ISWA Senior Wing

ISWA Seniors Wing

Empowering Seniors, Enriching Lives

The ISWA Seniors Wing is dedicated to supporting seniors of Indian origin in Western Australia, ensuring they lead fulfilling and dignified lives with a sense of purpose. Through a series of educational programs, welfare initiatives, and social engagement activities, we foster a community of connection, support, and cultural integration. Under the leadership of Coordinators Dr. Renu Sharma and Dr. Divya Sharma, along with the ISWA Management Committee, we work tirelessly to enhance the wellbeing of seniors and create a sense of belonging within the broader community.

ISWA Seniors Wing Objectives

Our mission is clear: to support, enable, and empower seniors of Indian origin by promoting their welfare and fostering community cohesion. Here’s what we aim to achieve:

• Support & Empowerment: Assist seniors in navigating their lives, ensuring they have the resources and support needed for a fulfilling lifestyle.
• Senior Welfare Initiatives: Promote welfare programs that address the needs and challenges seniors face.
• Access to Information: Provide valuable information on services available from both state and federal governments, ensuring seniors are informed about their rights and resources.
• Social & Cultural Integration: Facilitate cultural networking and encourage integration into the broader Western Australian community.
• Educational & Awareness Programs: Organize programs aimed at empowering seniors through education and increasing awareness about important issues that impact them.
• Meaningful & Dignified Lives: Help seniors live with purpose, ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and valued.

ISWA Seniors Activities Organised in 2024

In 2024, the ISWA Seniors Wing organized a range of impactful activities and workshops, catering to the diverse needs of our senior community. These events were designed to provide education, raise awareness, and connect seniors with valuable resources.

1. Elders Rights Workshop – 28 June 2024

Collaborators: Umbrella, Elders Rights WA, Legal Aid
The Elders Rights workshop, held in June 2024, was attended by 30 participants, including 20 women and 10 men, mostly aged 50+ years. This session was facilitated by Ms. Kristen Soon from Umbrella, with Dr. Renu Sharma providing Hindi translations for the session. The workshop engaged participants in discussions about elder rights and abuse, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community. Many participants, who were caregivers to both seniors and grandchildren, shared their personal experiences and values, highlighting the crucial role they play in their families. The feedback from the workshop will guide future initiatives to address CALD issues related to elder care and rights.

2. Stroke Safe Talk – 15 November 2024

Collaborators: Stroke Foundation
In collaboration with the Stroke Foundation, ISWA hosted a Stroke Safe Talk for over 80 seniors. Mr. Avinash Swami from the Stroke Foundation presented essential information on stroke prevention and the role of a healthy lifestyle in reducing stroke risks. Dr. Shweta Reddy, a member of the ISWA Management Committee, played an instrumental role in liaising with the foundation to organize this interactive and informative session. Attendees were provided with valuable resources, and the workshop was met with enthusiastic feedback. Dr. Renu Sharma extended gratitude to Mr. Swami and Ms. Nicola Browning from the Stroke Foundation for their support.

3. COTA WA Seniors Week Brunch – 10 November 2024

Funded by: Department of Communities WA, COTA, and Lotterywest
The WA Seniors Week brunch, held in November, brought together over 150 attendees in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Funded by Department of Communities WA, COTA, and Lotterywest, the event featured expert panel discussions, personal stories from seniors, and intergenerational dialogues between grandparents and grandchildren. Some highlights of the program included:

• Expert Panel Discussions on Health and Wellbeing: Seniors learned valuable insights into maintaining good health, staying active, and adopting mindful practices such as yoga.
• Seniors’ Stories and Strategies: Panelists shared personal journeys, tips for navigating post-work life, and strategies for overcoming challenges.
• Community Connection Opportunities: The event introduced attendees to culturally appropriate services available to Indian seniors, highlighting opportunities for staying socially engaged.
• Cultural Activity: A traditional Qawwali performance was delivered by seniors, adding a cultural touch to the event.
  The brunch featured a delicious Indian vegetarian menu, which was warmly received by all attendees. The day ended on a high note with a strong sense of community and cultural pride.

Get Involved with ISWA Seniors Wing

The ISWA Seniors Wing is more than just a program—it’s a community built on connection, support, and empowerment. By joining our activities, seniors can benefit from educational programs, social events, health resources, and much more. Whether you’re looking for ways to stay engaged or seeking support and information, ISWA Seniors Wing is here to help.

📩 Contact Us

• Email: Renu.sharma@iswa-perth.org,vicepresident@iswa-perth.org
• Follow Us on Social Media: ISWA Facebook Page

Let’s work together to ensure that our senior community enjoys a fulfilling and dignified life.