OLDER residents across the Myall Coast are being encouraged to have their say on MidCoast Council’s draft Community Wellbeing and Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2036.
The proposed 10-year plan incorporates the existing MidCoast Ageing Strategy, alongside initiatives supporting young people, Aboriginal communities and people living with disability.
With one of Australia’s oldest populations, the MidCoast faces particular challenges in ensuring seniors remain independent, connected and actively involved in community life.
For older residents, these everyday challenges can significantly affect quality of life.
Hawks Nest resident Judy Montgomery, 74, spoke about living in the community, what it meant to age on the Myall Coast, and how useful the Council initiative was likely to be for elderly people.
“I like the friendliness of the people here,” Ms Montgomery said.
“Being involved in the community gives me a purpose to get out of bed and keep going every day.”
Ms Montgomery was not as glowing about some points, such as access to some medical services.
“Recently, I was required to travel to East Maitland for a bone density [scan] and ultrasound,” Ms Montgomery said.
“If you can’t drive, it becomes a problem.
“However, there are community services to access a driver.
“There is a good ambulance service and the Westpac helicopter can have the elderly at the John Hunter Hospital in no time.”
Ms Montgomery said that there was one particular amenity she would love to see at Hawks Nest.
“I would like to see the swimming pool heated, to swim in during winter like they do at Raymond Terrace,” Ms Montgomery said.
“Many people here swim all year ‘round and I know many people who would like to.
“We could continue Aquafitness, which we do twice a week in the summer.
“It would be fantastic to be able to do it during the winter months.”
Ms Montgomery felt there were plenty of options for older residents who needed to leave their own homes.
“My mother lived the final five years of her life here, at Peter Sinclair Gardens,” Mrs Montogomery said.
Council hopes the consolidated approach will improve coordination, reduce duplication and strengthen community partnerships.
Residents can provide feedback until 16 November 2026 and help shape a plan intended to support ageing with dignity, independence and connection.
By Charlene RUSSOM
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