Inner West set to Celebrate Together at Seniors Festival

Wednesday 11 January 2023

Inner West Council is encouraging residents to embrace the theme of next month’s Seniors Festival ‘Celebrate Together’ and explore a jam-packed program of activities running from Wednesday 1 February to Sunday 12 February.

Seniors can take advantage of a host of free-of-charge events happening across council libraries, community and neighbourhood centres, recreation centres, our gallery and sports fields.

Residents can discover mini eco-environments, step into another universe through virtual reality or take a journey to calm the soul through the Labyrinth experience.

Festival-goers are covered from the hips to the hip pocket. They can try Egyptian Dancing for beginners and then move onto a presentation on ethical investing called Banking on Our Future, both taking place at Hannaford Community Centre in Rozelle.

Inner West libraries are always brimming with activities and one of their special festival events will see the author of Smart, Stupid and Sixty, Nigel Marsh, discuss the ‘third trimester of life’ as part of the popular speaker series.

The co-founder of Earth Hour will share a not-to-be-missed discussion on ageing well and tapping into the secrets to living a happy life as we get older.

For the duration of the festival, Inner West Council will be offering free pool, gym and group exercise class entry at all five Aquatic Centres. Contact your centre as some restrictions apply. The Sport and Recreation offers include, tennis, croquet, golf, orienteering and more.

“The programs we run through the festival are free and we do try to reach people who might not know what’s on in their community and how to access affordable local activities,” said Mary Ciantar, Inner West Council Healthy Ageing Programs Supervisor.

“The theme is Celebrate Together and off the back of the pandemic it is a really fitting and meaningful and hopefully it reflects the desire and mood to get back out and participate in events.”

Inner West Seniors Festival highlights include:

• Intergenerational Creative Hub Tuesday 31 January to Tuesday 6 February. Featuring an intergenerational art exhibition inspired by the stories of an Inner West Seniors Social Group and their relationship with some local children and much more
• Speaker Series: Smart, Stupid and Sixty with renowned author Nigel Marsh Wednesday 1 February, 11am-12pm, Ashfield Town Hall.
• Special seniors lunches at Ashfield, Annette Kellerman and Leichhardt aquatic centres
• Terrarium Workshop Sunday 5 February, 11am-1pm Learn the fundamentals of creating a mini eco environment - a terrarium. Little BIG House, Summer Hill. Workshop will be hosted next door at Hampton & French, 16 Flour Mill Way.
• Wellbeing Day Summer Hill Community Centre Wednesday 8 February, 10am-2pm. Join with us for a day of music, food, pampering and social connection. Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith Street, Summer Hill.
• Virtual Reality Workshop Wednesday 8 February, 10am-10.45am and 11am-11.45am. Join us for a virtual experience at Haberfield Library and go to places you’ve never been before.
• Banking On Our Future – Ethical Investing Friday 10 February, 6pm-8pm. Want to learn how to do something real to protect a liveable planet? Hannaford Community Centre, 608 Darling St, Rozelle.
• Our aquatic centres are throwing open their doors with free entry for seniors during the festival, grab your goggles for swim cap for free pool, gym and group exercise classes. Some conditions apply.
• Aboriginal Weaving Workshop with Auntie Jo Friday 10 February, 1pm-3pm. Hannaford Community Centre, 608 Darling St, Rozelle.
• PCYC are offering drop-in activities including badminton, table tennis, gentle exercise, Tai Chi and walking basketball.
• Newtown Neighbourhood Centre – Welcome Day Friday 10 February, 11am-1pm Welcome to the new Newtown Neighbourhood Centre! Join us for a special Seniors Festival event to welcome local seniors to visit the new premises. 11-13 Darley St, Newtown.

These are just some of the highlights of the ten-day festival. Get in early and make a booking!

View the full program at http://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/SeniorsFestival or contact the Inner West Council Healthy Ageing team on 93925863 and at seniors@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

For media enquiries, contact Brett Clancy at brett.clancy@innerwest.nsw.gov.au