As our population ages, more residents are needing to work for longer. That’s why the IRT Foundation and the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to launch Penrith’s first career check-up expo for mature aged locals.
Minister for Ageing and Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies joined Minister for Western Sydney and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres to officially launch the program last week.
The Expo will be held at Penrith Panthers on Wednesday, February 20 thanks to funding from the State Government.
IRT Foundation Manager, Toby Dawson, said the Expo will be a one-stop-shop for people aged over 45 who are looking for advice on career planning, education and training, financial planning and job seeking services.
“If we enable western Sydney’s over 50s to work for longer, the region can benefit from a large group of older workers who still have much to offer the growing western Sydney economy,” he said.
“This in turn can lead to an improvement in wellbeing, as research clearly shows that flexible and fulfilling work can enhance our quality of life as we age.”
Mrs Davies said that by 2031, one in three people in NSW will be aged 50 or over.
“The key is ensuring we manage the challenges and maximise the opportunities being created by the ageing population, and for many this includes having the opportunity to continue to work or to re-enter the workforce,” she said.
Mr Ayres said this was a great way to ensure mature workers are given a fair go in the community.
“Older people still have so much to give and bring a wealth of experience into their careers, and the NSW Government is committed to tackling ageist attitudes by working with the business community to remove barriers to continued participation among older workers,” he said.
Attendance for mature workers is free.
Visit www.irtfoundation.org.au.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.
