Kamahl headlines face-to-face return of Seniors Concert

Liverpool City Council’s popular Mayoral Seniors Concert made a triumphant return during NSW Seniors Festival week, with appearances by one of Australia’s most recognised voices for more than 60 years - Kamahl.

NSW Seniors Festival - an annual initiative by NSW Department of Communities and Justice, celebrates the important contributions seniors make to the community. This year’s theme was ‘In Our Nature'.

Last year, Council put community safety first and cancelled the 2020 event because of the developing situation around coronavirus. The 2021 event was transformed into a Seniors High Tea and Expo.

The extravaganza was held on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 April 2021 at the Liverpool Catholic Club. Following COVID-safe practices, there were just under 600 attendees across the two days.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the vibrant event was uplifting for the community after the stringent social restrictions.

“Seniors were excited to be back at the concert in person and enjoyed the cuisine, entertainment and an opportunity to meet with local organisations and service providers,” said Mayor Waller.

“On behalf of Council, I thank our diamond sponsors Liverpool Catholic Club, the support from the NSW Government and all the dedicated people who brought this event to life.”

Liverpool has a thriving seniors community. According to evidence-base website, .id community the 50-59 age group makes up 12.2 per cent of the population in the Liverpool LGA. The 60-69 cohort comprises 8.1 per cent, followed by the 70-84 age group (5.7 per cent) and residents aged 85 and above (1.1 per cent).

But age was no barrier to enjoying the varied entertainment line-up. Kamahl sang for the audience and regaled them with stories of his life on 19 and 20 April. He has sold more than 10 million albums and has more than 100 gold and platinum records. His awards include the Order of Australia (AO) award in 1994.

Singer and performer Lynsey Mackay also performed on both days. She teaches at music schools in Western Sydney.

ARIA award winner and former Australian Idol contestant Cosima De Vito performed on 19 April; while singer, entertainer and actor Joe Zappia wowed crowds on 20 April.

Council’s Seniors Festival events continued throughout Seniors Week, including free activities at Liverpool City Library and Liverpool Regional Museum.

Reflecting Senior’s Week’s theme, Council funded an intergenerational exhibition entitled In Our Nature. The exhibition, which launched at the High Tea and Expo, features artwork created by residents at Uniting Bernard Austin Lodge in Liverpool and students from Cecil Hills Public School and Liverpool West Public School.

It will continue at Casula Library until Monday 3 May. For more information, visit: https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/community/major-events/seniors-festival-2021

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