Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention Network

The Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network supports a network of organisations across the legal, local government, health, aged care and community safety sector to work together to raise awareness and increase capacity to address elder abuse in our region.

The BEAPP Network is supported by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

The BEAPP Network aims to:

• explore the causes of elder abuse and work on inclusive activities aimed to change social attitudes to prevent elder abuse and violence against older people
• conduct activities with older people in order to raise awareness of elder abuse and where to get help
• build capacity of service providers to identify and respond to suspected elder abuse including developing referral pathways.

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual.

Background to Elder Abuse Prevention Networks

As part of the response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Victorian Government funds eight Elder Abuse Prevention Networks (EAPNs) across Victoria to explore how to prevent elder abuse before it occurs. We acknowledge the funding support of the Victorian Government to allow us to continue this work.

The Changing Mind & Positive Ageing Expo 2025

In its second year, the expo attracted a large crowd to Club Italia to find out about local services, celebrate positive ageing and connect with community. Highlights included being able to talk to support services and hear from experts on ageing, ageism and dementia. Check out our photo gallery from The Changing Mind & Positive Ageing Expo 2025.

A Life Encyclopedia – I am, I can, I do – Intergenerational Storybook Project

This innovative book is part of the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network’s commitment to building a community where people of all ages are treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. BEAPP’s work is to challenge ageism and foster meaningful connections across generations.

Local author Sally Wilson and illustrators Ruby Lord and Samantha Farnsworth, the creative trio behind the book, have done an amazing bringing the story to life.

Through storytelling, we are inviting children and families to see older people not as stereotypes, but as vibrant, capable, and deeply valued members of our community. This intergenerational storybook celebrates creativity, connection, and the richness of relationships across ages.

At its centre is a bold, rebellious older woman who refuses to be boxed in. She’s lively, curious, and unapologetically herself – a joyful reminder that ageing doesn’t mean fading away. Her adventures, set across the Barwon region, are brought to life through playful giraffes, Australian wildlife, and whimsical illustrations created by two talented young women from our community.

This book is more than a story; it’s a tool for social change. It will help spark conversations about ageing, challenge limiting beliefs, and encourage children to see older people as individuals with stories, wisdom, and spirit.

Ageism is one of the most persistent barriers to ageing well. This storybook is a powerful tool to challenge stereotypes early and shows how older people live with purpose, joy, and vitality. It can play an important part in creating cultural change to ensure older people are respected and supported.

This book has the potential to build a bridge between generations. To help create positive attitudes, a conversation guide will be developed to help understand the book’s themes and support all readers – adults, parents, librarians, facilitators – to spark meaningful intergenerational discussion with children.

You can read about the launch of A Life Encyclopedia – I am, I can, I do here.

Elder Abuse Action Australia also published an article to highlight our positive project – New kids’ book challenges ageism, celebrates connection – Compass