Flagbearer for healthy ageing

The Older Women's Network (NSW)
Indomitable. Engaged. Active.

As a volunteer in her early nineties, Cate Turner is a flag bearer for healthy ageing.

She knows from experience what it's like to rely on the aged pension as a result of what she feels is wage discrimination, and interrupting her career to care for her parents.

"This made me aware of the financial vulnerability of older women and motivated me to get active in doing something about it."

Cate has been an enthusiastic member of The Older Women's Network (OWN) since 1994 after retiring from a career in human resources.

She is an office-bearer on all three levels of OWN; local, state and national. Her work includes dementia support and OWN's Aboriginal Support Circle.

Cate is also a member of the Lane Cove Council's Age-Friendly Committee and helps develop strategies for older people in her community.

Cate was the first woman president of the Sydney Lions Club and organises the annual centenarians event at Government House.

"In my long life, I have realised the best way to deal with personal adversity is to get active and campaign for change. I consider myself a fortunate person and find working on improving the lives of others is what keeps me going," Cate says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Older Women's Network will use the grant to upgrade its computer and communications systems.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here