
For more information, visit the Seniors Local Democracy Group page here or contact Mark Jones, Community Wellbeing Coordinator by phoning 02 9392 5844 or via email mark.jones@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Sector Support and Development - for people that work in aged care
There are several forums specifically for workers in the aged care sector:
The CHSP Regional Capacity Building Meetings bring together aged care providers across Inner West Sydney, Central West, Orana Far West, and Riverina Murray.
These online sessions are designed to:
• Share updates, resources, and training opportunities
• Support collaboration and networking among providers
• Strengthen services funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Meetings are held regularly via Zoom and often feature guest speakers. They are open to CHSP service providers, volunteers, and board members.
For more information contact Marina Antonas: marina.antonas@eccnsw.org.au
Inner West Sector Support Development Officer (Inner West Sydney covers - Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Strathfield)
Ethnic Communities Council of NSW
Funded by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Sector Support and Development Officers (SSDOS) work alongside aged care and community service providers to strengthen the support available to older people in our region. Funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), sector support focuses on building the capacity of local services so they can better respond to the needs of older residents, their families, and carers.
In the Inner West, sector support is delivered through partnerships such as the Sydney Community Forum. The Canterbury–Marrickville Sector Support Development Officer, Miguel Ferrero, plays a key role in:
• Facilitating networking and collaboration between aged care and community organisations
• Providing information, resources, and training opportunities for service providers
• Supporting quality improvement and good practice across the sector
• Advocating for inclusive, responsive services that reflect the diverse needs of our community
Sector support is not a direct client service — instead, it strengthens the local service system to ensure older people can access the right support, at the right time, in the right way.
For more information about sector support in the Inner West, or to connect with local aged services, contact Miguel Ferrero of Sydney Community Forum: cmssdo@scfonline.org.au
The Inner West Region Dementia Alliance works with local organisations, carers, and community members to build a dementia-friendly community. We raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support people living with dementia to stay connected, valued, and included in everyday life. For more information, please contact Marina Antonas: marina.antonas@eccnsw.org.au
Inner West Sector Support Development Officer (Inner West Sydney covers - Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Strathfield)
Ethnic Communities Council of NSW
Funded by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Supported by the Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC), the Inner West Region Collaborative has been active for several years, working together to protect the rights and wellbeing of older people. We share the ADC’s vision to better protect older people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by someone they know — whether in the home or in the community — and to promote their fundamental human rights. The Collaborative brings together local service providers who are committed to preventing elder abuse. Together, we provide resources, host webinars, and raise awareness to ensure older people in our community can live safely, with dignity and respect.
If you have concerns about an older person’s safety, contact the Ageing and Disability Helpline on 1800 628 221.
Key local phone numbers
| Service | Phone number | Service | Phone number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Social Work Department | Royal Prince Alfred - 02 9515 6111 Concord - 02 9767 5000 Canterbury - 02 9787 000 Balmain - 02 9395 2111 | Aboriginal Medical Service - Redfern | 02 9319 5823 |
| Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service | 1300 722 276 | Drug Health Service | 1800 793 466 |
| Police Area Commands | Campsie - 02 9784 9399 Leichhardt - 02 9552 8099 Inner West - 02 9568 9299 Burwood/Ashfield - 02 9745 8499 | Sexual Assault Service | 02 9515 9040 |
| Redfern Legal Service | 02 9698 7277 | ||
| Marrickville Tenancy and Legal Advice | 02 9559 2899 |
State Contacts
| Service | Phone number | Service | Phone number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police or Ambulance - Emergency | 000 | 1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service | 1800 737 732 |
| Police Assistance Line – Non-Emergency | 131 444 | Seniors Rights Service | 1800 424 079 |
| Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline | 1800 628 221 | Mental Health Line | 1800 011 511 |
| Link2Home - Accommodation Assistance | 1800 152 152 | Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission | 1800 951 822 |
| Carer Gateway | 1800 422 737 | Centrelink – Older Australians | Social Work, Financial help - 132 300
|
| My Aged Care - Assessment for Services | 1800 200 422 | National Dementia Helpline (Health should refer) | 1800 100 500 |
| Let's Talk: Elder Support & Mediation Service | 1300 364 277 | TIS - Language Interpreters | 13 14 50 |