Specialist geriatrician Associate Professor Peter Gonski, a well-known advocate for the proactive management of health and ageing, has become an Ambassador for community transport organisation Activus.
He has joined forces with Activus to raise awareness of the importance of accessible community transport in improving integrated care outcomes.
The number of Sutherland Shire residents aged 70 years and over is projected to increase by 69 percent during the next two decades, so the need for district transport services that promote socialisation and freedom of movement will expand rapidly.
In welcoming Associate Professor Gonski, Activus General Manager Greg Stanger said, “We welcome Peter’s involvement with the organisation and look forward to working with him to increase both awareness and understanding of the crucial role that community transport plays in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local community”.
Associate Professor Gonski notes that his acceptance of the Ambassador role underpins his belief that “affordable community transport plays a crucial role in supporting positive health and ageing outcomes”. As someone who works directly with many Sutherland Shire families, he knows firsthand the hurdles that many people face in ensuring they can access health assessments and social activities independently as they age.
Associate Professor Gonski’s appointment as Activus Ambassador also follows the launch of the new Rapid Assessment, Diagnosis and Intervention Unit Sutherland (RADIUS) at Sutherland Hospital earlier this year.