The QEII Line Dancing Group meets weekly on a Tuesday and is a great low impact exercise which improves coordination, balance and requires good memorisation of steps. Whether you’re a new learner, beginner or got all your steps together your welcome to join in, make some new friends and have a laugh.
With 2024 Seniors Week commencing in November many of our popular events will feature again but thrown into the mix are a few new ones:
Art Workshop
Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Aged Care Information Session
Chapman Valley Heritage Centre Tour & Lunch
Diabetes Information Session
Seniors Week Lunch
Performances at Stirling Centre
Keep an eye out for the full 2024 Seniors Week program booklet and advertising in the Midwest Times and on Over 50’s Geraldton Life
Please note: Bookings for the film night – A Stitch in Time and the Multicultural Concert & Afternoon Tea at QPT are now open.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
Tuesday 8th, 15th & 22nd October 1.30pm - 3.30pm | Cost is $5 Contact QEII Office on 9956 6636 to register
Join Lorraine Chapman as she teaches us how to bring out the interesting images, objects and moments from your life to fill the page and engage the reader.
with Steve Davidson
I started drumming at 12 years of age and later as a teenager I played in contemporary groups. In my 30’s my music taste changed, and I got interested in world music which led me back to the drums and taking lessons in African Drumming. I attended camps specialising in African music where my skills soured. People from Africa came to do the training, and I learnt from the best and graduated to master class. I’ve been drumming for about 30 years and teaching for 20 and performed at many festivals – the highlight being Syndey Opera House.
I came to Geradlton in 2002 and started teaching night classes at a local school and have run classes for various community groups. I’ve been teaching at the QEII Centre for seven years and the group has had the privilege of performing annually at Christmas on the Terrace and this year at the Blessing of the Fleet. Some participants have been attending since the classes started.
“I enjoy making music and art and hoping the drumming will continue for many years to come”
African Drumming Classes are held at the Centre every Thursday 11:00am to 12 noon Cost is $7 and Tuesday nights 7:00pm to 9:00pm $7 concession and $10 waged.
R U OK Day was celebrated the 12 September and encourages people to stay connected.
Genuine care and concern can impact a person and giving the gift of a meaningful conversation can change a life. Learn what to say at ruok. org.au/yourlifematters
Four steps of an R U OK conversation:
Ask R U OK – How are you travelling?
Listen – I’m here to listen if you want to talk more
Encourage Action – What have you done before that has helped?
Check In – Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing?
2022 Drama from Australia 98 mins, Rated M
A heart-warming story about a former dressmaker Liebe (Maggie Blinco), who reinvents herself after befriending young Chinese fashion designer Hamish (Hoa Xuande). When Liebe’s partner Duncan (Glenn Shorrock) loses his job singing at the local pub, Liebe throws herself into helping Duncan realise his dream to record an album. With Duncan intent on shutting down her dreams, Liebe packs her bags and moves in with her best friend, Christine (Belinda Giblin), to reclaim her life and discover where she belongs.
Date Slice by Doreen Major
INGREDIENTS
½ lb dates
¼ lb butter
½ cup sugar
1 egg
METHOD
1 packet crushed Marie biscuits Lemon juice
1. Chop dates and bring to boil with butter and sugar
2. Cook until soft and mushy.
3. Cool slightly, add beaten egg, lemon juice and biscuits.
4. Put slice into tray and sprinkle with coconut on top. Set in fridge
Geraldton
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors Telephone 0474 639 961
As you are all aware, Anne has taken a well deserved break, so in the month of September Anne requested that I present to the beginners class two topics, which were, “Creating gifts from personal photos”, which the students found interesting, especially since Christmas is not to far away, and the other topic that I presented on Anne’s behalf was “How to protect your privacy online”. Giving students an understanding on the many ways of navigating online safely. In the last week of September prior to the beginning of the school holidays I introduced the beginners class to the topic “What is the internet”, focussing on the difference between a “search engine” and a “browser”.
For the month of October I will be presenting to both classes two topics that are of great importance,
I am attempting to organise our guest speaker to be available in October to present this topic. Stay tuned
The benefits of using mobile banking safely, and students will be guided through a practice area using the Be Connected “Squirrel Bank”
Please remember that there are no classes during school holidays,Our Tuesday one-on-one appointments reconvene on Tuesday the 08th of October and our Thursday classes on the 10th of October.
To All Readers: If you happen to see a topic in the Newsletter that you would like to learn or know more about, please feel free to join the class for that topic. You are most welcome to. Please contact us on 0474 639 961 for further information.
Swipe ‘right’ with us.
DID YOU KNOW? Here’s how to put a ‘contact information’ message on the front of your phone in case of loss
Android Phone: go to
Tap Settings
Tap Lock Screen
Tap Contact information: type your message here
Example: If found please contact (your email address) or (a different phone number)
Go back to the front screen and make sure it is locked. You will see your message displayed on the screen without unlocking your phone.
Our appointment system for Tuesdays is well attended. Please contact the Office on 9956 6636 to make an appointment. An available time will be allocated to you, to see the next available Volunteer.
Beginner’s classes are every Thursday 9.00am until 10.00am except for School Holidays and our Continuing classes are also on Thursdays, beginning at 10.15am until 11.15am. We have places available in both classes.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR SWITCHED ON SENIORS GERALDTON 0474 639 961 and our NEW FACEBOOK PAGE GERALDTON - SWITCHED ON SENIORS
Please like us and follow our progress and updates.
Your phone, your style…..
We encourage anyone wishing to acknowledge the outstanding people and community groups in our community to nominate. Please click on this link https://centacaregeraldton.org.au/2024volunteer- of-the-year-awards/ to access the form.
Alternatively, a soft copy of the form is also available at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre office.
Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
– Heather French Henry
Greeting and meeting new friends is a special pleasure on the first Thursday of each month. A cup of coffee and a chat with friends we have not seen for a while.
Our meeting started with the apology of a written but lost report from last month’s Meeting, then on to business as usual. We listened to the Minutes from August Meeting and treasurer’s report and took notice of Lyn’s request to bring in materials for the trading table. Lyn explained money collected is used for trips, lunches, raffles, bus tours and Insurance.
We sang Happy Birthday to Pat and wished her good health since she is the person who is always there to keep our club functioning. We thank her for turning up even if she is not feeling too well.
We had our raffles and welcomed guest Speaker, Julie Clark, from Geraldton Tourism who informed us 60 000 people visited the HMAS Sydney Memorial last year. She came to speak to us about a special Geraldton woman who can be found on our $50 Dollar note. She has a special place in my heart and of many people in Geraldton. I was married and had my wedding on her
childhood property Glengarry Homestead.
Edith Cowan was a colonial woman who lived from 1861 to 1932, “with fire in her heart.” Her life achievements are well documented and extraordinary, and Julie made a big effort to bring her to life and told us of plans for a Commemorative Sculpture of her at Edith Cowan Square in Geraldton.
She was an Australian Social Reformer, a Women’s Right’s activist and politician who focused on helping women and children. In 1921, she was elected to the West Australian Legislative Assembly, becoming the first female Member of an Australian Parliament.
Edith had a traumatic childhood, and coupled with details from her husband’s court cases which she believed illustrated the effects of inadequate education, health care and opportunities for women, she was steered towards public service.
In1906, she helped found the Children’s Protection Society. In 1925, she was made a Magistrate of the Children’s Court and in 1920, “Justice of the Peace.” During World War 1, she received her OBE
in 1920. Her accomplishments helped her win a seat in the WA Parliament.
To honour her dedication, Edith Cowan University was founded in 1991.
If you would like to help with erecting the statue, please contact:
geraldtonvoluntarytourguides@ gmail.com
Donations will be taken by Valma Brown at their meetings. We enjoyed a huge lunch at the end of the talk and hope we see more members attend next month’s meeting. Enjoy the Spring weather.
The September Lunch meeting was held the 10th September with 34 members in attendance. Card raffle winners were Jean Steer and Lina Mittoni. Birthdays were announced and minutes and financial reports read and accepted.
The latest Bowling Tournament was a bit different from the usual tournaments and hadn’t been held for a few years called 79 years and Under and 80 years and Over. Forty six members participated in teams of three. The Winners were 79 years and under so congratulations are in order. Everyone received a money prize. The competition was
sponsored by Mayor Jerry Clune on behalf of the City of Greater Geraldton. We appreciate their support. Mayor Clune presented the prizes and the shield on the day of the competition.
A recent Raffle was held and proceeds of $500 presented by President Trevor Hansen to Rose Ann Jupp who represents The Royal Flying Doctor Service. Rose Ann said they were very grateful for the support of the Seniors Action Group who have had a yearly raffle for this cause for many years.
Guest speaker was Mayor Jerry Clune who came into
this position in October 2023. He’s been in Council for over 10 years and was 2 years as Deputy Mayor. He spoke on his early life on the farm and said he was interested in sport and the Bush Fire Brigade. There are 41,000 people in the Greater Geraldton area. Mining is our biggest export with farming followed by fishing. He explained about several developments which have been approved. Members were able to ask questions and the Mayor stayed on for lunch to give further opportunity for interaction.
A delicious lunch of Crumbed Fish, Chips and Salad was served following by sweets of cake with lemon curd and blueberries and ice-cream.
Thanks to our lovely caterers. Also thanks to those who set up and packed up on the day.
DATES for your DIARY:
8th October: Lunch Meeting with morning tea at 10am.
4th November: Committee Meeting at 10.30am
NO LUNCH MEETING IN NOVEMBER DUE TO SENIORS WEEK.
18th November: FREE DAY for all members and also for anyone wishing to HAVE A GO for Bowls, Darts and Table Tennis. A free day for cards on Friday 22nd Nov.
ALL WELCOME.
10th December: Christmas Party.
A free community information session with the aim to provide an overview of what happens in the body of someone with diabetes, give tips on prevention and management of diabetes, including the annual cycle of care and raise awareness of the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) including their programs and services on offer. Also providing information on Diabetes WA and what programs and services are available as well.
This session is suitable for the general population plus people living with diabetes.
A free community information session with the aim to provide an overview of what happens in the body of someone with diabetes, give tips on prevention and management of diabetes, including the annual cycle of care and raise awareness of the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) including their programs and services on offer. Also providing information on Diabetes WA and what programs and services are available as well. This session is suitable for the general population plus people living with diabetes.
At our September lunch meeting the ladies I was seated with were discussing weeds and how long they take to die when sprayed. Whilst I was giving them some answers with the benefit of over thirty years selling these weed killers I was asked if I could write a piece about this for the newsletter.
There are several types of weed killers, one of the main ones is the systemic type e.g. Glyphosate 360 (Roundup, Zero etc) which travel through the plant killing roots as well as the tops of the weeds. It kills both broad and narrow leaf weeds and only kills what it is sprayed on so be aware of spray drift. It doesn’t affect or travel through the soil. Don’t use in galvanised watering cans as the galvanising will annul the effects of the chemical. These sprays will take seven to ten days before the effects will be seen.
Organic weed killers such as Nanonic Acid (Slasher) aren’t systemic and usually only kill the tops of the weeds, in some cases, this is sufficient but in a lot of cases they shoot up from the roots again, they are quick acting and usually see results in one to two days. Ensure you spray all
the foliage as they only kill the parts they touch.
Sterilising type killers such a once a year path weeder sterilises the soil for up to twelve months, nothing will grow in this soil for that time, it’s important you don’t get too close to your gardens with these.
Selective weedkillers only kill either broad or narrow leaf weeds. Cloverban is a broadleaf killers and is ideal for clover in lawns, Winter Grass Killer is a narrow leaf killer, check what your lawn is before spraying on lawns.
Weed and Feed is a very handy weed killer for lawns but once again check your lawn type because it’s not suitable for all lawns. Always read the instructions and direction on all sprays and chemicals.
Unfortunately, we have one weed spray will not kill and that is Fleabane, Glyphosate may stop it in its very early stages but digging it out is the only real option.
I hope this information helps. It’s a pity in this day and age you don’t get service in the stores you used to. We served our customers and provided information on the products they were purchasing.
*Seniors Action Group
Start Finish Class Cost Notes
8.30 4.00 Indoor Bowls $5.00 *SAG 9.00 11.00 Darts $5.00 *SAG
9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free
10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free
MONDAY TUESDAY 8.30 9.30 Pole Walking Free 9.00 10.30 10.00 11.30 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free WEDNESDAY
11.30 12.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 3.00 Table Tennis $5.00 *SAG 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free
7.00 8.00 Walk Group Free Meet at Two Foreshore 9.00 4.00 11.00 6.00 Pickle Ball Pickle Ball $5.00 $5.00 9.00 1.00 Understanding your hand held device $5.00 Appt only. 9.30 11.30 Dementia Carers Support Group Free 1st Tuesday of the month
10.00 1.00 SAG Meeting 10.00 11.30 Visibility Group Free 12.30 2.30 Line Dancing Free 12.00 12.45 Pilates $5.00 1.00 3.00 Mahjong Free 1.00 4.00 Ukulele Dreamers $3.00 12.15 - 12.45 Beginners Class 4.00 6.00 Pickleball $5.00 1.15 2.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required 7.00 9.00 African Drumming $7.00 $10.00 Waged
WEDNESDAY (CONT)
Start Finish Class Cost Notes
9.00 Noon Laughs & Crafts Free 9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free 10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free 9.30 10.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free 1.00 3.00 Pickle Ball $5.00 2.00 3.00 Bereavement Support Free 3rd Wed Monthly
THURSDAY 9.00 Noon Knitters & Crochet Group $0.50 9.00 10.00 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free 9.00 Noon Art Class $5.00 10.00 Noon Chess Free 10.15 11.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required 1.00 3.00 English as a Second Language Free 1.00 4.00 Euchre & Frustration $5.00 *SAG
9.00 10.15 10.00 11.15 Switched on Seniors / Beginners Class Continuation Class Free Free Bring own device 9.00 11.00 Mahjong Free 8.30 Noon Chat N Do Craft Group $2.00 Not on 1st Thurs of the Month 10.00 12.30 *PSC Meeting 1st Thurs Monthly
11.00 12.00 African Drumming $7.00 1.00 4.00 500 Card Game Free 1.00 4.00 Bingo Books *PSC Bingo 2nd Thursday of Month 1.00 4.00 Rummikub Free 2.00 2.45 Zumba $5.00
FRIDAY *Seniors Action Group *Pensioners Social Club
500 Card Game
Free
Thursday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Contact Paula 0408 215 503
African Drumming
Thursday 11.00am – 12noon
$7.00
Tuesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm
$7 concession $10 waged
Art Class
$5.00
Friday 9.00am – 12noon
Balance Gym
Free
Mondays & Wednesdays
9.15am – 10.00am & 10.30am – 11.15am
Bingo
Cost of Books
1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners
Social Club
President 0439 907 455
Canasta
Free
Monday & Wednesdays
12.30pm - 4.00pm
Caring Cuppa –Bereavement Support Group
Free 3rd Wednesday of each Month 2.00pm –3.00pm
Hosted by Midwest & SJOG
Palliative Care Services 9956 2497 or 9965 8888
Chat N Do Craft Group
$2.00
Thursday 8.30am – 12noon
Not on First Thursday of the Month
Contact Gloria 0427 170 548 or Tina 0422 397 997
Chess
Free Friday 10.00am - 12noon
Contact Shirley 9964 9584
Darts
$5.00
Monday 9.00am - 11.00am
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
President 0498 999 406
Dementia Carers Support Group
Free
First Tuesday of the month 9.30am - 11.30am
Contact Nicole 131 151
English as a Second Language Free
Friday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
– Provided by Midwest
Multicultural Association
Marnie Ryan 0423 234 475
Euchre & Frustration
$5.00
Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President
0498 999 406
Indoor Bowls
Cost $5.00
Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President
0498 999 406
Justice of the Peace
Free
Contact Peggy Hodgson
0427 290 136
Knitters & Crochet Group
$0.50
Friday 9.00am – 12noon
Contact Jean Steer
0499 251 242
Laughs & Crafts
Wednesday 9.00am –12noon
Join us for exciting crafts each month
Line Dancing Free
Tuesday 12.30pm -1.00pm New Learners 1.00pm – 2.30pm Beginners & Intermediate Start time is 1.00pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month Mahjong
Free
Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm Thursday 9.00am – 11.00am
Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free
Wednesday 9.00am –10.00am, & 10.30am –11.30am Friday 9.00am – 10.00am
Wear enclosed gym shoes and bring a water bottle
Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group
FREE
Mondays
11.30am to 12.30pm
Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am
Pensioners Social Club Inc Meeting
1st Thursday of each Month
10.00am – 12.30pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners Social Club
Contact President 0439 907 455
Pilates
Tuesdays
12.00pm - 12.45pm
Pickle Ball
$5.00
Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am
Tuesdays 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Wednesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Pole Walking
Free
Wednesday 8.30am –9.30am
Provided by Seniors
Recreation Council of WA
Inc Greater Geraldton Branch
QEII Lounge & Library Free
Everyday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Rehabilitation Gym Free
Tuesdays 1.15pm - 2.15pm
Fridays
10.15am - 11.15am
Contact Geraldton Regional Hospital Physiotherapy Dept. on 9956 2204.
Rummikub
Free
Thursday 1.00 – 4.00pm
Contact Bibah & Milan Chesi 0417 944 959
Scrabble
Free
Monday & Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Seniors Action Group Meeting
2nd Tuesday of each Month 10.00am – 1.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406
Switched on Seniors Geraldton/ Be Connected Free Beginners Class
Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am
Continuation Class
Thursday 10.15am - 11.00am
Bring your device
Contact 0474 639 961
Seniors Recreation Council
WA Geraldton Branch
2nd Wednesday tri-monthly
9.30am – 10.30am
Val Brown 0447 372 120
Table Tennis
$5.00
Monday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406
Ukulele Dreamers
$3.00
Tuesday 12.15pm - 12.45pm Beginners.
Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Membership $20.00
Contact Di Trotter 0407 217 312
Understanding your hand held device
Tuesday 9.00am – 12noon
Appointment only - $5 donation
Contact QEII 9956 6636
Proudly run by: Switched on Seniors Geraldton / Be Connected
Visibility Group Free
4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am
Contact 1800 847 466
Walk Group Free
Tuesday 7.30am
Meet at Two Foreshore prior to department time
Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786
Zumba
$5.00 Thursday 2.00pm – 2.45pm
