They’re the most experienced demographic of our community, they accounted for 23.6 per cent of the Illawarra population at the last Census, and now is the time to celebrate them.
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From Tuesday the Illawarra and other regions across the state will host hundreds of events to honour the over 60s for the annual Seniors’ Festival.
“[The] program of events encourages our city’s seniors to get out and have fun with others in their communities. The festival celebrates the valuable contribution our older residents make to our community,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
While Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba added the festival is a time to connect and take advantage of the broad range of activities on offer.
"Health and well-being is connected to discovery and participation – and that is what this month's about for us," Cr Saliba said.
“No matter what your age, it is never too late to grow – to learn, to laugh and to be inspired.”
From terrarium workshops to a Greek Luncheon, Tai Chi to art classes and film screenings – there are free and low cost events to suit all tastes.
One of the highlights is the annual Lady Mayoress’ Afternoon Tea Dance on April 10, the most popular on the Seniors’ Week calendar according to Wollongong council staff.
The much coveted event only has the capacity for 200, with calls coming in weeks before by eager residents keen for a ticket to the free event at Wollongong Town Hall.
Tunes from days gone by draw the crowd to the dance floor for fox trots and waltzes, while baked goods are on hand to replenish their energy.
Another highlight is the Multicultural Seniors Fiesta and Expo bringing 300 people together at The Shellharbour Club on April 13.
The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest festival for people over 60 in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting up to 500,000 seniors across the state to events and online.
To find events near you, contact your local council or visit www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au
TOP HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE FESTIVAL
Shellharbour pools will be free for people aged over 60 during the festival.
Beaton Park and Lakeside Leisure Centre’s will have an array of exercise classes for seniors each week.
Tuesday April 3
Health and Well-being Expo 9:30am – 2:30am. Shellharbour Civic Centre Auditorium, Cygnet Avenue.
Wednesday April 4, 9 & 11
Oak Flats Line Dancing Display with a morning tea provided, 12:30pm to 3pm. Oak Flats Senior Citizens Club, Griffiths Street.
Thursday April 5
Movie Nights
Corrimal Library will screen a 1959 classic starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Shellharbour Civic Centre will screen a warm and comical film on friendship and life post 60, starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin – from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
Heritage Tour of Glennifer Brae
This house and garden is now part of Wollongong Botanic Garden. Mr Sid Hoskins invites you to walk through his Tudor revival home in Keiraville.
Meet the Hoskins family and join them in a lovely morning tea from 10am to 12pm. Free, though bookings essential 02 4227 7667
Monday April 9
Tai Chi for Beginners
April 9, Heininger House, Ribbonwood Centre in Dapto – 9:30am to 10:30am.
April 10, Heininger House, Ribbonwood Centre in Dapto – 6pm to 7pm.
April 11, Pioneer Hall, 84 Church Street in Wollongong, 9:30am to 10:30am.
April 12, Albion Park Community Centre on Russell Street, 1pm to 2pm AND Pioneer Hall, 84 Church Street in Wollongong, 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
Plastic Not-So-Fantastic Bus Tour
A free guided tour to explore endless possibilities for recycling, repurposing and upcycling of a truly sustainable house – 8:45am to 4pm.
Learn about the new house concept call The House For Life by visitng op shops, Wollongong foreshore and Flagstaff Group plus more. Bring your walking shoes. Bookings essential phone Fiona Netting 02 4227 7111
Tuesday April 10
Italian Music Extravaganza
Dancing and an Italian inspired lunch from 12pm to 4pm at Centro CBD on Stewart Street in Wollongong. Cost is $25. For bookings phone Giovanna on 4228 8222 or 0407 552 575.
No Business Like Showbusiness
The Roo Theatre Company brings Broadway to Shellharbour as a family of performers deliver the biggest and most well-known songs from musical theatre history – 10:30am to 11:45am. Cost is a gold coin donatoin.
Roo Theatre, Corner Addison and Wentworth Street, Shellharbour Village.
Wednesday April 11
Celebrating Seniors Lunch
A free lunch will be provided to seniors and showcase volunteer and program activities available through Community Gateway. Community Gateway Hub 26 Atchison Street, Wollongong at 12pm.
Women’s Belly Dance Class
For fun and fitness, 6pm to 7pm. Hosted by Cinnamon Twist. 3/6 Kenny Street in Wollongong, cost is $6.
Thursday April 12
Terrarium Workshop
Get creative and learn how to design a mini and eye-catching terrarium 10am – 12pm, at Warrawong District Library. No experience necessary though bookings essential – phone 02 4227 8133.
Trivia Challenge
For people over the age of 50 living in the Shellharbour and Kiama Local Government Areas, from 1pm to 4:30pm. Maximum six people per team - limit of six teams per local government area - single nominations will be added to teams where numbers allow.
Cost is $7 per person and includes afternoon tea.
Registrations close Thursday 5 April. Kiama teams to contact Anne on 4232 0448; Shellharbour teams and U3A teams to contact Narelle on 4221 6007
Friday April 13
Live Life With Music
A free organ recital featuring favourite modern classical film themes, musicals and more. 11am at Wesley Church On The Mall 116 Crown Street, Wollongong.
Multicultural Seniors Fiesta
The event will bring seniors of all cultural backgrounds to show their talents in dancing, singing, acting, storytelling and playing instruments.
From 10am to 2pm at the Shellharbour Club, cost is $26 per person.
Saturday April 14
Dragon boating on Lake Illawarra from 10am to 2pm. Entry is a gold coin donation for the BBQ lunch. Illawarra Rowing Centre Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong (Just past the speed camera).
To participate you must be able to get in and out of a boat. Paddles are supplied and there are life jackets for those who can’t swim 50 metres. Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, water and a hat. Footwear like aqua shoes or old sneakers are essential. Wear a rash vest or shorts - you may get splashed! If the weather is wet, this event will be cancelled.
Tuesday April 19
Learn to construct your family history from using public databases like the Ancestry Library Edition and Find My Past. Bring along some names and dates to get you started. Light refreshments provided. Shellharbour City Library on Cygnet Avenue, 10:30am.
Sunday April 29
Afternoon Delight at The Roo Theatre, Corner Addison and Wentworth Street, Shellharbour Village from 2pm to 5pm.
It’s a movie matinee and relaxed social afternoon for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex seniors and their friends. Enjoy the feature film Political Animals, and selection of short films followed by a delicious afternoon tea, networking and access to local health information. Presented by ACON in association with Queer Screen and supported by NSW Seniors Festival.
Cost is a gold coin donation.
- For more events please see the full programs below or visit www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au
For the full Wollongong program CLICK HERE
For the full Shellharbour program CLICK HERE
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
