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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
Norm Mitchelmore encourages seniors to stay active.
October 2015
Norm urges peers to stay active 2015 Greater Shepparton Citizen the Year recipient Norm Mitchelmore believes there are plenty of reasons for seniors to stay active. The 80-year-old keeps busy by playing sport and volunteering in the community. “I help out at the senior tennis group which is a part of the McEwen Reserve Tennis Club. We play weekly and get about 20 to 30 people there,” Mr Mitchelmore said. I’m also the secretary and treasurer of the lawn bowls 60-and-over tournament that meets every Wednesday during the season.” Mr Mitchelmore leads an active life in retirement and spends countless hours volunteering. “Once people retire, the secret to having a healthy retirement is to keep active in the community. “There are so many opportunities to help out in the Goulburn Valley,” he said. At the end of the year Mr Mitchelmore will be relieved of his long-standing position as the Shepparton Kiwanis Club secretary, but said he would continue to be active within the group.
fulfilling parts of volunteering was his Meals on Wheels round once a month. “It’s always very satisfying to help older people,” he said. With the Victorian Seniors Festival putting on a variety of events for seniors to attend during October, Mr Mitchelmore said he thought people should get out and find themselves an activity they enjoyed. “It will always be my recommendation for people to find something to do with their time,” he said. “Keeping fit is what we should be doing when we’re seniors.” Looking back on his Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year award, Mr Mitchelmore said he was overwhelmed by the reception of his volunteer work. “That was an honour. There’s probably other people doing a lot more in the community than I do and I got it.” Mr Mitchelmore has taken it upon himself to encourage seniors to get involved in the community, but said it hadn’t always been welcome advice. “I don’t always get a positive response when I encourage people to get active, but you’ve really got to approach them and encourage them to get involved.” — Taylah Burrows
Mr Mitchelmore said one of the most
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Celebrating our senior community will return this year at the Eastbank Centre on Tuesday, October 13.
Greater Shepparton seniors are urged to explore more of what their community has to offer during the Victorian Seniors Festival this month.
A special presentation by comedian Denise Drysdale will accompany presentations from Consumer Affairs, Alzheimer’s Australia, Aquamoves, Your Health Naturally and Australian Hearing.
The festival, which runs throughout October, is themed Celebrating Communities.
Ms Thomson said the expo would not be able to go ahead without the contributions of all its exhibitors.
The theme encourages seniors to explore the social, cultural, educational and healthy living activities in their local communities as well as state-wide during the month-long festival.
“With more than 50 exhibitors in attendance and presentations from a number of service providers, this is an opportunity for people to gain valuable information and advice,” Ms Thomson said.
City of Greater Shepparton director of community Kaye Thomson encouraged people to attend the many low-cost events on offer in the municipality.
The expo will run from 9 am to 4 pm, with presentations from 9 am to noon.
“The festival enhances seniors’ social interaction by creating opportunities to meet new people, make new friends and build on current friendships,” she said.
Victorian seniors card holders will be able to utilise free public transport from Sunday, October 4 to Sunday, October 11. Free public transport will ensure seniors have access to events across the region, and Victoria.
“Research shows the more socially connected we are as a community, the healthier we are and the safer we are; that is why celebrations like this are so important.” Among the activities on offer across Greater Shepparton are photography and art classes, musical performances, comeand-try sporting and leisure activities and environmental walks. The Over 55’s Health and Wellbeing Expo
People wanting to attend the Over 55’s Health and Wellbeing Expo need to RSVP by Thursday, October 8 for catering purposes by phoning City of Greater Shepparton on 5832 9700. For more information, visit greatershepparton.com.au/events or seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
WENDY LOVELL MP
Coach & International Travel
Cardwell’s Coach & International Travel is a family owned and operated company based in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. For the past 30 years Cardwell’s has continued to provide quality Australian and International holidays. Cardwell’s are well known for their reliability, quality and value for money. Cardwell’s offer free passenger pick up and return from most major towns or provide overnight accommodation in Numurkah the night prior to departure. Perhaps there’s a tour that may interest your group or club. Cardwell’s specialise in providing clubs with day or extended tours suited to your groups’ interests.
State Member for Northern Victoria Region For assistance with State Government issues, please contact my office.
We also have HIRE and DRIVE vehicles See our website for a list of tours including day tours, extended tours and International tours or refer to our list of available tours on page 5 of today’s paper.
www.cardwells.com.au
Free Call: 1800 033 068
Address: 138 Welsford Street, Shepparton VIC / Phone: (03) 5821 0055 Fax: (03) 5831 1062 / Email: wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by Wendy Lovell, 138 Welsford Street Shepparton VIC 3630 Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications Budget
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
Plenty of activities to entertain
Stage a place to stay healthy and happy
Despite having to stop lawn bowling and gardening, 86-year-old retiree Audrey Thorn hasn’t let age stop her from socialising.
Amateur thespian Joyce BakerDawber has an infectious zest for life. Mrs Baker-Dawber, 73, has been involved with the Shepparton Theatre Arts Group since 1975. The life member is involved with the choreography and is also the group’s vice president. Mrs Baker-Dawber said she was happy to see her joy for performing arts extending as more people joined the theatre arts group.
Mrs Thorn attends the weekly craft group at the senior citizens club to watch and socialise. After the meeting, Mrs Thorn said the craft group continued the fun and went out for lunch. The senior citizens centre puts on a concert for its members on the fourth Thursday of every month. Mrs Thorn said she didn’t like to miss the event, and that it was just one of the many things Shepparton had on offer to entertain seniors. “There’s plenty to do, if you really want to do it,” Mrs Thorn said. “People say they’re bored but they don’t have to be.” After giving up driving in the past couple of years Mrs Thorn said she would take advantage of the free public transport available to senior
“We’re really delighted that more people are getting to know STAG,” she said.
“There’s plenty to do, if you really want to do it.” Audrey Thorn citizens from Sunday, October 4 to Sunday, October 11. Mrs Thom said a lot of her friends still drove but it was difficult for older people to put their walkers in and out of cars. She said buses with ramps made the process easier.
Mrs Baker-Dawber is also the president of the Georgy Awards, which she has been heading since 1973. Her role sees her travel across Victoria with a panel of three judges to more than 30 productions a year. While the performing arts is an opportunity for Mrs Baker-Dawber to keep her mind sharp, she said participating in a tap-dancing group kept her fit. “I have a tap-dancing class that goes around the nursing homes to entertain,” she said. “We have 10 ladies in the group from the ages of 23 to 70.”
“While you’ve got your health and you’re going, you need to keep going,” she said. Mrs Baker-Dawber said while she understood it could be difficult to take the first step, she encouraged seniors to try something new. “I tell them to get out and join a group, there’s so much on offer.” STAG is in the process of launching its 2016 season with open auditions for people of all ages. For more information, email info@stagetheatre. com or visit www. stagtheatre.com — Taylah Burrows
As well as her involvement in the performing arts, Mrs Baker-Dawber keeps
ZO522101
Mrs Thorn attends a range of clubs and groups each month, including the Shepparton Senior Citizens Club, the herb and cottage plant group and the orchard day club.
herself busy by cooking and gardening.
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
VICTORIAN SENIORS
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October 2015
Never too old to learn Shepparton University of the Third Age course co-ordinator Jan Maude, 76, is passionate about providing education to the community’s senior members. U3A is continuing in its endeavour to become a more social place for its students, interacting now with the Bridge Club and having Camera Club meetings in its hall at 14 Esson St. Miss Maude said while the progress was good, she would like to see more of a multicultural aspect introduced. Miss Maude teaches a French class every second week, which gives her time to continue providing knowledge to those who wish to learn, and also a place to socialise. Now, with so much time devoted to her job, Miss Maude has lost the time she
once had to attend Aquamoves every week. But the change doesn’t upset her; Miss Maude’s primary focus is providing education to those who want it. “It’s never too late to learn,” she said. The university hosts a social morning once a month for current and prospective members. Miss Maude encouraged seniors who wanted to expand their knowledge to attend one of the social mornings and pick up a course kit, which included course and enrolment information. With more than 30 courses to choose from and a broad range of experts who bring their life experiences to the university to teach, Miss Maude said there was something to interest everyone at the university. For more information, phone 5821 3333.
Greater Shepparton Seniors Festival Program October 2015
Shepparton Croquet Club
Bird Walk
Monday, October 5 and Thursday, October 8, 9.30 am. Come and try croquet. All equipment and morning tea supplied. Bring flat-soled shoes and comfortable clothing. Where: 37 Winston St, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings: Phone 5821 4085.
Saturday, October 10, 8.30 am to 10 am. Bird walk and talk followed by morning tea. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a drink bottle. Where: Botanic gardens, Kialla Tip Rd, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9493.
Vision Australia
McEwen Reserve Tennis Club
Bridal Exhibition
Monday, October 5, 10 am. Social day of activity and fun for everyone. Lunch and morning tea supplied. Where: Vision Australia, 28 Channel Rd, Shepparton. Cost: Free. More information: Phone 5831 9400.
Monday, October 12, 9 am to 3 pm. Come and try tennis with a number of different events. Morning tea and lunch provided. Where: McEwen Reserve Tennis Courts, Brauman St, Shepparton. Cost: $4. More information: Phone 5821 4076
Thursday, October 15, 1.30 pm to 4 pm. A trip down memory lane. Afternoon tea provided. Where: Shepparton Senior Citizens’ Centre, Welsford St, Shepparton. Cost: Gold coin donation. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9785.
Shepparton Library — Easy Internet
Shepparton’s Over 55’s Health and Wellbeing Expo
Tatura Community House
Tuesday, October 6, 10.30 am and Friday, October 9, 5 pm. Come along and become more confident using the internet and your electronic devices. Where: Shepparton Library, Marungi St, Shepparton Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 1300 374 765.
Tuesday, October 13, 9 am to 4 pm. There’s something for everyone at this year’s expo. Morning tea and a light lunch will be provided. Where: Eastbank, 90 Welsford St, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9785 Bookings close Thursday, October 8.
Dusty, Doris and ME — Wendy Stapleton
Murchison Neighbourhood House
Wednesday, October 7, 1 pm. Singer Wendy Stapleton presents her new cabaret show Dusty, Doris and ME. Where: Eastbank, 90 Welsford St, Shepparton. Cost: $5. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9511.
Wednesday, October 14, 9 am. A day bus trip shopping and exploring Epping Plaza. Morning tea provided, lunch purchased at own expense. Where: Bus leaves Murchison Neighbourhood house, Impey St, Murchison. Cost: $15. Bookings essential: Phone 5826 2373.
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre
Flies, Lies and Black Cockatoo Pies
Thursday, October 8, 9.45 am to 11.45 am. MEAC will hold a fall prevention and staying upright and stable session. Late morning tea provided. Where: 23 Alexander St, Mooroopna. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5825 1774. Bookings close Monday, October 5.
Wednesday, October 14, 11 am. The show is a fast moving collection of stories, songs and yarns presented by Tim Sheed. Where: Shepparton Senior Citizens’ Centre, Welsford St, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9785.
Walking Tour of Sacred Sites in Mooroopna Wednesday, October 14, time to be advised. Walk some of the tracks in the area known as the ‘flats’. Please bring a drink. Where: Departs SPC KidsTown. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 0419 751 168.
Friday, October 16, 1 pm. Community afternoon with trivia, afternoon tea and prizes. Where: Tatura Community House, 12–16 Casey St, Tatura. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5824 1315.
Dookie Military History Group Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 9 am. A display of military equipment from World War II to present time. Swap meet. Where: Main St Parkland, Dookie. Cost: Free. More information: Phone 0427 538 667.
Flora Walk — Boulevard Bush Reserve Sunday, October 18, 10 am to 12.30 pm. Discover the array of native plants and fauna of the Shepparton region. Barbecue lunch provided. Please bring a hat, drink bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes. Where: Boulevard Bush Reserve, The Boulevard, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9714.
Spotlight Walk
More than 1300 activities across the state
Tuesday, October 20, 8 pm. One-hour twilight walk to learn about native animals. Bring a torch, drink bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes. Where: Location to be advised. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9493
Cosgrove/Dookie Hospital Auxiliary Open Gardens Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 10 am to 4 pm. Devonshire teas, plant sales and guest speakers. Where: 568 Dookie Rd, Yabba South; 20 Polan Rd, Cosgrove; 6 Williamson St, Dookie; 24 McDonald St, Dookie; and 41 McDonald St, Dookie. Cost: $5 per garden or $20 for five gardens. More information: Phone 5828 6328.
Goulburn Valley University of the Third Age Art, Craft and Photography Show Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 10 am to 4 pm. Come and see the extensive range of activities on offer through University of the Third Age. Morning tea provided. Where: U3A Hall, 14 Esson St, Shepparton. Cost: $2 per person. Further information: Phone 5821 3333.
Photography Along the River Wednesday, October 28, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. An informal introduction to photography. Bring a drink bottle, walking shoes and your camera. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9714.
Art Along The River Saturday, October 31, 8.30 am to 11.30 am. A unique art class experience at Victoria Park Lake. Bring a comfortable chair, hat and water bottle. All art equipment supplied. Where: Victoria Park Lake, south end of Tom Collins Dve, Shepparton. Cost: Free. Bookings essential: Phone 5832 9493.
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
VICTORIAN SENIORS
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October 2015
More reason to stay social Lifestyle Shepparton has announced a new Aqua Club set to open in late 2016. A large outdoor pool, alfresco entertainment area and cabana will make up the new addition to the lifestyle estate community. “We are so excited to announce the launch of the Aqua Club in Lifestyle Shepparton, it’s yet another space for home owners to relax and enjoy quality time with other home owners, friends and family,” Lifestyle Communities managing director James Kelly said.
Residents Barry and Di Nelson said they just needed to step outside for something to do. They said Mrs Nelson regularly went on n a five-minute errand and returned afterr two hours of socialising with people in the estate. Lifestyle Shepparton has begun selling the final stages of the estate. Lifestyle Shepparton residents John and Gaye Crane, and Di and Barry Nelson at the location for the new Aqua Club.
Lifestyle Shepparton residents John and Gaye Crane said they were looking forward to the new outdoor area.
Lifestyle Shepparton residents John and Gaye Crane, and Di and Barry Nelson are excited about the new developments.
“Having the pool in the summer will be wonderful,” Mrs Crane said. “It will be a great place to socialise, more so than the inside pool.” The lifestyle estate supplies services and amenities to help residents keep active, with a bicycle share system, gym, bowling green and tennis courts on offer.
“It will be a great place to socialise, more so than the inside pool.”
Mr Crane said he was looking forward to picking up a racquet and enjoying the tennis courts in the warmer seasons. The tight-knit community means residents have a support network of friends to encourage each other to stay healthy.
Gaye Crane
Do you need extra support at home as you age?
Community Interlink provides high quality community aged-care services and programs designed to help seniors stay living at home.
9 Home care packages 9 Respite for carers 9 Individually tailored services
9 Acquired brain injury support 9 Disability support 9 Family therapy services
For more information, contact: Ph: 1800 222 582 (press option 1) or email: interlink@gvhealth.org.au
local services, local staff, local knowledge
Suzanna Sheed,
State Member for Shepparton District. Contact Suzanna’s office for assistance with State Government responsibilities including public schools, police, prisons, most roads, railways and emergency services such as fire and ambulance. Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget. Authorised by Suzanna Sheed.
Electorate Office: * 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton ' (03) 5831 6944 7 (03) 5831 6836 8 suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au www.suzannasheed.com.au
www.gvhealth.org.au
Healthy Communities
Suzanna Sheed
@SheedSuzanna
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SHEPPARTON NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015
VICTORIAN SENIORS
October 2015
Free travel during festival Free public transport is once again available to all Victorian Senior Card holders during an eight-day period of the Victorian Seniors Festival. Seniors will be able to utilise free metropolitan trams, buses, trains and regional bus services from Sunday, October 4 to Sunday October 11. Free V/Line rail and coach services will be offered to seniors on Tuesday, October 6 to Thursday, October 8, and from Saturday, October 10 to Sunday, October 11.
The free travel enables seniors to utilise free V/ Line rail services to access Seniors Festival events across the state. More than 1300 activities are on offer across Victoria during October, with either free or lowcost entry fees.
V/Line travel and booking tips • Book early on reserved services. • Free travel applies to economy class only. For first-class travel, normal concession fares apply. • If you have a booking but find you are unable to travel, let us know as soon as possible so the ticket can be given to someone else. • If you are planning to travel in groups of 12 or more, call V/Line to ensure seats are available. Limits to group travel may apply if space is not available. Phone 9619 2338. • You can book one return journey for up to four Victorian Seniors Card holders. Confirm your entire journey at the time of booking to avoid disappointment. Tickets must be collected no later than 48 hours after you book. Free travel is not available on the Overland, Sydney XPT, Speedlink, Canberra Link, interstate destinations on the Daylink, Capital Link or Sapphire Coast Link.
Melbourne travel tips For your comfort, where possible, avoid services that arrive in metropolitan Melbourne before 9 am and depart between 4 pm and 6 pm on weekdays. Touch on and off using your Seniors myki, even during the free travel period. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged a fare during the free travel period. Make sure you have at least a zero positive balance on your myki to travel on public transport. Normal concession fares apply for Seniors Card holders from other Australian states and territories. Remember, the public transport network is still carrying its usual travellers so it may not be possible to get a seat.
Celebration day A celebration for older Victorians, their friends and families will be held in Federation Square on Sunday, October 4 from 10.30 am to 4 pm. Seniors are invited to get together and celebrate with music, dancers, roving troubadours, information stalls and demonstrations. Highlights will include the U3A Carnival of learning activity and information displays hosted by the University the Third Age Victoria. There will be more than 70 stalls which will cover active living, lifelong participation and learning, arts and craft, health, technology, travel and later-life accommodation. For more information, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
Elmore Field Days Seniors wanting to make the most of free travel during the first week of the 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival can take a trip to the Elmore Field Days from Tuesday, October 6 to Thursday, October 8. This year’s field days coincides with the first week of the festival. Seniors travelling by public transport to Elmore can take a shuttle bus from the Elmore train station to the Elmore Events Centre. Bookings are essential, phone 5432 6176.