AC99 - IYOP Information

	International Year of Older Persons Information Australian Coalition '99

WHAT IS AUSTRALIAN COALITION '99?

The General Assembly of the United Nations, in assigning 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons, has drawn attention to the need to view ageing as a lifelong, positive process. The Principles of the United Nations are independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity. Countries around the world are encouraged to promote "A Society for All Ages in 1999".

Australian Coalition '99 was formally established in 1995 as part of the international network of Coalition '99, set up by American Association of Retired Persons. Australian Coalition '99 has become the major international linkage for the Australian non-Government involvement in the Year.

The aim of Australian Coalition '99 is to create linkages between the media, business, arts, rural and community sectors with a view to working on a united front towards creating an age-friendly society.

The coalition is facilitated by the National Coordinating Committee and AC'99 State & Territory Committees, and comprises a network of National and State Based Partners and Mentors. Organisations interested in becoming involved can refer to how to get involved.

Government liaison is an important part of planning for 1999. Australian Coalition '99 liaises closely with the Commonwealth Department of of Health and Aged Care's Office for Older Australians. The Healthy Ageing Taskforce is a collective of state and territory jurisdictions and is also planning for a successful IYOP.

At national and state/territory levels, Council on the Ageing provides the auspice for Australian Coalition '99 including legal, administrative and financial underpinning.