Healthy Ageing Roadshow: Regional NSW Communities Embrace Vital Health Education

Aug 13

Empowering Australians to Age Well through Knowledge and Community Engagement

By Kate Love

The inaugural Healthy Ageing Roadshow, spearheaded by TV personality Shelley Craft and Specialist General Practitioner Dr Lisa Beecham, successfully concluded its journey across northern NSW, leaving a lasting impact on the communities it visited. From 30th July to 1st August 2024, the roadshow made stops in Wauchope, Coffs Harbour, Maclean and Kyogle, delivering critical health education and resources to regional Australians.

This community-driven initiative, powered by GSK Australia and the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW, addressed the unique health challenges faced by regional populations. Attendees were engaged in discussions on age-related immunity decline, managing chronic conditions, the importance of nutrition and exercise, and effective communication with healthcare providers.

In Wauchope, the roadshow kicked off with an enthusiastic crowd at the Senior Citizens Centre, where locals expressed gratitude for the accessible health information. The following day, Coffs Harbour’s CWA Hall hosted a packed session, where attendees eagerly absorbed advice on ageing well.

Dr Lisa Beecham reflected on the events, saying,

“It’s been fantastic to hear the stories of the CWA members and the wider community, hear some of their health journeys and inspire them to take that preventative step of ageing well into the future.”

At the Maclean event, one CWA member shared her experience:

“I personally learnt how important the Mediterranean diet is - I might look into that a bit more. It’s been a wonderful experience not only for our CWA members but for other members of the public that are here as well.”

The roadshow’s final stop in Kyogle saw the community gather at the Kyogle Memorial Institute. Shelley Craft emphasised the roadshow’s core message:

“You’re never too young to start thinking about how you’re going to age well. But you’re also never too old to learn some new tricks of the trade and some tips that are going to help you along the way.”

Throughout the tour, the Healthy Ageing Roadshow empowered regional Australians with the knowledge and resources needed to embrace the ageing process with confidence and vitality. The overwhelming response from attendees underscores the importance of accessible health education in these communities. As Shelley Craft and Dr Beecham continue their advocacy for healthy ageing, the roadshow leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and ageing empowerment across northern NSW.