Seniors are invited to take a 12-day trip around the local area to explore what is in their own backyard and enjoy a host of special events as part of Sutherland Shire Council's Seniors Festival.
The event will run from Tuesday, April 13, to Saturday, April 24, and feature more than two dozen events with an emphasis on health and well-being.
The theme of this year's festival is 'In our Nature' and encourages residents to discover what the shire's scenic local environment has to offer.
The aim is to help seniors become familiar with a variety of local services that offer suitable programs for residents over the age of 60.
Many of the events to take place during the festival will have an emphasis on health and well-being, and includes fitness activities, art workshops, educational seminars, film screenings, hobbies and interest groups, plus opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Sutherland Shire mayor Steve Simpson said he hoped to see as many seniors as possible enjoy the program of events.
"The Seniors Festival presents an opportunity for the council to not only encourage residents to come together and participate in an engaging combination of activities, but it also gives us a chance to celebrate and acknowledge seniors for their significant contributions to our community," councillor Simpson said.
"Many of our senior residents have lived in the area for a long time, but may not have truly embraced the scope of environments or services on offer locally.
"We've got a sensational line-up of events and activities on the agenda this year and I look forward to seeing residents out and about in the community and connecting with like-minded individuals."
The council collaborated with local organisations to establish the Seniors Festival so residents could experience meaningful engagement with other seniors in the area while gaining access to relevant information and support services.
Program highlights include an 'Historical Walk and Talk' guided tour at Albert Delardes Reserve, Illawong; a 'Water Bug Blitz' program so grandparents and their grandchildren can discover the Oyster Bay bushland; 'Intergenerational Storytelling', a series of indigenous storytelling short films produced by older and younger generations; outdoor sketching workshops in the Camellia Gardens; and cottage tours and drawing workshops at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.
There will also be a range of exercise classes on offer including tai chi at Sutherland Leisure Centre.
Details: To find out more and view the full Seniors Festival program click here.
