NSW
Seniors WEEK 2011 Special Liftout
Live life to the full
Water aerobics. Aquatic Centre, ARV Castle Hill.
Life was always meant to be fun – so why stop now? At Anglican Retirement Villages, we take care of your day to day concerns and those little mundane tasks, while you focus on living life to the full. When you choose to live in one of the Village neighbourhoods, you’ll meet up with like minded people who share your passion for life and sense of adventure. So whether you’re keen to head out and explore the local bushland, enjoy a round of golf, view the latest art exhibition, join a congregation, shop, dine or dance the night away, you’ll always be in great company. Anglican Retirement Villages, Communities of Christian Care.
2
Contents 4
Welcome to 2011 NSW Seniors Week
The largest event for seniors in the
southern hemisphere
5
Ambassador Professor Michael Besser
NSW Seniors Week Ambassador
6
Wollongong’s Seniors Week
With a multitude of events and
activities, you won’t be short of
things to do
11 Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concerts
Great Hits of All Time
12
The Young at Heart Film Festival
Bringing quality cinema to the
senior community
13 Visit Dobell House
A true treat for art lovers
14 NSW Seniors Week eHealth Expo
The opportunity to learn about health
and wellbeing 3
Welcome A
to NSW Seniors Week
s the largest event program for seniors in the southern hemisphere, 2011 NSW Seniors Week boasts an exciting calendar of events. From recreational to educational, from getting active to getting arty, each event aims to acknowledge the important role seniors play within the community. The week recognises the achievements of all over 60s by staging over 900 free or
4
specially discounted events; promoting healthy, active ageing. There’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved. Learn a new skill, rediscover an activity you haven’t participated in for a while or simply enjoy the social aspect which is part and parcel of NSW Seniors Week. There are dance classes, talks and movies attracting over 250,000 people across the state.
NSW Seniors Week is a NSW Government initiative organised by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, an agency of the Department of Human Services NSW. For more information about events and activities taking place during NSW Seniors Week, visit www.nswseniorsweek.com.au or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
NSW Seniors Week
Ambassador
Professor Michael Besser Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and The University of Sydney
NSW Seniors Week Ambasssador, Professor Michael Besser AM with youngest grandson, Leon
Professor Michael Besser is one of this year’s NSW Seniors Week ambassadors who will be appearing at some of the week’s events
P
rofessor Michael Besser was a neurosurgeon for 30 years and although he’s now retired, his presence in the field is still very active. Now a consultant neurosurgeon at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney, Professor Besser says it’s very important to keep your mind active after you retire. “I don’t operate or look after patients anymore, but I still volunteer in my field,” he said. “I’m also doing a masters degree part time because I think it’s really important to have some sort of intellectual focus when you retire to keep your mind active.” But it’s not only Professor Besser’s mind that’s active; he’s also a champion triathlete.
“This year, I’m doing the full Ironman in Busselton which is double Olympic distance,” he said. “I’ve got a few half Ironmans coming up beforehand to warm up for it.” When asked what NSW Seniors Week means to him, Professor Besser said it gives seniors the chance to have the focus put on them. “I think modern society is very focused on youth and the younger age group, which is great because they are the future, but I don’t think we should forget about the over 60 community,” Professor Besser said. “They’ve contributed so much to society and I’m looking forward to giving something back as an ambassador during NSW Seniors Week.”
A market leader in the prompt home delivery of continence, wound care, and health & well-being products. With over 12,000 health care products for you to choose from you will find the products that are right for you, delivered straight to your door.
T 1300 788 855 F 1300 788 811
E customerservice@independenceaustralia.com W www.independenceaustralia.com
5
2011 NSW Seniors Week ...In Wollongong
L
ocated on Sydney’s South Coast, Wollongong has spectacular beaches and rock pools, quaint coastal villages and exceptional cuisine. With your pick from 17 patrolled and pristine white sandy beaches, many amazing art galleries and a multitude of nature based activities, you won’t be short of things to do. During 2011 NSW Seniors Week, Wollongong will play host to a Seniors Week Calendar of Events in celebration of the contribution local residents over the age of 60 have made. Tracey Needham of the Wollongong City Council said the events aim to encourage older members of the community to get involved and enjoy a variety of events and workshops. “The events will include movie festivals, joy flights, walking groups, arts and 6
craft workshops and much more,” she said. Hosted by Wollongong City Council, the event has been marked locally for over 30 years and attracts a large number of people from across the region. “It’s grown into one of NSW’s largest Seniors Week celebrations,” Tracey said. Every year during Seniors Week, the Wollongong City Council honours one member of the community who has helped and encouraged the involvement of older people in the region with the Wollongong City Council United Nations International Day for Older Persons Award. “The 2011 award will be announced at the Seniors Week Opening Ceremony, with the winner being invited to participate as an ambassador throughout the Seniors Week events,” Tracey said. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank
all the volunteers who contribute their time and energy to make our local celebration of Seniors Week such a success.” “I have no doubt this year’s 2011 NSW Seniors Week will offer locals a fun and enjoyable week, and I encourage you all to get involved.”
Event in the Spotlight What: Wollongong Afternoon Tea Dance. Enjoy an afternoon of dance to the wonderful sounds of Fusion. There will also be a ballroom dance exhibition provided by Dance Space 383 and afternoon tea. When: Wed 23 Mar, 1.00pm – 3.00pm Where: Anita’s Theatre, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (entry via rear of building – King Street, Thirroul) Cost: Free – bookings essential. For bookings, contact Wollongong City Council on 02 4227 7238
Kayaking in the Royal National Park
Seniors get ready! Open your eyes, tune your ears, move your body, tempt your taste buds, stretch your mind, broaden your horizons, Live Life! It’s 2011 NSW Seniors Week. Across New South Wales, from its cityscapes to its beautiful rural settings, there’s a full program of exciting events especially for you. or visit www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
Sydney and Surrounds
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour Head to Palm Grove, Darling Harbour, the heart of NSW Seniors Week. There’ll be dancing, music and chats with the NSW Seniors Week Ambassadors. For the full list of entertainment and special deals log on to www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
Little Pattie
What is Jazz… with special guest Little Pattie
Wed 23 Mar 10.00am – 12.00noon (doors open 9.45am)
Start the day the right way with music, dance and tea. Experience Sydney’s hottest cabaret act featuring the latest dance trends from Broadway with Devonshire Tea.
Riverside Theatre Cnr Church Streets and Market Street, Parramatta FREE Bookings: 02 8839 3399 www.riversideparramatta.com.au www.wsda.org.au
Fri 25 Mar 5.00pm – 7.30pm Sat 26 Mar 1.00pm – 4.00pm Palm Grove Darling Harbour, Sydney FREE No bookings required www.darlingharbour.com
Chance a Dance Try the latest dance and fitness trend; Zumba Gold. Classes and other Seniors Week activities at the club are tailored to promote fitness and wellbeing.
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL 20-26 Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park FREE Bookings: 02 9559 0000 chprsl@chprsl.com.au
Mon 21 Mar – Thurs 24 Mar 10.00am – 3.00pm
www.chprsl.com.au
Royal National Park Step Out and Get Active
Audley, Royal National Park FREE Morning tea and lunch provided Bookings essential: 02 9548 2293 info@activeseniorsnsw.com.au
Leave the bustle and noise of the city behind and discover the great outdoors. Kayak, bushwalk, cycle or take a river cruise in this beautiful corner of the world.
www.activeseniorsnsw.com.au
Fri 25 Mar 8.30am – 3.30pm Royal National Park
Accessibility symbols:
www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
Accessible toilets
Audio loop
Wheelchair access
Services for carers
Description of visual elements
Cooking Classes at Yaama Dhiyaan
Bush Tucker Cooking Classes
Tasting with Aunty Millie and Aunty Beryl
NSW Seniors Week Ambassador Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo demonstrates adding a touch of bush tucker to your favourite dishes.
Sample favourite Aussie, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Italian and American dishes with a deliciously different bush tucker twist.
Tues 22 Mar 10.30am – 2.00pm
Sat 26 Mar 11.30am – 1.30pm
Eveleigh Farmers Markets
Yaama Dhiyaan Hospitality Training 255 Wilson Street, Darlington FREE Bookings: 02 8399 0924 mathew@yaama.com.au
Western
Northern
Cobar
The Carpenters from Kempsey
The Carpenters from Kempsey
Official Dinner and Senior’s Annual Award Presentation
The Carpenters from Kempsey
When Darren and Sharon Carpenter talk they’re from Kempsey but when they sing they pay homage to those ‘Other Carpenters’. This unique show features their greatest hits.
Cobar honours its finest seniors and the fantastic contribution they make to the community at its prestigious annual event. Popular entertainer John Peebles returns with music everyone knows and loves.
Fri 25 Mar 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Thu 24 Mar 11.00am – 1.00pm Capitol Theatre Tamworth Peel St, Tamworth FREE Bookings: 02 6767 5300 www.capitoltheatre.com.au
Wed 23 Mar 6.00pm – 11.00pm Cobar Bowling & Golf Club Murray Street, Cobar FREE Bookings: 02 6836 2684
Coff Cex Club, Coffs Harbour FREE Bookings: 02 6653 3888 www.cex.com.au
Sat 26 Mar 6.00pm – 8.00pm Nundle Sport & Recreation Club Crosby street, Nundle $20 including dinner & show Bookings: 02 6746 5580
www.nswseniorsweek.com.au
Hunter
Hunter Valley Gardens Village
Hunter Valley Gardens Enjoy a week of events celebrating NSW Seniors Week. Activities include garden tours, entertainment and fun at this much-loved location.
Broke Road, Pokolbin $10 entry Bookings: 02 4998 4000 www.hvg.com.au
Sun 20 Mar – Sun 27 Mar 10.00am – 5.00pm
Hunter Valley Gardens
Famous Fifties Showcase Step back in time with The Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival’s tribute to the fabulous 50s & 60s era with music from Elvis, Johnny O’Keefe, Buddy Holly and more. Sat 26 Mar 11.30am – 12.30pm Sun 27 Mar 11.30am – 12.30pm
Southern
Main Stage, Rotary Park Kurri Kurri FREE Bookings: 02 4936 1909 vic@kurrikurri.com www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au
Anita’s Theatre
Wollongong Afternoon Tea Dance Channel your inner Fred and Ginger for an afternoon of dancing and tea. It’s an undisputed highlight of the NSW Seniors Week calendar. Wed 23 Mar 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Anita’s Theatre Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul FREE Bookings essential: 02 4227 7238 TNeedham@wollongong.nsw.gov.au www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival
Photography: Jamie North (pardalote.com) Major Sponsor
Promotional Partner
Media Partner
Community Partner
Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concerts Great Hits of All Time
T
his year marking their 30th anniversary, the 2011 Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concerts are presented free to NSW seniors by the NSW Government as a thank you for the contribution they make to the community. Paul Venables, Creative Producer of the Gala Concerts, said this year’s concerts are to be titled ‘Great Hits’ and will be a parade like no other, featuring only the best and most celebrated pop songs of all time. “These are the songs that are the chart toppers, the songs that have broken all records and made it to number one and beyond,” he said. “It will have the very best of popular music from the 1950s to the present day.” Choosing the top hits won’t prove an easy feat though, with the past 60 years delivering some of the world’s most famous songs. “It’ll be difficult trying to narrow down the top 15 songs of all time,” Paul laughed. “It’s a bit like asking a mother which of
her children is her favourite!” “Very very hard to choose – dare I say, impossible.” The choice will be made a little easier though as much of it will depend on the calibre of the artists. “We’ll choose artists with a pop talent and then their voices will help govern the style of the songs we choose,” Paul said. “We know we would love to include songs from The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Simon and Garfunkel, Buddy Holly and the likes.” The artists won’t be impersonating anybody though with the concerts purely showcasing the songs made famous by the legends. “We’re looking forward to going through that casting process at the moment, seeing who will be available for the concerts,” Paul said. “There are so many musicals in Australia at the moment, so finding the best of these pop and musical theatre talents is always a challenge.” Past Gala Concert themes
have included a tribute to song writers and piano players in ‘Black Piano White’, music made famous from the movies in ‘Encore’ and ‘Back in the Swing’ which was a tribute to big bands and swing music. With something for everybody, you have to be quick to snap up your tickets. “The tickets were snatched up very, very quickly”, Paul said. “All three concerts sold out in record time and last minute tickets will be available on Tuesday, 15 March.”
Quick info What: Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concerts When: Mon 21 Mar, 10.30am and 2.30pm Where: Sydney Entertainment Centre Cost: FREE Last minute tickets will be available from Tue 15 Mar. Book your FREE last minute tickets at Ticketmaster. Online: www.ticketmaster.com.au Over the Counter: Participating NSW Ticketmaster Outlets By Phone: 1300 855 501 (Please be patient, expect lengthy delays) 11
Young At Heart
Seniors Film Festival
B
ringing quality cinema to the over 60s community, the sixth annual Young At Heart Seniors Film Festival held during NSW Seniors Week, will take place from the 24 - 27 March, 2011. Director at The Festivalists, Mathiew Ravier said the Young At Heart Film Festival started from humble beginnings. “With seniors being the fastest growing segment of the cinema-going population, we felt that they deserved a festival to call their own,” he said. “Especially these days, the multiplex cinemas seem designed for the younger generation.” “So it started out as an experiment really and the feedback was so overwhelmingly positive that we decided to make it an annual event. Now the
films to be released later in the year.” “We’re also going to show the finalists in the Young At Heart Short Film Awards, a national film competition that showcases the acting talents of seniors.” The venue is Dendy Opera success is such that many Quays. of the screenings sell out in “It’s a fantastic location right advance.” next to the Sydney Opera Highlights for the 2011 House on the harbour,” program are set to include Mathiew continued. “It a special spotlight on the makes for a great day out collaborations between and people usually stay for John Huston and Humphrey at least two or three films.” Bogart, and recently created “Lots of people in the new prints of much-loved audience love that it’s right Australian classics in there on the water, so in partnership with the National between films, you can have Film and Sound Archive. a coffee or go for a walk – “There’s a common it’s all part of the appeal.” misconception that we’re all Tickets for the Young At about the classics though, Heart Film Festival go on which isn’t right,” Mathiew sale on the 1 March, 2011 said. “There will also be film but be quick – they sell fast! premieres and previews of Quick info What: Young At Heart Film Festival
When: Thur 24 Mar - Sun 27 Mar Where: Dendy Opera Quays, Shop 9, 2 East Circular Quay, Sydney Tickets: $12.00 or $6.00 for people over 60, on sale from 1 March, 2011 at Dendy Opera Quays For more information and cinema listings, visit www.youngatheart.net.au
Maggie Dence ,Talent Award winner 2010 12
Young at Heart is presented by The Festivalists and supported by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Human Services NSW.
For the Art Lovers... Visit Dobell House
D
uring NSW Seniors Week, Dobell House - home and studio of late artist, Sir William Dobell – will play host to a function for those who want to learn all about his art, his life and his home. The house, which is owned by the Sir William Dobell Memorial Committee, is maintained as historically accurate as possible thanks to the volunteer organisation. “The function will be focused on Sir William Dobell’s art, his life, and his home,” said
SEE ELIZABETH Elizabeth Donaldson William Dobell: An Artist’s Life
2011 NSW Seniors Week Ambassador, Elizabeth Donaldson, who is a member of the Sir William Dobell Memorial Committee. “We’ll talk about volunteering and the value you get out of being part of that sort of committee.” “There will also be morning tea and a tour of the house.” Mrs Donaldson said volunteering at Dobell House is a fantastic way for seniors to get out and mingle with like minded people. “By volunteering my time Did you know that every Australian who has a $10 note owns their very own Dobell? Or that Dobell played the piano and if he had not been a painter he would have liked to be a concert pianist? Elizabeth Donaldson reveals all this and more in her new book; William Dobell: An Artist’s Life. Lavishly illustrated with artworks, personal photographs and newspaper clippings, William Dobell: An Artist’s Life paints a compelling portrait
at the house, I mixed with people, I used my brain, I was part of a community, and I even learned new skills,” she said. “I put in a lot, but I got so much more back from it and that’s the important thing when it comes to volunteering.”
Quick info What: 2011 NSW Seniors Week Dobell House Function When: Thur 24 Mar, 10.00am Where: Dobell House, 47 Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi Cost: FREE – bookings essential. Phone (02) 4975 4115, email admin@dobellhourse.org.au Website: www.dobellhouse.org.au
of both the man and the artist. Join us for this special Seniors Week author talk as Elizabeth shares the stories of her research into the life of one of Australia's greatest artists. What: Elizabeth Donaldson Talk When: Wed 23 Mar, 11.00am – 12.00noon Where: Kings Cross Library Cost: FREE Bookings: (02) 9246 4530
13
Highlighting Health NSW Seniors Week eHealth Expo
T
he 2011 NSW Seniors Week eHealth Expo will take place on Wednesday 23 March. Nan Bosler, President of the Australian Seniors Computer Association (ASCCA), said it would help seniors to learn about health issues in a friendly, informal way. “This expo is built around information, social interaction and a contribution to the wellbeing of seniors with speakers focusing on many different areas of health,” she said. “We’ll even have information
on using gaming technology like the Nintendo Wii Fit for exercise.” she said. The expo will run from 10.30am to 3.00pm, with speakers appearing for the first half of the day till 12.30pm, and the opportunity to explore the stands during the second. A light lunch is also included. “It’s an opportunity to have an enjoyable day with other seniors.” Nan said. ASCCA is the national peak body for seniors and technology and acts as a catalyst to enthuse, encourage, empower and assist seniors to use
The must-read magazine
October/No
vember | 2010
The Good Life Making that Move to the Count ry Australia’s Going Digita But will Your l Old TV Cope Tapas
BlackBerry Delec with a Twist table Deligh or iPhone? From ts Around the Our Pick World The High Tea Do Slate Debate You Really The Essential Need an iPad! Ingredients
Kerri-Anne Kennerley The New Guard
of Television
Women
When: Wed 23 Mar, 10.30am - 3.00pm Where: Level 1, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney Cost: FREE, includes a light lunch at 12.30pm Bookings: 02 9286 3871 office@ascca.org.au
It’s also just one of the many benefits of National Seniors Australia membership. The magazine is delivered free right to your door every two months.
2010 June/July |
Libido Losing Your It Back And Getting
Quick info What: eHealth Expo
50 something is Australia’s premier magazine for over 50s. This award-winning lifestyle magazine is packed full of interesting articles and regular columns, from the arts, politics and celebrity profiles to relationships, finance and recipes.
that’s just for you.
Budget 2010 No Frills, Few Thrills
communication technology. During NSW Seniors Week, ASCCA will also be staging a series of supported educational training workshops focusing on social networking as well as how to use the computer for emails.
Music or Lyrics?
PaulKelly
Answers the
Eternal Ques
tion
Other member benefits include a great member rewards program, a buying service, a collective voice to government, an over 50s specialist travel service, competitive insurance and much more.
To become a member
CALL 1300 76 50 50 nationalseniors.com.au 14