Better Place Australia

25/11/2025

Today is Economic Abuse Awareness Day, established by Centre for Women's Economic Safety, in which we call for both the acknowledgment and action necessary to combat domestic economic abuse.

If you, or somebody you know, is experiencing domestic economic abuse, you can find support and resources at: https://www.financialfirstaid.org.au/

Additionally, if you're an organisation, we strongly urge you to read the CWES guide to Supporting Economic Safety, so you can learn how to use your resources to provide support to those experiencing economic domestic abuse.
https://cwes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Guide-Support-My-Economic-Safety.pdf

Economic abuse is a common form of intimate partner violence impacting 16% of women and 7% of men [Data source: ABS]. Despite this, the majority of more than 350 recommendations made to government have not been implemented.

To read more about these recommendations, visithttps://cwes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CWES-Progress-Review-Government-Action-on-Economic-Abuse.pdf

29/10/2025

Communities that call in and call out help challenge ageism with honesty and compassion.

We may not always know the difference and which approach is best.

Learn about calling in and calling out ageism and when to use each approach.

📣 Use our Guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism
📱 Scan the QR code at the end to download the Guide

22/10/2025

Be part of a community that takes action to address ageism.

Sometimes we don’t know there are different ways to respond.

When we know what to say and do, we can confidently respond in positive and respectful ways. Or we can always ask for help.

You can make a difference:
📣 Use the Guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism
📱 Scan the QR code at the end to download the Guide

22/10/2025

BPA’s Rhonda Withers has been working with Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, City of Greater Dandenong, SECASA and Windemere on The Stronger Together partnership.

This partnership tackles all forms of elder abuse, exploitation and mistreatment, which goes significantly unreported and misunderstood. Ageism and a sense of entitlement has become entrenched, when our seniors are our trailblazers, with life experiences, drive and resilience to share.

Sometimes the work that we do, stories we hear, and connections made, transcends another social media post or clever anecdote to share. But the conversations we need to have, the actions required around reducing harm and empowering some of our most vulnerable community members, is urgent.

Last Thursday, a Better Place Australia Victim Survivor spoke in his own words, from a place of so much trauma to today, as a champion for change. For all the failings of the system, there are real heroes, from police, advocate and practitioner (Liz Wahr), that have come on that journey with him and with so much wrap around support, empathy and leadership.

21/10/2025

October 19-25 is Hidden Disabilities Week, in which we acknowledge the estimated 3.5 million Australians living with conditions or chronic illnesses that are not immediately visible to the naked eye.

This week, we strongly urge you to:
- Learn about the challenges and misconceptions that people with invisible disabilities face
- Reflect on your allyship, and consider what you can do to practice your advocacy
- Listen to people in your life with disabilities so that you can offer meaningful support that addresses their needs
- Put pillars in place so that you can continue your advocacy and education long after the end of this week, as people experiencing invisible disabilities deserve dignity, empathy and respect always

Resources:
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/understanding-invisible-disabilities/
https://hdsunflower.com/au/
https://www.invisibledisabilities.com.au/

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻

Around 80–85% of people with a disability have one that isn’t visible. These include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible — but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in making everyone feel seen and supported.

Image description: A green graphic with sunflower design promoting Invisible Disabilities Week, 19th–25th October. It features a Sunflower lanyard, a person icon with a sunflower, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo.

16/10/2025

Today, Better Place Australia joined Victoria Police and Elder Rights Advocacy in attending the Stronger Together Community Forum that aimed to inform Older People of their rights, as well as provide information, support and resources concerning safety and responding to Elder Abuse.

One of the speakers was Ron, who demonstrated incredible strength and bravery as he recounted his experience of Elder Abuse. He and Better Place's Rhonda Withers created a safe and comprehensive learning environment for all who attended.

We would like to thank Ron, Rhonda, Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia and City of Greater Dandenong for their efforts to realise this event. This event will be covered further by Channel Nine as well.

15/10/2025

Be part of a society that steps in and plays a powerful role to address ageism.

Sometimes we don’t know how to respond and stepping in can take practice.

When we are an active bystander, we can support people and their rights and create a culture where every age is celebrated.

Scan the QR code to download the Guide.

13/10/2025

At Better Place Australia, we believe in community and being stronger together.

That is why we are joining with other community organisations including Victoria Police, Elder Rights Australia, City of Greater Dandenong, Windermere and the Department of Government Services to inform you on your rights in:
• Aged Care
• Recognising and Reporting Elder Abuse
• Victim Support
• How to Protect Yourself Against Scams and Enhance Your Cyber Safety

Join us on Thursday, 16th of October (10am to 2pm) at Springvale City Hall (18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale), and stay empowered and informed about free services and support.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/10/2025

Be part of a society that respects, values and celebrates everyone at every age.

Workplace ageism is often unseen and accepted, and many people don’t see how it affects others.

Today is Ageism Awareness Day - let’s change the conversation.
Use this guide to speak up when you see or hear ageism.

Scan the QR code to download the Guide.

08/10/2025

Today is International Le***an Day!

This day marks an dedicated occasion for le****ns worldwide to celebrate their history, culture, and diversity, and to foster community and awareness. Additionally, it offers a chance for le****ns, allies, and supporters to connect, support le***an-focused charities, and acknowledge the resilience and contributions of the le***an community.

For those of you who are allies, take the opportunity to connect with your loved ones that are members of this community. Give them a safe space to tell their stories and give them the support they deserve.

For more about Better Place Australia's initiative to provide support to those in the LGBTQIA+ community, check out Better Pride at: https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/better-pride/

***anday ***anpride

01/10/2025

Today is International Day of Older Persons, a day observed by the United Nations as one in which we recognise and celebrate the transformative role that older persons play in our society.

This year's theme is "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights". UN Secretary-General António Guterres states "As this year’s theme reminds us, older persons are powerful agents of change. Their voices must be heard in shaping policies, ending age-discrimination, and building inclusive societies."

We couldn't agree more. Read more about today and its significance at https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day

United Nations

11/09/2025

Following up from World Su***de Prevention Day, today is R U OK? day. Today, we examine the importance of conversation for those that are feeling vulnerable and need support.

Whether it's with your family, friends, coworkers or any other important people in your life, we recommend that you start with the simple question of "Are You Okay?" and see where the conversation goes. Even the slightest check-in can make a person's day in a meaningful way.

And, if you're experiencing hardships, please reach out; whether it's to a loved one, or to an organisation whose services can help. A burden shared is a burdened lessened.

Learn more at http://www.ruok.org.au/