Today (Wednesday June 15^th) is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. To mark this important issue, a special event took place at the MCG yesterday.

Cricket star and media personality Max Walker AM umpired a rather unorthodox game of cricket, indeed calling “No Ball for Elder Abuse!” Also playing in this match were Tom Hafey (football’s “super coach”), Frank Vincent AOQC (former Supreme Court Judge) and Clint Mackay, a Victorian Bushranger and Australian Cricketer.

Why a cricket game?  Because we believe elder abuse remains “under the carpet” and it is time to raise awareness among all Australians about the social, health and economic implications of this growing issue.  Max Walker is aware of this and offered his time to help generate a focus on this issue with the broader public – how better than a cricket game, where no balls and other ‘rule-breaking’ are indeed called and penalised?

The official definition of Elder Abuse is abuse by someone in a position of trust, such as a family member or carer. Over the next 50 years the percentage of people aged 60 and over will double.  Based on current trends, the percentage of people with dementia will triple.  Sadly, we know that the incidence of elder abuse increases with both of these factors.

Eastern Community Legal Centre organised and hosted the event, in partnership with Seniors Rights Victoria. We encourage you to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in your agency and community, by wearing purple and promoting concern about elder abuse where you are.

For more information on responding to elder abuse in the Eastern region, please contact Kaz Mackay at Eastern CLC. In other areas, contact Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821

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