Falls Prevention Alliance Australia

Rotary’s Regionalisation Pilot is proving its power to connect and amplify impact across Australia, with the launch of the Falls Prevention Alliance Australia serving as a standout example.

Falls Among Older Adults: The Silent Daily Crisis

Every day, countless older adults suffer a fall — an event that too often goes unnoticed by the wider community. For people aged 65 and over, the risk is significant and growing. In Australia alone, one in three older adults experiences a fall each year. Even more alarming, every 2.5 minutes an older person presents to an emergency department because of a fall.

The consequences ripple far beyond the individual — they affect families, communities, and the healthcare system. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in this age group and a major reason for unplanned admissions to aged care.

Despite the clear evidence, public health action on falls prevention remains inadequate. The result? An avoidable epidemic causing enormous social and economic costs.

The Good News: Falls Can Be Prevented

The science is clear — many falls are preventable. Just as campaigns for seatbelt use or sun safety have saved lives, simple, proven strategies can make a difference:

  • Strength and balance exercises

  • Safer home environments (good lighting, removing trip hazards)

  • Community awareness and education

Experts believe that with the right investment, including a mass media campaign, a third of falls could be prevented within 12 months. That’s a huge potential win for public health.

Why This Matters

By supporting this initiative, Rotary Clubs can:

  • Help save lives and reduce suffering

  • Significantly cut health costs

  • Strengthen Rotary’s networks in the public health and community sectors

  • Build on Rotary’s legacy of leadership in public health.

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Talking Falls Prevention with Rotary International CEO and General Secretary John Hewko at the Zone Conference on the Gold Coast - Dr David Barnes from Falls Prevention Alliance Australia and from the host organizing committee Ingrid Waugh and Roslyn Teirney.

A Zone-Wide Rotary Response

Participants at the launch of the Falls Prevention Alliance Australia

1. Rotary South Pacific Falls Prevention Project

A comprehensive toolkit is being developed to equip Rotary Clubs and community groups with resources to raise awareness and drive action.

These include:

  • A dedicated website

  • Educational videos and flyers

  • Guest speakers for awareness campaigns

  • Clear steps for local action

Stay tuned! For more details, email Rotaryfallsprevention@gmail.com.

 

2. Falls Prevention Alliance & Rotary South Pacific: Partners in Service

The Falls Prevention Alliance unites leading experts and organisations to drive change through education, policy reform, investment, and public campaigns. While the Alliance is currently focused on Australia, its message is global.

Rotary’s involvement has already helped amplify its reach — from supporting promotion of the Alliances at the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Conference, to awareness videos featuring well-known figures like actor Michael Caton and former Foreign Minister Bob Carr.

Now, the Alliance is calling on Rotarians and Rotaractors — especially those with a passion for public health — to contribute. Whether it’s:

  • Providing a community perspective

  • Joining a working group

  • Becoming an Alliance member

You can be part of this movement

Simply register at falls prevention alliance contact page — and be sure to include your Rotary Club under “Organisation name.”

Recently had planned surgery… or about to?

Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) is a member of one of our Partners in Service, the Falls Prevention Alliance Australia. NeuRA Researchers invite YOU and your FAMILY and FRIENDS over 60, to please tell them about your experience.
 
This will help to create a fall prevention plan and help others stay safe! 
Click the link here to learn more and share your experience.
 
Take the survey

The Falls Prevention Alliance - Members