Recognised by the Commonwealth Government of Australia as the official non-government focal point working towards the International Year of Older Persons 1999;

Established strong cohesive non-government partnerships representing a wide cross-section of organisations with an interest in ageing;

Drawn to the attention of non-government organisations in both the not-for-profit and, to a lesser extent, the for-profit sector, the need to involve older people in planning for 1999 and beyond;

Gained the clear commitment of national consumer groups, service providers, academic institutions, professional associations and commercial organisations to work towards achieving a successful International Year of Older Persons;

Forged the initial proposal in 1995 for an Australian International Year coin and stamp which is now being followed through by appropriate Government departments, with the stamp being released in 1999.

Motivated organisations to accept the Principles of the UN in promoting independence, participation, self-fulfillment, care and dignity for older people in an Australia for all ages;

Initiated the planning for 1999 at state level through the establishment of AC'99's in each state and territory, which now includes more than 800 partners forging ahead;

Developed connections with relevant international NGOs including Coalition '99 (American Association of Retired Persons, USA) International Federation on Ageing, HelpAge International and World Health Organisation, the UN Division for Social Policy & Development in New York, and the UN Asia & Pacific Region office;

Obtained the support of Council on the Ageing (Australia) and COTA at state levels throughout Australia to provide the legislative, administrative and financial underpinning of AC'99 Secretariats.

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