Seniors Festival to celebrate reconnection

Reconnection is in focus for the largest festival celebrating seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, as Newcastle plays host to a variety of events and activities as part of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival. 

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said NSW Seniors Festival, which runs until 3 April, has inspired local seniors to come together and socialise at events and activities presented by City of Newcastle and numerous community organisations. 

"Newcastle is an inclusive city where people of all ages can connect with their community to get involved in local initiatives and stay active," Cr Nelmes said. 

"This year's NSW Seniors Festival theme is 'Reconnect' and City of Newcastle is pleased to present a variety of free events and activities, so why not step back in time by visiting Fort Scratchley, or check out the latest exhibition at Newcastle Museum. 

“It was fantastic that so many seniors attended today's free and sold out Comedy Gala and Seniors Mini Expo at City Hall." 

Lynda Forbes, Secretary of Newcastle’s Community Group of the Year, Hunter Peace Group, said after two years impacted by lockdowns and social distancing, Seniors Festival is the perfect opportunity to come together. 

"I can't believe it is Seniors Festival time once again. What better way for us to catch up with friends, enjoy a special event and meet new people?” Ms Forbes said. 

"With so many fun and interesting things to do, I can't wait to get involved." 

Today’s Seniors Comedy Gala featured Peter Berner, Nick Rado, Stephanie Broadbridge and Dave Williams, while the Seniors Mini Expo offered attendees information about local activities and services targeted towards seniors. 

Seniors can also make the most of a new collection of memory kits launched by Newcastle Libraries. Originally designed to support the Newcastle Libraries Memory Room program for people living with dementia, the memory kits can be borrowed by members and used to stimulate intergenerational conversations and provide connections for older people. 

Other Newcastle Libraries initiatives on show during NSW Seniors Festival include technology support classes for seniors, the Home Library Service, which provides delivery of books and library items to Newcastle residents who are unable to access physical libraries, and Aboriginal Family History, a service available through Local Studies at City Library, or online via the Newcastle Libraries website. 

City of Newcastle will also be holding outreach sessions at Jesmond Central and Wallsend Village on 31 March and 1 April to promote services available for local seniors and My Community Directory, an online resource of local services and activities to reconnect to our community. For more information visit www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au 

During NSW Seniors Festival, which reaches up to 500,000 seniors each year, government, community and commercial organisations hold hundreds of events across the state. Full details for all local Seniors Festival events can be found online at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au