A new wave for Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

Published on 01 April 2025

Anglesea resident Harry Wendt’s care and compassion for the community will hold him in good stead as a new member of Surf Coast Shire Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Committee (PAAC).

Council has appointed Harry, Lorne’s Joy Dwyer, and Torquay’s Keri Jones and Kathryn Williamson to the PAAC for a three-year term.

Outgoing committee members Ian Burgess, Elizabeth Gustus, Magdalena Wheatland and Kristin McDonald were acknowledged and thanked by Council at the March Council meeting.

Harry is eager to start with the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee, which provides Council with advice and direction to help to foster an age friendly community.

Harry's path to retirement

“We moved here in Christmas 2006, after living in Latrobe Valley and being part-owners of a group of pharmacies there,” he said.

“I know the coast from Anglesea to Lorne pretty well, from when I used to come here surfing since my teen years.

“The retirement plan was always to come down here and settle in to the community.

“When we first came, before we hung up the boots, we worked at Geelong Hospital: my wife Marilyn in oncology and I worked in pharmacy.

“Because of our background in the health industry, I’ve always cared about peoples’ wellbeing and caring for the community.

“My general purpose is to make peoples’ lives as good as they can be.”

Contributing to the community 

Harry will be able to help fulfill his purpose as a PAAC member. The appointment adds to a list of community contributions he’s made since moving to the Surf Coast.

“We got involved in the historical society, and I’d go to the men’s shed, and we were involved with the church,” he said. “I was also at the Lions for a period of time.

“Now I’ve been retired for a little bit, I can see the types of issues that might come up for people, thinking about ‘how can they go shopping?’ or ‘how can they do this?’ or ‘how can they do that?’.

“When I saw the email saying there were a couple of spots vacant (on the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee), I thought I’d put my hand up and see if I can help.”

Cr Tony Phelps welcomed the four new committee members

“It’s so good to see locals who are willing to share their knowledge and passion to help make the Surf Coast an age friendly community, where older people are valued, respected and actively supported to participate in their community,” Cr Phelps said.

“I would like to thank outgoing members Ian, Elizabeth, Magdalena and Kristin for their invaluable contributions over the past few years.”

A vacancy remains for a committee member from Aireys Inlet, with interested applicants encouraged to call 5261 0600 or visit the Positive Ageing Advisory Committee page.

Council is supporting numerous upcoming events and activities for older people. It includes a Wiser Walker Wiser Traveller course, Time to Thrive Dance, and Autumn Afternoon Tea Dance at Kithbrooke Park. For details, please call 5261 0600 to speak to Council’s Age Friendly Officer.