Quick exit
On Friday 24 October this year, the Barwon region came together for the Changing Minds & Positive Ageing Expo 2025, an event that continues to make a powerful statement about positive ageing and community connection.
Celebration of connection, inclusion and empowerment
Hosted by the Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network in partnership with the Dementia Agency Network Geelong and the Barwon Community Legal Service (BCLS), this second annual expo attracted more than 120 attendees to Club Italia in Moolap during Victorian Seniors Festival Month. The free event provided a vibrant space for older people, carers, and service providers to connect, learn, and celebrate ageing.
BCLS CEO Bryanna Connell said the event focused on empowering older people with knowledge, support, and connections to age with confidence and dignity, while remaining safe and supported within the community.
“The Expo showcased almost 40 local service providers and community groups, giving residents access to practical tools, resources, and advice across a wide range of topics,” Ms Connell said.
“Attendees were eager to learn about the latest dementia research, explore how language shapes our views on ageing, and useful strategies to combat ageism.
“The Expo helped strengthen our community by making local services more accessible through in-person contact and having access to experts.”
The collaborative nature of the Expo was highlighted by keynote addresses from Dr Alastair Mander and Dr Lisa Mitchell, and an interactive panel featuring representatives from the National Ageing Research Institute, Better Place Australia, Elder Rights Australia, and BCLS.
Local MPs, including Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker, showed their support for the positive ageing initiative and the ongoing primary prevention work of BEAPP.
Breaking down barriers to challenge ageism
Post-event surveys from attendees revealed the Expo’s impact:
- More than 80% of attendees reported a better understanding of elder abuse.
- More than 80% gained an increased understanding of ageism, a key driver of elder abuse.
When surveyed, stallholders also reported strong outcomes:
- 100% said attending was worthwhile for their organisation.
- Reponses highlighted high value from engagement with community members, and networking with other services and organisations.
Looking ahead
Building on the momentum of this year’s success, planning for the third Expo in 2026 will begin early next year, with a focus on expanding reach and engagement and inspiring action at the community and individual level.
Key outcomes
- 120+ attendees.
- 38 stalls with 80–90 stallholders.
- More than 80% increase in awareness of elder abuse and ageism as a driver for elder abuse.
- Attendees reported feeling empowered to support family members at-risk or experiencing elder abuse.
- Engagement with community members was the highest value for stallholders.
Visit our photo gallery to see all the expo highlights and strong community connection.
