If you’ve purchased a new phone or tablet and are totally confused then Switched on Seniors Geraldton volunteers can assist. One-on-one appointments are available every Tuesday morning and Beginners & Continuing classes are held on a Thursday morning. Roger and Anne and their team of volunteers do a wonderful job, and everyone is most welcome no matter what level of ability.
Total senior attendances in July hit 3394 with our very popular Balance Gym program recording 686 participants in July (smashing their precious record of 500) Congratulations to the WA Centre for Rural Health for providing a fantastic program and the QEII volunteers who assist.
We currently have 1550 registered centre users. Just a reminder to please update your email, phone number and emergency contacts. In case of a medical emergency these are very important so we can contact your loved ones.
With 1800 followers our Facebook page Over 50’s Geraldton Life is gaining momentum. A recent Zumba Gold video hit 4400 plays and Line Dancing 2700. Please help us by getting the word out by following, liking
and sharing. If you have an event coming up/ senior groups, please connect with us to promote. It’s all about what’s happening in the Midwest for Over 50’s
The 2024-2025 WA Seniors Card Discount Directory is available at the Centre.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
Geraldton’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II Seniors &Community Centre has come out on top with the annual survey of attendees revealing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the programs, facilities and amenities on offer. A staggering 96% of those surveyed said they were likely or very likely to recommend services and programs the Centre provides to other seniors whilst 95% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune was delighted to see the results.
“The QEII Centre is such an integral part of the community, and we want to be sure its meeting the needs of our older residents,” he said. “It is fantastic to see satisfaction with the Centre is at a whopping 94% and also interesting to see that 73% of
the 158 surveys completed were submitted online as opposed to only 22% the previous year.
“A massive congratulations to the staff and volunteers for all their dedication and hard work.”
Physical activity continues to rank very highly on the community’s needs for programming, with the top activities being Balance Gym, Over 50’s Gentle Gym and Pilates for the second year in a row.
Also praised was the Centre’s QEII Seniors Scene newsletter, which is a popular tool used by seniors to keep up to date with news and programming information as well as the Over 50s Facebook page which saw a 10% increase in usage.
Activities at the QEII Centre are partially funded by the Department of Communities.
Mrs Fitzpatrick’s Gift by
Lorraine Chapman
Mrs Fitzpatrick from next door, carries the sack over. Unruly grass runners escape out the top like wild, unkempt hair. I’d never seen buffalo grass. In Melbourne the couch lawn was already there, but our new house in Perth is a barren sea of grey sand.
Mum and Dad were supposed to plant the runners but they’re not into gardening. The sack baked, untouched, in the January sun for a few days. I ask Mrs Fitzpatrick how to plant it and she showed me.
I pick a protected corner of the backyard, under my brothers’ bedroom window. I use a stick to make furrows in the ground, like she showed me and cover up the runners, one at a time, with a blanket of sand, until the sack is empty and my grassy platoon lines up in neat rows.
Limestone rocks, from down the back, become the edge of a garden bed, under the
window. Mrs Fitzpatrick lets me have cuttings from her garden. My trusty stick makes holes and for geraniums, pelargoniums, golden rods and a fleshy succulent with little white flowers.
Dad bought a hose and connects it to the back tap. My garden eagerly drinks up the water every afternoon, during my school holidays. I watch, waiting and dreaming.
Soon, the runners have woven green threads, hugging sandy soil. Most of the cuttings take and flowers appear, smiling and nodding their colourful heads.
Eventually, with more runners, I help Mum and Dad plant out the front and back lawns, but mine is the first patch of hope in a new state and a new home.
A neighbour’s gift put down deep roots in my eight year old soul. I’ve harvested her joy of gardening every day since, for the last sixty years. Thanks Mrs Fitzpatrick.
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
Tuesday 3rd, 10th & 17th September
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.
Lemon Delicious Pudding by Jean Steer
Courtesy of a Collie fundraising book with residents’ contributions.
1 Tablespoon of butter
1 Tablespoon self-raising flour
Juice & rind of 1 lemon (finely grated)
½ cup of sugar
1 and ¼ cups of milk
2 eggs
1. Cream butter and sugar. Add flour, rind and juice of lemon and milk. Beat yolks and add.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff and mix into the mixture. Bake until set in a moderate oven.
3. Serve cold with cream.
Thank you everyone for your donations and our volunteers. 75 people bagged bargains with remaining clothes taken to Mullewa for distribution by Chloe Sage, Mullewa Youth Development Officer;
“The young people had a great time sifting through the bags and are now walking around town with their new snazzy outfits! We donated the older ladies clothes to the local art shop – they will be handing them out to any ladies that visit and are in need.”
Geraldton
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com
Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors Telephone 0474 639 961
During August, the beginners’ class learned all about their cameras and their photos. This included learning about photo editors and what they could do. How to crop a picture, lighten/darken, rotate it and use it as wallpaper on the front page of our smart phones/tablets. We also gained knowledge on how to erase blemishes and even use our photos to create personalized gifts. The topic of photos will run into September as we learn how to digitalize our old photos and arrange them.
Also, our new topic for September in the beginners’ class will be ALL ABOUT PASSWORDS! This is something we have found that most people struggle with. We shall learn how to make new passwords and their importance as we progress to using the internet.
During September, the continuing class will be concentrating on the ‘Mobile Banking Practice Area’ supplied by Be Connected. This is extremely informative, predominantly for the students who may not be familiar with ‘online’ Banking, but it will also be a refresher for those who have used it as there is always something new to learn. This will then lead on to the Topic of MyGov which will culminate in a presentation from Centrelink, to which all will be welcome.
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.
Unfortunately, the presentation on MyGov had to be cancelled for the 29th of August, due to circumstances beyond our control.
Watch this space for the new date
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.
Watch out for iPhone instructions next month!
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.
I was born and brought up in Geraldton, have been married for 4 years and now have a beautiful 18 month old daughter - Isra. I have a Malay background and my parents are from Cocos Keeling Islands. I have been working at the Aquarena for the last 12 months so you may have seen me there.
In my free time we love exploring our city especially going out for coffee and cake (bubbacino for Isra). I love cooking different types of cuisines and have a passion for baking – from cakes, slices and cheesecakes – pretty much anything sweet. I’m always testing and trying out new recipes for my family. So if you ladies or gentlemen’s have any recipes that you are willing to share please do so.
You’ll see me working at the QEII centre as a casual and I’m very excited to meet all our lovely members & volunteers.
Desert Blue – 12 crochet blankets, 12 pr mittens, 12 adult beanies
Geraldton Regional Hospital –20 trauma teddies, 20 monitor carry crochet bags
Cancer Council – 10 scarves, 12 mittens
Mission Australia – 8 crochet blankets, 8 scarves, 10 prs banana socks, 25 beanies
Centacare – 2 baby blankets, 8 face washers, 8 knitted teddies, 5 pr booties, 12 baby beanies, 4 pr child banana socks, 7 child beanies, 1 African tee, 2 jumpers, 4 child cardigans, 15 adult beanies, 5 crochet blankets, 5 adult banana socks, 4 pr mittens, 9 scarves.
Ngala – 8 trauma teddies, 3 baby blankets, 2 pr baby mittens, 2 pr baby booties, 24 baby beanies, 6 child beanies, 10 wash clothes, 1 baby cardigan, 6 child cardigans, 1 child jumper, 2 african tee’s
Variety – 21 crochet blankets, 33 scarves, 54 adult beanies, 36 pr banana socks, 3 pr mittens, 6 shawls, 5 ear warmers, 1 african tee, 1 child cardigan, 7 child jumpers, 8 pr child socks, 42 child beanies, 28 trauma teddies, 5 larger knitted teddies.
Sponsored by the Seniors Recreation Council of WA Inc Greater Geraldton Branch
Join us for social pole walking morning on September 7
Meet near the Jaffle Shack, Forrest Street to commence at 8:30am
Spare poles are available for anyone wanting to have a go
Everyone welcome to come, stay for a coffee after if you wish.
This group is for people living with stroke or communication challenges. Come along for a conversation and practice your talking over a cup of tea or coffee.
The group is run by stroke survivors and supported by trained volunteers.
Where: Geraldton Regional Library - meeting room
37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton Also online link through Zoom.
When: Fortnightly on Monday 1pm – 2:30pm
Dates for 2024 – Term 3/4
July 29th July
August 12th Aug 26th Aug
September 9th Sept
October 7th (zoom only ) 21st Oct
November 4th Nov 18th Nov
December 2nd Dec 9th Dec
For more information please contact: Trish Goodale (volunteer) Phone 0428 955 227 This group is free to attend.
Supported by :
The August Monthly Lunch Meeting had a smaller crowd than usual with 33 members attending.
President Trevor Hansen opened the meeting at 1030am. Card raffle winners were announced and the lucky people were Lina Mittoni and Pat Parker. Birthdays were announced and various reports and financial statements presented. Table Tennis is going well with up to 28 attending. This is held at 1pm on Monday afternoons. Glad to see Janet and John back from Perth. Janet has organised the Unders and Overs bowls tournament to be held soon and results will be published next month.
Guest Speaker was our Secretary Pauline Fowler. Pauline gave a power point presentation of one of their trips. This one was to Christmas Island for 10 days. Upon arrival they found their luggage was not on the plane and it arrived the day they left. Despite this inauspicious start to their holiday they still enjoyed their time on the Island. Pauline had lots of photos of various birds and lovely scenery which was delightful.
The meeting was followed by a delicious lunch of Beef
Rissoles in Italian style sauce with Mashed potato, Carrots and Beans was served and Black Forest Cake with icecream for sweets.
2nd Sept: Committee Meeting at 10.30am
10th Sept: Lunch Meeting with morning tea prior at 10am.
23rd Sept: Public Holiday. Bowls and Table Tennis will be still available.
It’s never too late!
It’s never too late to start a hobby!
I’m 92 years old and at 67 decided to holiday around Australia in a campervan.
“What shall I do when it’s raining, I asked a friend” They suggested I buy watercolours and start painting. As I travelled, I took photos and
painted them and progressed to oils and painted for 20 years until I was 87.
A friend told me about the QEII Centre. I’m not part of a group but sit in the lounge, have a cuppa and read. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and have a chat.
Bill Mottershaw
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.
ALL TICKETS $25—6PM
Arrive at 5:30pm for light refreshments before the film www.queensparktheatre.com.au
TICKETS = Civic Centre, Library & ONLINE
The Geraldton Seniors Week Committee would like to acknowledge and thank the Friends of QPT for being part of Seniors Week and their efforts over the last 10 years for having presented a film and the delicious nibbles prior to screening.
6 November 2015 = Hip Hop- eration
5 November 2016 = Young@ Heart
27 October 2017 = Golden Years
9 November 2018 = The Englishman who went up a Hill and came down a Mountain.
9 November 2019 = Overboard
15 November 2020 = Hector & the Pursuit of Happiness
5 November 2021 = Then Came You
4 November 2022 = The Duke
3 November 2023 = The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
8 November 2024 = A Stitch in Time
*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
