A VARIETY show, bowls tournament and a wind ensemble concert are just some of the activities to be held across Redland during Queensland Seniors Week.
Starting on August 18, the week is aimed at showing the positive side of ageing and older people, according to coordinator Lisa Hodgkinson.
“It’s about connecting with folk of all ages and backgrounds, dispelling the stereotypes associated with ageing, and assisting to reduce social isolation,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Council on the Ageing Queensland coordinates Seniors Week on behalf of the Queensland Government and receives funding to collaboratively plan, run and subsidise events and activities.
In Redlands, five community organisations will share a $100,000 government grant with 107 other participants to deliver special events throughout the week.
Previous years activities have ranged from flash mobs, club open days, expos and sailing through to cabarets, yoga, Zumba and music revivals.
“Residents of all ages and backgrounds will come together during the week; it’s really lovely to see the community spirit front and centre,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Twenty events were held in the Redlands area during Seniors Week last year and the challenge is on to beat that number this year.
There is still time to register an event or activity by phoning 1300 738 348. Sunday, August 19 is packed with organised activities, starting with a Seniors Week Walk starting at 7am at Donald Simpson Park, between Bloomfield and Wynyard Streets, Cleveland.
You can walk from three to 10 kilometres and included in the $6 registration fee are refreshments, T-shirt, stress ball and a prize draw.
Collapsible walking sticks will be available and there will be two portaloos along the way.
The Senior Citizens Bands Concert will also be held on August 19 at the Assembly Hall in Smith Street, Cleveland.
This free concert will be held by Redland City Band and features the Wind Ensemble and acclaimed guest band Windsor Brass.
“It will be a first class event with an entertaining program of music, complemented with an afternoon tea,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
The hall has plenty of seating and wheelchair access. Four performances of The Beat Goes On will be held at the Donald Simpson Centre starting on August 18.
Hits such as Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Saturday Night at the Movies and I Believe will be belted out by the DSG Theatricals; cost is $15 a ticket.
A Seniors Week Variety Show has been planned for August 21 at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.
The free concert also features the talents of Here’s to life Singers and Dancers.
Phone 3829 8131 to book your seat and for more information.
On Wednesday, August 22 from 9am, eight retirement villages from the Redlands will be playing for the Home Instead Perpetual Trophy, a long-time favourite among residents.
A light lunch will be served to bowlers playing on the day.
On Wednesday, August 22, U3A will host a Back to School Day at Lions Club Hut in Shore Street North, Cleveland; tickets are $20.
“This connects seniors to life-long learning,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“Spend a day with fellow students and guest speakers who will present a variety of topics of interest.
“YES to entertainment and enlightenment, to good company, to quizzes with great prizes, to morning tea, lunch and nibbles after school.
“NO to uniforms, to homework and corporal punishment and caning.” Council on the Ageing Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation and, for more than 60 years, has advocated on issues that affect all of us as we age, promoting older people’s rights.
“Besides hosting and attending events, we invite everyone in the Redlands area to take the time to connect with older community members,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“By either sharing a cuppa and a chat, hosting a barbecue with your neighbours, or simply enjoying a walk together.”
For the latest list of events marking Queensland Seniors Week, go to qldseniorsweek.org.au.