MEDIA NOTIFICATION: Culture and Spirituality in Ageing Migrant Communities Forum
ATTENTION: AGEING, SOCIAL WELFARE, RELIGION, MULTICULTURAL MEDIA
Date: Friday 12 June 9am-3pm,Monash University, level 7, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne
Conference theme: Understanding and meeting the spiritual needs of our culturally and linguistically
diverse aged community
Background: While the Australian population as a whole is ageing, the migrant population is ageing
even more rapidly. In less than two years more than 23% of Australians aged 65 and over, and one in
every five people aged 80 and over will be from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.
This forum will assist aged care services, and pastoral and spiritual leaders, to understand and help
elderly people in their search for life meaning, hopes, beliefs, identity and connectedness.
Speakers will explore the role of spirituality and religion in the ageing migrant communities. Practical
models that have successfully implemented culturally inclusive initiatives will be highlighted.
Keynote speakers and topics include:
Professor Emeritus Gary Bouma – Emeritus Professor of Sociology, School of Political and
Social Enquiry, Monash University
Themes: - overview of cultural and religious diversity in Australia
- role of spirituality in the ageing process
- managing religious diversity in the aged care sector diversity in Australia
Bruce Rumbold – School of Public Health, La Trobe University
Themes: - spirituality and pastoral care within a multicultural community
- spiritual assessment in health care practice
- the role of spiritual/pastoral care in palliative care
Archpriest Dr. Michael Protopopov OA, Deputy President Melbourne Institute of
Orthodox Christian Studies
Themes:- spirituality of the Russian Orthodox elderly in aged care settings
- meeting the spiritual needs of the elder people in community and residential care
- issues arising for small and emerging communities in accessing the aged care sector
Mr Ephraim Finch – Executive Director, Melbourne Chevra Kadisha
Themes: Jewish foundational beliefs, values, cultural expectations and perspectives on ageing, death
and dying
-culturally sensitive practice and ethics from the Jewish perspective
-reflections on spirituality in facilitating life and work
Ms Diana Cousens - Former Vice Chair Buddhist Council of Victoria, PhD Candidate
– Himalayan Studies, Monash University
Themes: - overview of Buddhism in Australia and the impact of cultural diversity on customary
practices
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- Buddhist foundational beliefs, values, cultural expectations and perspectives on ageing,
death and dying
- culturally sensitive practice and ethics in palliative care from the Buddhist perspective
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negotiating appropriate care with individuals and their families
Mr Paul Zammit - Coordinator Pastoral Care, Benetas
Themes: - different models and approaches to pastoral care within a multicultural aged care setting
Contact: Megan Stoyles on 0408 147 829 for media interviews, conference and speaker details.
The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing is supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
through the Community Partners Program and the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care initiatives.
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