Concerts to celebrate end of challenging year for aged care residents

The City of Greater Bendigo has organised and supported a series of one-hour concerts in December at four local aged care facilities to celebrate the end of what has been a very tough and challenging year for older residents during the COVID-19 lockdown.

One of the concerts will take place a Benetas Kangaroo Flat on Wednesday featuring four-piece Jazz Band 70+4. Other concerts taking place during December will also enjoy entertainment by the 70+4 band and the University of the Third Age six-piece Guitar Band.

City of Greater Bendigo Director of Health and Wellbeing Vicky Mason said due to COVID-19 restrictions the City was forced to cancel Seniors Week Festival and other events in 2020 that many older people would have normally enjoyed.

“It’s been an incredibly hard year for our older residents, particularly those living in aged care facilities who couldn’t see family members and missed out on so much due to the lockdown,” Ms Mason said.

“The City has organised the concerts at facilities where it is safe to do so in-line with their COVID plans.

“We simply want to bring some joy to residents now that restrictions have eased and to celebrate the festive season. We truly hope the concerts bring the residents some joy and fun.”

St Laurence Court Residential Manager, Vikki Ough said it is community sessions like this that bring great joy to so many residents and aged care workers.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the support we have received from the City of Greater Bendigo and other community groups throughout the year,” said Ms Ough.

“The strength that our residents displayed throughout this time reminds us of the resilience we have at all ages. These are the things we’re celebrating this Christmas, looking to remind the team, the residents and their loved ones of the remarkable care and resilience they showed this year.”

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