No shortage of activities on offer as Seniors Week goes virtual in 2020
Seniors Week is going virtual in 2020 but there are still plenty of ways get involved throughout the week of 15-23 August.
This year’s Seniors Week will be the first held virtually in its 60-year history, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency.
Despite this, Gladstone Regional Council is ensuring the contributions our seniors make to the community – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents, or advocates – is valued and recognised.
Seniors Week in the Gladstone Region will feature two virtual events – An Unlikely Conversation and the Mayor’s Seniors Week Morning Tea – offering seniors a chance to catch up online or in small groups.
An Unlikely Conversation will be set across three timeslots (9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm), from Monday 17 August until Thursday 20 August.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said An Unlikely Conversation is a free online event that will bring together our older and younger generations from different backgrounds to enjoy coffee and cake, while being guided by a menu of conversation.
“An Unlikely Conversation will give seniors the opportunity to talk about their life experiences, hopes, and dreams for their community, as well as see the world through the eyes of a different generation,” Councillor Burnett said.
“The event aims to bring together community members of all ages, from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds, with a goal of enhancing opportunities and fostering the value of intergenerational connection.
“This event will be held three times a day over four days leading up to the Mayor’s Seniors Morning Tea on Friday 21 August and will be conducted virtually through an online Microsoft Teams meeting.”
Participants in An Unlikely Conversation will be asked a series of questions and will be given the opportunity to discuss the topics within the group.
"There are no right or wrong answers and questions are completely open to interpretation and aimed at bringing together different generations,” Cr Burnett said.
The Mayor’s Seniors Week Morning Tea will involve the community coming together via a live stream on Council’s website between 10am – 11am on Friday 21 August.
Cr Burnett said that while the Mayor’s Seniors Morning Tea is being held in a different way in 2020 due to government restrictions relating to COVID-19, the event will still allow seniors to celebrate and connect with each other in a safe, virtual space.
“The live stream will feature approximately one hour of content including live music, poetry reading, gardening tips and an opportunity to thank our seniors for the value they bring to our community,” Cr Burnett said.
“Council appreciates the contribution of our seniors and in recognition of this, seniors aged 55 and over will have an opportunity to enjoy morning tea on us with a $10 voucher.
“The vouchers can be used any time between 14 August to 28 August 2020 at participating cafes, coffee shops and restaurants in the Gladstone Region.
“Vouchers can be collected from various Council offices from Monday 3 August.”
Participating aged care homes and retirement villages in the Gladstone Region can assist seniors with accessing the live stream, with Cr Burnett encouraging younger relatives of seniors who aren’t tech savvy to assist them with accessing the information where possible.
“While it’s a shame we can’t hold this popular event in person due to COVID-19 regulations, it would be fantastic to see our younger residents helping our seniors in accessing these virtual events,” he said.
“Residents can register their interest in Seniors Week activities by visiting Council’s website or phoning us on 4970 0700 by Friday 7 August and we can assist with the online registration process.
“I look forward to connecting with our seniors in a different way during Seniors Week 2020.”
Please visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/senior or call Council for more information – including information on $10 vouchers terms and conditions and voucher collection points – regarding Seniors Week in the Gladstone Region.
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