Celebrating our Seniors: NSW Seniors Festival
The 2024 NSW Seniors Festival, held from 11th March to 24th March, is a jubilant occasion dedicated to recognising, honouring, and celebrating seniors and their invaluable contributions to our local community. The festival offers many events and activities, calling individuals of all ages to join the festivities and revel in the spirit of togetherness. It’s the largest type of festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 500,000 people attending each year.
This year’s 2024 theme is ‘Reach Beyond,’ and there’s lots to do for seniors across NSW and in the Sutherland Shire. Rediscover the opportunities and ways for seniors to get involved throughout the Seniors Festival. Whilst there’s lots of great events being hosted over the coming weeks, other events and activities are ongoing giving plenty of ideas to gather, meet new people and perhaps learn a new skill.
NSW Seniors Festival
From an Expo, to Comedy Shows and a Gala concert, this is the time to be a senior in NSW! There’s lots to explore either in person or virtually. Take a look at the extensive Seniors Festival program and see if there’s something that takes your fancy.
Get ready to reach beyond and dress in purple for the Seniors Festival most highly anticipated Premier’s Gala concerts. The Premier’s Gala Concerts showcase some of Australia’s greatest entertainers to celebrate NSW seniors. Audiences will enjoy performances from Damien Leith, Paulini, Darren Coggan, and Julie Lea Goodwin.
When: Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 March 2024
Time: 11:00am and 2:45pm
Where: ICC Sydney Theatre
If you can’t make it in person, you can also register for the concert livestream and watch online.
Sutherland Shire Seniors Festival
Locally, there’s much to get involved in with our own Sutherland Shire Seniors Festival. The Council has a range of great events, including an expo, films to watch, a concert, and other activities to participate in throughout the festival. Whether you want something more active or a more relaxed suggestion, there are plenty of activities to allow you to meet new people.
Download the full program of events.
Plan a visit to Engadine Library
Engadine Library is open six days a week and offers valuable services like free Wi-Fi, computers, and printing. But it is more than just a gathering place for services and good reads. The library also offers classes to build confidence and learn new skills. Most of these classes are available throughout the year and range from decluttering lessons to iPad basic workshops, knitting circles, and film groups.
Address: 116E Caldarra Avenue, Engadine
Engadine Community Services
Engadine Community Services is a not-for-profit, non-government registered charity that has been serving the community since 1971. The resource centre provides community options such as JP Services, photocopying, email, tax help, assisted referrals, and information and fact-finding resources. They also specialise in social support for individuals aged 65 years and over. Services include home visiting, friendly phone calls, one-on-one social outings with assisted shopping, centre-based social groups and fitness classes, group outings and social buses.
Get out and about – Activus Transport
Activus Transport is an easily accessible transport service funded by the state and federal governments and designed to cater to the residents of the Sutherland Shire. It is truly door-to-door, affordable transportation for those wanting to participate in everyday life activities. Their much-needed service takes people to appointments, shopping, community activities, or visiting an old friend or family member.
Activus Transport also hosts social activities and events every month. Learn more about Activus’ calendar of events here.
Discover one of the local walking groups
The Heart Foundation notes the many benefits of staying active and exploring your local area by foot. Just 30 minutes per day can lower disease and increase energy levels.
You’ll be surprised by the number of local walking trails and paths you can uncover. Why not find other like-minded journeymen to accompany you? Find a group close to you by searching some of the local walking groups as featured by the Heart Foundation. Plenty of good groups exist, including Southern Walkers Group and Jannali Neighbours Walking Group.
Take a trip on the Picnic Train
The Picnic Train is a memorable day out. Step aboard at Tempe or Sutherland and take in the spectacular views of the Royal National Park, the escarpment, and the ocean as we head south for the township of Kiama. Sit back and relax in your heritage carriage and enjoy the journey. You will have plenty of time to have lunch and take in the many charms of this picturesque coastal town before returning to Sydney.
Hop aboard the heritage steam-hauled locomotive like you were back in the 1950’s, an immersive heritage experience. Dates will be announced here soon.
Volunteer your time
As a senior, you possess a wealth of wisdom and experience that can enrich the lives of younger generations. Your knowledge and know-how have the power to make a significant impact on our community. By volunteering your time and skills, you can contribute in ways you may not have imagined. Join a volunteer program and make a difference today!
Engadine Community Services has been servicing the local community since 1971 with various services to promote health and well-being. In this short video, one of their volunteers discusses her experience.
Get involved with a game of Lawn Bowls
Don’t forget a game of Lawn Bowls at Engadine Bowling Club as the perfect way to get active with numerous health benefits of participating.
Throughout March we’re holding Sunday Sessions barefoot bowls, every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. It’s fun for all ages and a great way to spend an afternoon and try lawn bowls in a relaxed environment.
Gather some friends and come down to the Club for lunch
There’s never been a better time to come to the club with several lunch and dinner specials throughout March. With weekday lunch specials, schnitzel nights, and members’ Triple Treat Happy Hour, it’s a hive of activity. Plus, our popular raffles are a great opportunity to try your luck with our Easter Egg, Easter Seafood and voucher raffles.
Remember Monday and Tuesday night at Engadine Bowling Club, Kids eat free. Why not bring the grandchildren along for a weekly catch up? Learn More.
Address: 61 Cambrai Ave, Engadine
Looking for other available activities and places to visit in our local area? Explore our Staycation blog post for more tips on local activities.
Staycation in the Sutherland Shire
Looking for other available activities and places to visit in our local area? Explore our Staycation blog post for more tips on local activities.
Please note we make every effort to ensure this information is kept current. If you spot any details that need amending, be sure to reach out and let us know.
