Migrant seniors show up and step up

More than one hundred seniors from migrant and refugee backgrounds were put through their paces in Blacktown’s Bowman Hall.

The ‘Stepping On’ falls prevention exercise was part of the inaugural Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Seniors Health Expo for Migrant and Refugee Communities, which coincided with April Falls Day.

More than 20 health service providers addressed topics ranging from diabetes and oral health to breast cancer screening, with interpreters available for Arabic, Turkish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Dari and Nepalese speakers.

The focus was on connecting people with community aged care, to help people remain at home healthy and well for longer.

“The event was an amazing success and showed there is a big demand for health information among people from diverse cultural backgrounds,” Priority Population program lead Jo Fuller said.

“It could not have happened without our partnership with Blacktown City Council and SydWest Multicultural Services. I’m very proud of the team who delivered such an engaging and well-received event.”

Lunch was provided by Blacktown Meals on Wheels, which accommodated for vegetarian and halal options.

The initiative was led by multicultural access project officer Sora Machida, with support from the WSLHD Multicultural Health Service team, in order to inform migrant and refugee communities about local health services.

WSLHD services one of the most culturally diverse regions in Australia, where nearly half of residents were born overseas and more than half speak a language other than English at home.

Discussions are now in place to hold another Seniors Health Expo for Migrant and Refugee Communities in Blacktown and one in Auburn, as well as a carers expo.