Throughout his tenure, Mr Mansour had been responsible for providing independent advice and advocacy to the Victorian Government on issues relevant to senior Victorians. As an independent public voice, he had also been committed to educating the community on seniors’ issues including prevention of elder abuse, actively promoting the positive contribution of seniors and encouraging seniors to fully participate in our community.
Among Mr Mansour’s achievements has been the launch of the ‘Ageing well in a changing world’ report in 2020, being appointed as Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, Deputy Chair of the Elder Abuse and Safeguarding Advisory Group, and Chair for the Ministerial appointed Senior Victorians Advisory Group.
Gerard Mansour addressed the club as a retired CEO and Commissioner for the Aged, stating that as we grow older, we can still innovate. He sees eye-to-eye with a friend who is not looking forward to retiring, but to repurposing.
He feels the whole narrative of growing older is remembering we still have something to offer, and that we are still valued members of society. We can try new things, innovate, and explore new areas.
He described how he gave awards as Commissioner to a group who learned Zoom for the first time. All 20 had no technical experience, but all graduated at end. All were over 80, none with English as their first language.
We should never underestimate own ability - if others can do it, so can we.
He stressed the importance of social and family connections, noting how during the Covid lockdown, people nodded and greeted each other when allowed out for an hour.
There are many disconnected people: though children of migrants are learning Australian ways, their parents have no ageing experience. They can easily become disconnected from life
Gerard asked at one meeting of sixty seniors: “How many of you have a Seniors card?” Only one had heard of it. So they arranged to get cards for them ali. They were very happy at his next visit.
There are multiple organisations countering elder abuse, as this is widespread.
Now retired he embraces the thought: “Never stop exploring”: he is now committed to exploring countries and to read more books about life, history, and novels.
He is now President of Winteringham, an Australian not-for-profit welfare organisation specialising in the housing, support and care of older people who are experiencing or vulnerable to homelessness. The team of over 1000 employees currently deliver services in Victoria and Tasmania.
They also provide support coordination, assistance with daily activities and community access (core services – for day-to-day support, such as personal care, transport and community activities) to people aged over 50 years who have been assessed by the NDIS as eligible to receive services.
Questions elicited a comment about men waiting to be admitted to Ozenam House. When asked what to do about loneliness and homelessness, a colleague had come up with the answer: “When you get older, have a daughter!”
Gerard’s talk showed his concern for people who had fallen on hard times: (1 in 10 who had experienced some elder abuse) and homelessness. He was generous in his praise to Rotary for supporting the elderly and needy.
Dorothy Gilmour thanked him for thought-provoking talk.