Beyond Age – A Primary Prevention Art Project to Address Ageism and Elder Abuse

Описание: What this webinar is about:

Gary Ferguson, Education Coordinator, Seniors Rights Victoria lead a discussion about the Beyond Age Project which was launched at the 2025 WEAAD Morning Tea. This webinar explored the main objectives of the Beyond Age Project, how it came about, the recruitment of older people to be a part of the Project through a workshop and photo shoot, the exhibition and plans for expanding the Project.

Gary was joined by Dr Mary-Faeth Chenery who reflected on her involvement in the first workshop. Mary-Faeth spoke about ways in which ageism and social issues can be challenged individually, through her community roles.

The webinar explored:
Primary prevention in addressing ageism and elder abuse
Planning and delivering the Project
Key stakeholders and participants
Placing the Project in the community to expand its reach.

Our presenters discussed:
The history, aims and objectives of the Project
Involvement of those who are most impacted by ageism
Delivery of the workshop and photo shoot
Participant feedback and ways in which the Project has sustainability in the wider community
Some of the challenges of this type of project to ensure it has a firm foundation within a framework to meet its primary prevention aims.

This session is for service providers, advocates, community organisations, and community members committed to preventing and addressing ageism and elder abuse. It will also resonate with professionals in aged care, health, social policy, and community engagement who want to harness creative, community-driven approaches to change.

A bit about our presenters:

Gary Ferguson - Education Coordinator, Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) at Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria

Gary has worked with the service since its establishment in 2008. Seniors Rights Victoria is the key statewide Community Legal Service in Victoria addressing and responding to elder abuse. Gary has a health promotion background and has worked at the Alfred Hospital and Royal District Nursing Service in Melbourne. Prior to this, he was the Statewide HIV Education Manager at the Queensland AIDS Council. He has extensive experience in prevention, education and training and the delivery of these to diverse populations.

In his role as Education Coordinator at Seniors Rights Victoria Gary delivers the community and professional education programs and collaborates with the Elder Abuse Project at the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), local government, seniors’ groups and other organisations. He has delivered culturally relevant education to Aboriginal organisations in Warrnambool and Dandenong. Gary is committed to the delivery of elder abuse prevention that addresses its main drivers in ways which are relevant and applicable for different populations.

Each year, Gary coordinates the activities and events for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day across Victoria. Over the next year SRV/COTA will engage with seniors throughout the State to be active participants in the Project through workshops and photography that challenge ageism, the main driver of elder abuse.

Dr Mary-Faeth Chenery - President of Older Women in Cohousing Inc. (WINC)

Mary-Faeth is the President of WINC, a 31-home cohousing community for older women being built in Castlemaine, Victoria. She is also the president of Safe Place Homes Inc. in Daylesford and region where she now lives

In 2025, she was inducted into the Shire of Hepburn Women’s Honour Roll, for being an advocate for peace and housing security. As an inductee she was recognised for representing Australia in international peace initiatives and working to elevate the role of women in peace negotiations. Additionally, Mary-Faeth’s leadership in Safe Place Homes has provided crucial support for vulnerable populations in Hepburn Shire.

Mary-Faeth is a member of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and participated in the first Beyond Age Workshop and Photo Shoot in March 2025, which considered Ageing and Ageism and its impact on older people and elder abuse. Her educational and work background are in psychology, organisation development, and outdoor education.