Bundaberg is gearing up for the third annual Queensland Seniors Month in October and it’s going to be a ‘Connect Fest' with plenty of social activities on offer across the region.
Alongside Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, Bundaberg Regional Council has brought together a variety of activities to encourage community connectedness and honour the contributions made by senior residents.
Council Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said Seniors Month was a great opportunity for seniors to get out and engage with new people.
“The Seniors Month line up allows people to discover new skills, roles and services and also socialise and have a bit of fun,” Cr McPhee said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the value of the contributions made by our senior residents, whether it be serving as community leaders and volunteers or helping out at home as carers and grandparents, they play a crucial role in our community.”
Celebrations include Connect Fest in Bundaberg, the Making Connections Over 50s Expo in Childers and the Seniors Festival in Gin Gin where community members can connect, collaborate and create.
Here's the full list of activities on Council's Seniors Month calendar:
Connect Fest! Yarning Circle
World Café style forum – inclusive of seniors from diverse backgrounds to share a day of collaboration, sharing stories and challenging societal norms of the past.
Tea and coffee, morning tea and light lunch provided.
When: Wednesday 4 October 2023, 9.30 am
Where: Location Bundaberg Multiplex
Cost: Free, RSVP by Wednesday 20 September to comdev@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or 4130 4150
Find more information on Connect Fest here.
Guided Tour and Morning Tea at Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Enjoy a fun-filled morning learning about the life and legacy of Australia’s famous pioneer solo aviator followed by a delicious morning tea.
When: 6, 12, 19, 26 October, 9.30 – 11.30 am
Where: Hinkler Hall of Aviation
Cost: $9 for senior card holders only, book your tickets here.
Travelling Film Festival
The Travelling Film Festival is coming back to Bundaberg bringing the best films from Australia and around the world.
When: 6 October – 8 October
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: From $13 per film with a subscription/flexipass, book your tickets here.
Creating Wellness – Weaving Workshop
Join Lyn Barton from Fibre and Clay by Lyn to make some beautiful woven baskets using natural fibres like raffia.
When: 9 and 12 October, 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Where: Childers Neighbourhood Centre
Cost: $10, bookings essential on 07 4130 4690 or cnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
The Big Sing – World Mental Health Day
Join the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre and Bridges Health & Community Care to mark World Mental Health Day by coming together in song under the leadership of Christie McLucas, no singing experience required!
When: 10 October 7 – 9 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $5, tickets available here.
Der Rosenkavalier: Met Opera
Live opera recordings from globally renowned opera house, the Metropolitan Opera.
When: 11 October, 1 – 5.45 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $24.00 (seniors), tickets available here.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase 2023
Boasting a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment is bringing the best of the fest direct to you.
When: 14 October, 8 – 10 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $40, tickets available here.
Sleeping Beauty performed by The Royal Czech Ballet
Following their 2022 performances of Swan Lake, the Royal Czech Ballet return to Australia with their presentation of the classic masterpiece, Sleeping Beauty.
When: 15 October, 2 – 4 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $85 (seniors), tickets available here.
Cooking up a Storm: Men’s Cooking Classes
Mature men who have little or no experience in the kitchen can gather together to socialise and connect while learning new cooking skills for their health and wellbeing, hosted by Relationship Australia's Andrew Penney.
When: 18, 25 October, 1, 8, 15 November, 5 pm to 7.30 pm
Where: Cultural Centre, Hughes Road Bargara
Cost: Free but spaces are limited so please RSVP on 4130 4150.
Find more information here.
King of the Swingers: Sinatra Through the Years
Enjoy the the most authentic sounding tribute concert to the unforgettable music of Old Blues Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.
When: 18 October, 11 am – 12.30 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $20, tickets available here.
Bundaberg Caledonian Pipe Band Concert: Scotland the Brave
Get ready for an unforgettable night of Scottish tradition and musical excellence with the Bundaberg Caledonian Pipe Band's Annual Concert, “Scotland the Brave”.
When: 21 October, 7 – 9 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: $38.50 (senior), tickets available here.
Free film screening: Seriously Red
The free screening of this rambunctious musical comedy takes place at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre as part of Seniors Month.
Follow the story of Red (Krew Boylan), a vivacious and misguided redhead who trades her 9 – 5 career in real estate to become a Dolly Parton impersonator.
The film was produced with the full support of Dolly Parton and Danny Nozell and features a catalogue of Dolly Parton's greatest hits.
When: 25 October 2023, 10.30 am – 12.10 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: Free but bookings are essential here.
Making Connections Over 50s Expo
Connect with a wealth of lifestyle and social opportunities available in the region at the Making Connections Over 50s Expo.
There will be a range of exhibitors, community groups and guest speakers showcasing their services and providing information to meet your curiosity and needs.
When: 25 October, 9.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Isis Cultural Centre
Cost/Booking: Free, RSVP by Monday 23 October to cnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au or 4126 4690
Grandparent Day
When: 26 October, 9.30 am – 11.30 pm
Where: Child and Family Building, 14 Hinkler Street
Cost: Free, contact 4130 4690 or cnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
Seniors Festival Gin Gin
Afternoon Tea at Gin Gin Landcare
When: 3 October, 2.30 – 4.30 pm
Where: Gin Gin Landcare
Cost: Free, RSVP on 4130 4630 or ggnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
Mahjong
When: 4 October, 9 – 11 am
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Cards ‘n All
When: 9 October, 1 – 4 pm
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Bus Trip to Hervey Bay
When: 12 October, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: $15, RSVP by 6 October on 4130 4630
Craft ‘n Chat
When: 16 October, 9 – 11.30 am
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Showcase Social Group – Thai Chi
When: 23 October, 9 – 11 am
Where: Gin Gin Youth Centre
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Showcase Social Group – Pilates
When: 25 October, 1.45 – 2.45 pm
Where: Gin Gin Youth Centre
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Morning Tea with Fashion Parade
When: 30 October, 9.30 – 11.30
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: Free, RSVP on 4130 4630 by 26 October
Indoor Bowls
When: 31 October, 9 – 11 am
Where: Gin Gin Community Hub
Cost: Free, no bookings required.
Find more information on the Seniors Festival in Gin Gin here.
Other local organisations hosting Seniors Month activities include:
U3A Concert And Expo
Listen to some great music, enjoy a sing-along and join U3A in celebrating their 35th birthday.
When: 9 October, 9 – 11.30 am
Where: Avenell Heights Community Hall
Cost: Free, for more information click here.
Please keep me informed. Thank you.