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WHAT?
The Rotary Falls Prevention Project wants to share a very important health message: falls can be prevented and here’s how!
 
In 2026, the project will invite Rotary Clubs to share evidence-based, everyday actions with their local communities - from balance and strength exercises to removing trip hazards - and call upon Members of Parliament for a mass media campaign on falls prevention.
 
We want to help get falls prevention into the national consciousness as much as road safety and sun protection.
 
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WHY?
Globally, falls are a daily tragedy but don’t get significant attention.
 
We have ageing populations.
 
A fall can be terrible for an older person, with a domino effect on family and the community.
 
  • Currently, 1 in 3 people aged 65 and over have a fall one or more times a year.
  • Every day in Australia, 400 people aged 65 and over, are admitted to hospital due to a fall.
  • Falls are the most common reason for unplanned admission into an aged care facility.
     
There is currently no coordinated health promotion for falls prevention as there is for many other issues.
 
The research however is clear – falls can be prevented.
 
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HOW?
The Rotary Falls Prevention project will call upon Clubs to - 
 
  1. Be involved in a falls prevention MP’s Campaign - this will be a coordinated effort to contact State & Federal Members of Parliament, advocating for a national mass media campaign.
     
  2. Host an advocacy event - this is an event with community leaders and media to raise awareness of falls prevention. It could be held at a Rotary meeting.
     
  3. Host a community awareness table - this includes a display of falls prevention products, promotional material and a balance check. It can include health professionals to share their expertise.
     
A WEBSITE and PROJECT KIT are being developed to provide a step-by-step guide and tools to assist Clubs to run the project locally, including promotional material, template emails, media, videos, etc.
 
SUPPORT for the project has been received from some world-leading organisations
 
Co-ordinated by the Rotary Clubs of Lismore West and Lismore Networking, the Rotary falls prevention project will be launched in 2026.  For more information, contact Rotaryfallsprevention@gmail.com.
 
In the meantime, here's what YOU can do to stay on your feet -
 
•     Do balance and strength exercises
•     Remove trip hazards in and around your home
•     Get falls prevention aids like nightlights and grab rails
•     Look after your nutrition
•     Wear safe shoes and look after your feet
•     Have a medication review (some medication can make you a falls risk) and check your Vitamin D
•     Check your eyesight and hearing