Better health and ageing for all Australians

Ambassador for Ageing

Information about the Ambassador for Ageing position.

In this section:

Photo of Noeline BrownOver the next few decades Australia’s population will change dramatically. There will be a greater number of older Australians than at any other time in our history, and people will live longer than ever before.

The Australian Government understands the importance of having a growing ageing population that is healthy and active, and they have been planning for the increased numbers of older people by developing a range of initiatives aimed at creating an active and socially engaged older population.

In April 2008, well known and much loved Australian, Noeline Brown was appointed as Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing. Ms Brown, who is a media personality, active community member and an Australia Day Ambassador, was reappointed as Ambassador for Ageing in 2011 for a second three year term.

The Australian Government established the Ambassador for Ageing Program to encourage respect for older Australians and to promote healthy active ageing.

As the Ambassador for Ageing, Ms Brown is involved in a range of activities and events within the community that meet the objectives of the program.

The range of functions and responsibilities of the Ambassador role include:

      • promoting recognised principles of positive and active ageing;
      • promoting healthy and active ageing messages within the community;
      • leading promotional activities to ensure our communities value and respect older people;
      • spokesperson for respecting and recognising the continuing contribution made by older people to our nation;
      • increasing awareness about Government programs and initiatives to the public including assisting older people to be aware of programs and how to access them;
      • encouraging older people to plan for the future;
      • representing the Australian Government at conferences, meetings and media engagements; and
      • attend meetings with key Commonwealth, State and local government stakeholders on positive ageing issues.
To arrange an interview/event with Ms Brown, please contact:
Toni McLennan, Public Affairs, Department of Health and Ageing, phone: 0402 674 457.

Conversations on Ageing with Federal Minister for Ageing Mark Butler – Deception Bay, QLD - 10 November

Noeline was invited by the Federal Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, to attend his Conversations on Ageing event in Deception Bay, Queensland, on 10 November.

Minister Butler has been travelling around the country engaging with the older community to find out what their needs are as the population ages and people are living longer.

"What a wonderful opportunity for older people to meet with Minister Butler to discuss the issues of concern to them. We all know the population is ageing and what better way to meet the needs of older Australians than by asking them what is important to them as they age," Noeline said.

"The participants at the forum asked some really important questions and I'm sure Minister Butler will take on board all the issues raised. We are lucky to have someone like Mark Butler as Minister for Ageing because he understands the challenges of an ageing population and he is someone who is genuinely interested in the needs and aspirations of older Australians."

Minister Butler and Noeline












Minister Butler and Noeline