Local knitters and crocheters get behind elder abuse awareness

A group of local knitters and crocheters are raising awareness and understanding of elder abuse by creating part of a purple knitted 'road' through the state-wide Purple Road Project. 

Members of The Knitwits, who have weekly crafting sessions at the Mandurah Seniors Centre, have been busy making individual flowers to contribute to their patch of the ‘road’, symbolising the path towards a brighter, equitable and safer future for older people. 

The group, which formed in 2012, contributed to the project for the first time last year, making hundreds of flowers for the Purple Road. 

This year, The Knitwits have again made hundreds of flowers for the project, with each handmade flower telling a story of courage and perseverance and illustrating the challenges seniors face which can include several different forms of elder abuse.  

From humble beginnings in 2011, the Purple Road Project is now around 100m in length, stretching across communities as a testament to the strength and spirit of those it represents.

The collaborative artwork becomes larger and longer each year with many symbolic flowers advocating for the protection of older people’s rights. 

The Knitwits group and Mayor Caroline Knight. PIC: Supplied 

Annually on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), sections of Purple Road from across the State join to represent resilience and solidarity and are often put on display to help spread awareness and understanding of elder abuse. 

Mandurah’s Purple Road artwork will be displayed at the City’s Administration Building (June 16 – 20) and the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (June 23 – 27) for the community to enjoy. 

Mayor Caroline Knight congratulated The Knitwits for their dedication towards helping to raise awareness in the community for an important issue. 

“Older people have the right to feel safe, valued and respected, and this project is a really meaningful way we can stand together against mistreatment of older people,” Mayor Knight said.  

“With more than 32 percent of our city’s population aged 55 and above, we want to ensure Mandurah is a safe, connected, and inclusive community for older adults. We’re in the process of applying for membership to the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities through the World Health Organisation, which will help us to develop an Age-Friendly Strategy. It’s important for us to create the most inclusive and supportive environment possible.” 

The Mandurah Seniors Centre is hosting an afternoon tea on Tuesday, June 10 (1pm - 2.30pm) to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Head along for an afternoon of connection and create a felt flower to add to the Purple Road display.

Bookings are essential via seniors@mandurah.wa.gov.au or call 9550 3799.