The NSW Seniors Festival celebrates the role and contributions of older adults to our local communities, and is on from today, March 11th, for two weeks until March 24th.
As part of the Festival, the NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards provide an opportunity for MPs and communities to recognise the Seniors that help make their community a diverse, active and inspiring place to live. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Reach Beyond!’ – an initiative that encourages seniors to expand their horizons by trying a new activity or meeting new people. Having a connection to their community is important, and the Seniors Festival is aimed at helping reduce social isolation in a fun and friendly way.
The New England region has many events organised to recognise the contributions of their senior community members as well as helping them to engage in social, cultural and knowledge-building activities.
As part of NSW Senior Week, the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year award for each region recognises community members aged 60 and older who have made a special contribution to their community. Moree Plains Shire Council’s Community Development/Liaison Officer Jacqui Moore said the award is a great way to say thank you and to show a senior how much they are appreciated.
“Many of our older residents go above and beyond for others, enhancing our amazing communities through their tireless efforts. They may have volunteered their time for charity, made a difference in someone’s life, or have been passionate about a cause that has made an impactful change,” said Ms Moore.
The winner for the Moree region will be announced at the Seniors Week Luncheon, held at the Moree and District Services Club on Wednesday 13th March. For further information, please contact Jacqui on 0476 463 123 or email council@mpsc.nsw.gov.au.
Narrabri Shire Council, in partnership with local community organizations and Aged Care Service Providers, is marking this year’s NSW Seniors Festival with an event on Thursday 14th March 2024. This free event will start from 10.00am at The Narrabri RSL and will include the announcement of the Narrabri Shire Senior of the Year. There will be a mini-Aged Care expo on show and lunch will be provided.
Book here or call Council’s Community Development Team on (02) 6799 6866.
Tamworth will celebrate the role and contributions of older adults to their local communities by hosting a range of free events throughout the Festival. Libraries across the region will host morning teas in conjunction with cultural activities in:
- Barraba Library – Tuesday March 12th from 10.30am – 12.00pm
- Manilla Library – Friday 15th March from 1.00 – 3.00pm
- Nundle Library – Tuesday 19th March from 11.00am – 1.00pm
Further cultural events are planned with Miriidhuul Creations Art and Culture Connection to be held at the Youthie on Wednesday 13th March from 3.30 – 5.30pm. This will be an afternoon of art and craft with the opportunity to interact with the youth services team to create a collaborative multi-generational artwork together.
On Wednesday 20th March, an Elders Pamper Session is organised at the Youthie. This will run from 10.00am – 1.00pm, with craft activities also included.
The Tamworth region Seniors Festival will also be used to kick off the OzHarvest Nutrition Education Skills Training (NEST) program, which will run weekly from Thursday 14th March – Thursday 18th April. This free program is run by trained dieticians and staff from HealthWISE.
Along with sharing a meal that participants cook during the workshop, NEST is designed to give hands on experience and teach participants new cooking skills in a safe and friendly environment. Places are limited and will fill fast! To book a place contact trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au or call 6767 5555. Transport can be organised if required.
Inverell Shire Public Library are offering a Seniors Festival Program as part of Seniors Week. They have arranged Kanopy Movies Screenings of recent Australian movies, as well as craft sessions and Technology Lessons providing useful information on using iPhone and Android phones, and how to avoid scams.
Friday 22nd March will have a true Festival feel with live music playing for the Seniors Festival morning tea. All activities and events are free. Bookings are essential. To book your spot, please phone the library on (02) 6728 8130.
Also in Inverell, Transport for NSW is holding a road safety workshop to help people aged 65 or over make safer choices when driving, walking, using a mobility scooter or catching public transport. This session will be held on Monday 18th March at the Inverell RSM Club from 10.00am – 1.00pm, with lunch provided. Bookings essential for catering purposes. Please phone Sandy on 6722 5888
The New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale will kick off their Senior’s Festival activities on Tuesday 12th March. Senior members of the community are invited to an evening of refreshments while listening to a quartet of talented NECOM musicians, followed by a guided tour of the newly arrived Wynne Prize exhibition.
NERAM is one of the first galleries to host The Wynne Prize 2023 touring exhibition. The Wynne Prize is Australia’s oldest art prize that awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or for the best example of figure sculpture by Australian artists.
Throughout the Festival, NERAM has many activities planned, including art and craft workshops by local artists incorporating a variety of mediums, as well as Yoga in Chairs followed by discussions about health and wellness for senior citizens by the University of the Third Age. Please contact Lucy Wall at education@neram.com.au or phone 6772 5255, or see their website https://www.neram.com.au/event/seniors-festival-2024/
There are many events taking place across the New England to recognise and support the valuable contributions the senior members of our communities make. Keep an eye on your local Council website and community pages for events in your local area.