Bellingen Shire Seniors Festival 2024

Published on 21 February 2024

Council is once again joining NSW Seniors Festival — the largest seniors festival in the southern hemisphere — to present a range of free events and activities tailored for community members aged 65 years and older.

Running from 11 – 24 March, and themed "Reach Beyond”, this two-week festival will include live entertainment, film screenings, morning tea, lunch, service stalls expo, workshops, lucky door prizes and more.

The festival is a collaboration with various service groups and aims to offer seniors an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and exchange ideas and experiences, while emphasising the significance of engaging in creative activities to promote good health and well-being.

A highlight is the free lunch and service stalls expo, taking place at North Beach Bowls Club in Mylestom on Thursday 21 March, from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Service stalls will include Community Transport, Australian Unity, CareXCell, Home Instead, NSW Health, Livable, Home Support Services, and more.

Program of activities include:

• MOBILE HEARING BUS: Offering free hearing checks in Bellingen - Monday 18 March, 9am-12noon (Bellingen Citizens Centre.
• FILM SCREENING:  "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" at the Old Gazette Theatre in Dorrigo – Thursday 14 March, 2pm.
• MORNING TEA: Join us at the CWA Hall in Dorrigo for a delightful morning tea - Saturday 16 March, 9am-12pm.
• VINTAGE FILM CLUB: Gather at Urunga Library for a vintage film experience[MV2]  “Driving Miss Daisy” - Saturday 16 March, 2pm.
• CYBER SECURITY WORKSHOP: Learn essential cyber security tips and techniques at Bellingen Library Wednesday 20 March, 10:30am-12 noon

We extend a warm invitation to all seniors in our community to participate in the festivities and make the most of this enriching experience. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our festival, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Allan says, “The Seniors festival is one of my favourite times of year, because we get to shine a light on the remarkable members of our community – to celebrate their significant contribution. This year’s event hopes to inspire and motivate seniors in our community to be involved in a range of activities and events throughout the year, whilst meeting like-minded folks, sharing their skills and wisdom, and hopefully acquiring new ones”.