Seniors Week 2019 gets underway today, with Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray encouraging people of all ages to celebrate the remarkable contributions of older Western Australians.
Running until November 17 and led by the Council on the Ageing WA, this year’s Seniors Week events will again encourage active ageing.
Seniors Week events are also an opportunity to bring generations together to learn from each other and encourage greater social inclusion for older people.
The highlight of Seniors Week is the annual ‘Have A Go Day’, coordinated by the Seniors Recreation Council of WA, held on Wednesday, November 13 at Burswood Park.
Have a Go Day provides a range of activities to try from a diverse mix of community and social groups – promoting the benefits of active ageing for physical and mental health.
The State Government has also provided more than $80,000 to over 90 community groups and local governments through the Seniors Week Community Grants program to hold events during Seniors Week.
The events are as diverse as a ‘Come and Try’ session for African drumming in Toodyay, a Long Table Dinner in Mukinbudin, a Buddy Holly Tribute in Carnarvon and a ‘Seniors’ Olympics’ in Carlisle.
Seniors Week will culminate with the WA Seniors Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 16, where the Senior of the Year (metropolitan) and Senior of the Year (regional) will be recognised.
The awards will also acknowledge the WA Age Friendly Local Government of the Year and the WA Age Friendly Business of the Year.
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Mick Murray:
“Seniors Week provides all of us with the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions older Western Australians make to our State.
“Whether it is volunteering, fundraising or other community-focused service, seniors do so much to make Western Australia the place it is.
“While the Seniors Awards provide formal recognition of a handful of notable seniors, the week is just as much about taking some time to appreciate an older person in your life.
“It is an opportunity for generations to get together, learn from each other and bridge the generation gap in a positive way.
“I encourage everyone, regardless of age, to get involved in Seniors Week and celebrate all that’s great about older Western Australians.”
