Seniors Month on Redlands Coast will be celebrated with a packed program of community events and activities throughout October.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the statewide initiative provided an opportunity to celebrate older residents and the significant contributions they made to local communities.

“Council is committed to working with our community to ensure that ageing on Redlands Coast is a positive experience and that people of all ages are valued and can live active fulfilling lives,” the Mayor said.

“This year’s Seniors Month theme of ‘Love Getting Older in Queensland’ aligns with the intent of Council’s Redlands Coast Age-friendly Action Plan 2021-2026.

“This plan recognises the potential and value of our older residents’ ongoing contributions to the community as volunteers, workers, community leaders, carers, grandparents and advocates.

“What better way to celebrate those contributions than through a month-long series of community-based activities that are inclusive, intergenerational and lifestyle focused.

“The Redlands Coast program of events is all about bringing our older residents together to help them develop connections and friendships.”

Council has allocated almost $10,000 through its Redlands Coast Seniors Month Funding Program to help seven not-for-profit community organisations deliver free activities during this year’s Queensland Seniors Month.

The events funded are:

Coochiemudlo Men’s Shed – Seniors Expo to provide information on aged and carers services available to island residents.Belgravia Foundation – Celebrating Active and Healthy Seniors, a free event promoting healthy lifestyle habits and facilitating social connections between community members.Donald Simpson Community Centre – Arts and Crafts Show, a two-day event to share and showcase the work of the Centre’s senior members to the wider community.STAR Community Centre – Seniors Chair Games Championships, chair-based balloon games.United Community Services – Golden Gatherings: Wellness and Friendship Day with health workshops and activities.Redland Coast Art Society – CraftVenture, with participants making Christmas cards and enjoying social connections.Redlands Pickleball Club –Seniors introductory pickleball sessions designed to engage seniors who are seeking a low-impact, social and fun way to stay active.

The Seniors Month program also includes activities at Redland City Libraries, Redland Performing Arts Centre, Redland Art Gallery and Redlands IndigiScapes Centre. They include:

Redland Performing Arts Centre

Queensland Ballet Seniors Workshops (seated and standing classes)Seniors Month Celebration featuring U3A RedlandsConcerts by Marcia Hines, Diesel, Adam James and The Joe Cocker Express

Redland City Libraries

Feature talks including Slow Clothing and Get ready with the SES.Author talks including Anita Heiss, Tricia Stringer and Rachel SweaseyCreate and connect sessions including crafting circle, paper quilling and trivia challenge

Redlands IndigiScapes Centre

30-minute guided tour to learn about our native plants and wildlife and what we can all do to support and protect our natural environment

Redland Art Gallery

Soft Pressing, an exhibition of vibrant abstract paintings by Simon Degroot at Redland Art Gallery, ClevelandCelebrate Grandparents Day with a family outing to explore artistic ways to layer painted shapes combined with individual making to create vibrant artworksApprehendsion, a thought-provoking exhibition of paintings by Leigh Schoenheimer in RPAC Mezzanine

For a listing of Seniors Month activities on Redlands Coast, including any event costs and booking requirements, visit redland.qld.gov.au/seniors