A talent quest, mystery bus trips, a mini-Olympics, garden walks, a lifestyle expo, Mayoral morning teas and a pre-loved fashion parade are among the almost 50 events planned for Seniors Month on the Fraser Coast this October.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Senior Liaison Officer Juls De Waard said this year’s Seniors Month promises to be bigger and better than ever, with local senior services joining with Council and MADCOTA to organise a range of fun and informative activities.
“Seniors Month brings together people of all cultures and abilities to celebrate the vital contributions older adults make to our community,” she said.
“It’s also a fantastic chance for residents to explore new programs and activities and connect with support services on the Fraser Coast.
“There is something for everyone with open days, concerts, mystery bus trips, garden walks, a mini-Olympics, a Seniors Ball, games days, book clubs, a pre-loved fashion parade, scam bingo and more.
“Seniors Month kicks off on Tuesday 1 October with an information session at the Hervey Bay Regional Library about accessing the My Aged Care System.
“One of the calendar highlights is the Over 50’s Lifestyle Expo on Friday 4 October from 9am to 2pm at the Hervey Bay Baptist Church, which this year celebrates 21 years since it first began.
“There will be up to 80 exhibitors showcasing accommodation, travel, care, medical, legal, mobility and technology services and products, with entry to the expo just $2.
“There is a Mayor’s Picnic on Tuesday 8 October from 11am to 1pm at the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum where you can enjoy a free sausage sizzle and cuppa while enjoying some entertainment from ‘Believe it or Not’.
“In Maryborough, the Mayoral Heritage Morning Tea is at the Brolga Theatre on Tuesday 15 October from 10am, while other heritage city highlights include a Senior Services Expo, a spring concert and a ballroom dance, all at the MADCOTA Community Hub.
“We’ve saved one of the best for last with the much-loved Seniors Talent Quest on Sunday 27 October from 3pm to 6pm at the Hervey Bay RSL. Door entry is $5 and entry for contestants is $5.
“If you’ve got a hidden talent, then you’re encouraged to enter into one of the five categories, which include Best Overall, Best Group, Best Musical, Best Unusual and the Bob Campbell Encouragement Award.”
Ms De Waard said the jam-packed month of events was a great opportunity for anyone over 50 to meet new people and engage with the community.
“Isolation and loneliness are huge issues, so I am hoping that during October, these events will encourage people to get out of the house to celebrate and connect with others,” she said.
For more information on Seniors Month activities in Hervey Bay, including a printable calendar of events, go to www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/supporting-seniors
For more information on Seniors Month activities in Maryborough, contact MADCOTA (Maryborough and District Committee On The Ageing Inc) on 4123 1554 or email admin@madcota.com.au
Entry forms for the Seniors Talent Quest and transport bookings for the Over 50’s Lifestyle Expo ($2 return) and the Mayor’s Picnic and Morning Tea are available through the Halcro Street Community Centre on 4194 2441 or by emailing juls.dewaard@frasercoast.qld.gov.au
Seniors Month programs will also be available from Council’s Customer Service Centres, libraries and local services for seniors.
Article & images submitted by Fraser Coast Regional Council
