Senior residents celebrate Ageing Well in Federation

Published on 02 April 2024

Federation Council’s senior residents had fun at five events across the Federation Council at the Ageing Well Festival in March. The festival hosted by the Federation Council as part of the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival aims to celebrate and recognise the important contribution older people make to the local community.

The concept for each event was decided by the Federation Ageing Well Committee and was themed around five important contributions to ageing well in the Federation Council area including eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping well, staying connected and keeping your mind active.

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Patrick Bourke said, The festival program is developed each year in consultation with the Federation Ageing Well Committee with a number of the ambassadors volunteering their time at each event. “We as a Council are extremely lucky to have a committee made up of such passionate and proactive members who continue to provide advice on ageing well to the Council, but also support many local initiatives and programs for seniors in their local community.”

The festival started at the Urana Pamper and Exercise Day at the Urana Waterfront Pavilion. Louise Smith, MLHD Volunteer Leader started the morning with Tai Chi in the Rivergum Room. Guests then moved into the picturesque Sunset Room for a delicious morning tea by the Urana Bowling and Community Club. Federation Ageing Well Ambassador, Yvonne Perrin turned nail technician for the day, while Councillor Gail Law offered gentle hand massages. Carly Barnes, MLHD Healthy Ageing Health Promotion Officer, spoke about exercising often to enhance your health and well-being, and Jenny Enever, Federation Ageing Well Ambassador and MLHD Volunteer Leader ended the day with a gentle exercise demonstration by the water before challenging everyone’s balance on an agility circuit. Guests went home with a special gift bag to celebrate the day.

Day two of the festival was hosted at the Howlong Golf Resort at the Eat Well Indoor Picnic. Sticking with the theme the room was decked out in gingham tablecloths, flowers and plants and guests enjoyed a feast of picnic favourites. A game of pass the parcel and celebrity head added to the entertainment. Sarah Bartsh from Intereach provided information on their Home Visitor Program. Federation Ageing Well Ambassador, Liz Seeliger, spoke about the Back on Track Vitality Passport Program and how it encourages eating well by including adequate protein and fluid intake to optimise strength and mobility. Guests took home a copy of the Vitality Passport High Recipe Book to assist them to continue their journey to eat well to age well.

A relaxing and fun day was held at the Oaklands RSL and Bowling Club at the Oaklands Be Social Paint N Sip. Each guest created their own masterpiece on canvas under the professional guidance and good humour of the local community group, Upper Murray Quirky Events. A delightful two course meal was served by Lyn and her helpers. Michelle Conroy from One Door Mental Health spoke about the Carers Services and how important it is to look after ourselves and be social. Each guest received a gift bag from One Door Mental Health and no one managed to sip the paint water!

The Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort generously supported the festival and screened Bob Marley One Love at the Mulwala R & R Movie Day for attending senior residents. A documentary on his life, a number of guests reported the movie as a ‘bit of a tear-jerker’! Afterwards guests enjoyed a buffet lunch in the Willow Room and took home a sleep mask and ‘Five Tips to Better Sleep’ infographic.

The final event was the Corowa Staying Sharp Trivia at the Corowa Golf Club. Deputy Mayor, Shaun Whitechurch Emceed the event and did a marvelous job keeping the senior trivia buffs, armchair experts, and general knowledge guns engaged. A well-deserved lunch break half way through the trivia was served by Marcos on the Murray. Collette Quin and Raissa Butkowski from the Hume Riverina Community Legal Service presented a bonus round of trivia on how to avoid scams, fraud and elder abuse, which proofed to be very informative. Representatives from Intereach provided information on the My Aged Care Process. Each guest received a gift bag from Hume Riverina Community Legal Service. The winning table was the “Smarties” who received a gift card to spend at the Corowa Golf Club.

The Reach Beyond Exhibition at the Corowa Art Space proved popular for local artists and guests showcasing 50 artworks by 33 regional artists.

A number of senior residents also took advantage of the warm weather with the Corowa Aquatic Centre and Howlong Public Pool offering half prize entry during the festival.

Mayor Pat Bourke, said the NSW Seniors Festival is a wonderful way to acknowledge and thank senior residents for their contributions to our towns and communities. "Council takes pride in collaborating with local businesses, community organisations and people to deliver a diverse array of events throughout the Council’s area during the NSW Seniors Festival.”

“We would like to thank everyone who worked with Council to put on these events, including Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Intereach, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service (HRCLS), One Door Mental Health, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Upper Murray Quirky Events, Urana Bowling and Community Club, Howlong Golf Resort, Oaklands RSL and Bowling Club, Corowa Golf Club and Marcos on the Murray, and a very special thank you to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort who sponsored the R & R Day in Mulwala. We thank them for their support.” "And of course a big congratulations and well done to Councils Amber Harvey who does a magnificent job in coordinating these events" said the Mayor.

The Federation Ageing Well Committee 2024 members include Yvonne Perrin, Liz Seeliger, Vivian Spilva, Wendy Eyers, Stan Bromley, Jenny Enever, and Mike Gardiner. Councillor Representative is Councillor, Gail Law. If you are interested in joining the Ageing Well Committee visit the Council website or contact the Community Development Team at Federation Council on (02) 6033 8999.