Kwinana Seniors

On 15 November 2024, the Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre at 17 Harley Way, Medina, hosted a vibrant Open Day supported by the City of Kwinana as part of Seniors Week.

The event featured free activities, a sausage sizzle prepared by a senior volunteer, and Kumar's coffee van. Many new visitors stopped by to explore the Centre's programs and services.

If you'd like to learn more about what's on offer, pop into the Centre or contact the Secretary at kwinanaseniorsclub@gmail.com.

For any other questions about Healthy Ageing in the City of Kwinana, please speak to the Community Development Officer (Inclusion and Healthy Ageing):
Emily Strange – 9439 0294 or emily.strange@kwinana.wa.gov.au.

Please note the Centre will be closed from 13 December 2024 for a few weeks over Christmas.

During Seniors Week 2024, the Kwinana Public Library proudly showcased the Savvy Seniors Photo Board, a heartfelt celebration of our senior community.

“All good things must come to an end.” (Chaucer, 1374)

And so it is with the City of Kwinana’s 2024 Seniors Week. A week-long program of activities, held across the City, ended in style with the Kwinana Savvy Seniors Disco; held at the Kwinana Bowling Club, from 7pm until late on Saturday 16 November.

The ambience of the club room and Merle’s table decorations - including vinyl record albums by artists from Frank Ifield to Roy Orbison - captured the theme ‘Remember When?’ which was brought alive by music, including requests, from DJs Marilyn and Dave from Soul Source. Annette was in her element doing the ‘resurrection shuffle’, a 1970s huge hit by Ashton, Gardner and Dyke.

Mods, Rockers and Hippies, in fashions of our era, bopped and sang the night away, with Jean channelling Cruella de Vil in her black and white wig!

Prizes for the Best Dressed and Best Mover and Groover were well earned again this year, and Cora won first prize in the raffle. Congratulations all.

Once again, the amazing supper, prepared and served by Bowling Club volunteers, completed the successful recipe for the event, and was greatly appreciated.

Feedback from guests is that a good time was had by all, so we are looking forward to doing this, and other good things, again next year.

Annette

Kwinana Savvy Senior

On Monday, 11 November, the Seniors Week 2024 celebrations kicked off in style at the Koorliny Arts Centre! Hosted by the enthusiastic Savvy Seniors and supported by the City of Kwinana, the evening brought the community together for a memorable night of socialising and entertainment.

The event opened with a meaningful Welcome to Country by Deputy Mayor Winmar, followed by an inspiring address from Mayor Feasey, who highlighted the importance of supporting and celebrating seniors. Elected members, seniors, and City staff enjoyed vibrant performances from the Singing Seniors, Zumba Gold, and the Singing Ukes, with the audience joining in on the singing and dancing, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Catering was provided by Green Barista, offering delicious treats to keep everyone energised for the evening’s activities. The launch event was a joyful beginning to Seniors Week 2024, celebrating the incredible spirit and contributions of the senior community.

For more information: https://www.kwinana.wa.gov.au/city-life/things-to-do/what-s-on/2024/november/seniors-week-2024

Did you know, 1 in 6 people in Australia experienced elder abuse in the past year?

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on Saturday, 15 June 2024.

On this day people are encouraged to make a united stand against all forms of abuse against older people in our global communities. In the lead up to this particular day, passionate Kwinana Senior community members, City staff and elected members stood together at the local shopping centre to raise awareness about this prevalent and devasting issue.

This year’s shared theme in WA is ‘Wise Up, Rise Up against elder abuse.’

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse comes in many forms. It can be financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or social. Elder abuse can occur once, or many times and can vary in severity from subtle through to extreme. It can include one or a combination of the different types of abuse.

Most often, elder abuse is carried out by someone known to the older person, with two thirds of abusers being an adult child. Abusers can also be other family members, relatives, or friends.

Elder abuse affects people of all genders and all walks of life. The abuse, however, disproportionately affects women – two-thirds of people seeking help from SRV are women.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and LGBTQI+ communities are additionally vulnerable, as are older people living in rural and regional communities.

Getting help

For assistance with potential or actual cases of elder abuse, refer to information on the elder abuse phone line: 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374). Abuse of older people is a complex issue which is often caused by someone who is trusted by the older person, such as a family member, friend, professional, or paid caregiver.

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Our senior community members came together at Calista Retirement Village on Wednesday, March 27.

The crowd enjoyed a performance from the Singing Seniors and had the opportunity to learn about the Safe and Found initiative, chat to a local Police Officer, and hear about the Recquatic Centre programs. The Community Development & Engagement team were also there to interact with the special guests.

A delicious morning tea from Good Thanks and Mr Edz Coffee ensured everyone had a glorious autumn morning out socialising.

Kwinana Savvy Seniors and Kwinana Bowling Club did not wait for St Valentine’s Day before co- hosting an amazing night of fun and laughter, singing and dancing – and of course, love!

With the theme “Love is in the Air” because of its proximity to Valentines Day, guests danced to music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, provided by DJs Dave and Marilyn from Soul Source, who encouraged requests.

JPY reminded us that love is indeed in the air while Captain and Tennille reassured us that ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’. You might say we were in a ‘Time Warp’ dancing the classic ‘Nutbush’ and ‘Macarena’. High energy and fancy footwork!

The relaxed ambience of the clubroom sparkled under the twinkling lights and Savvy Senior Merle’s table decorations of red roses and hearts. Old memories were shared, and new ones made.

As always, the Club’s catering team served an excellent supper, topping up energy levels! A highlight was the ‘ceremonial’ cutting of the special ‘Love is In the Air’ cake, by President Dean, and Jean, Savvy Seniors Chair.

Thank you to everyone who helped on the night, including with the raffle, money boards, door prize and choosing the best ‘movers and groovers’.

It is agreed that a good night was had by all, with many requests to hold another similar event.

And this Savvy Senior got home before the stroke of midnight. (wouldn’t want to turn into a pumpkin or anything…)

Annette

Hi everyone!

My name is Emily Strange. I am the new Community Development Officer for Healthy Ageing and Inclusion at the City of Kwinana. I am very excited to have this opportunity. With experience working in a variety of settings such as schools, fitness centres, aged-care facilities and community services organisations, I have a good understanding of what it takes for a community and its individuals to thrive. Everyone is unique, and celebrating our differences and acknowledging individual needs, as well as coming together as a community to implement positive changes is very important. The team I am working in are a very dedicated group of people committed to listening to the Kwinana community. I am very passionate about helping people live a healthy life they love.

About me:

I was born in the country but grew up in Perth. I spent most of the school holidays on my grandparents farm in Dongara, where I rode motorbikes, caught yabbies and helped with the sheep work. In my early twenties, I moved to Broome with my younger sister. This really highlighted to me the importance of having opportunities that strengthen community connections and a sense of belonging. I was working as a coach at the local gym, relief assistant teaching in a Special Needs classroom and later working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the nursing home. Most recently, I worked for Anglicare WA as a facilitator delivering Family and Domestic Violence prevention workshops, and prior to this role, I worked at St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in the homelessness sector.

I live on the border of the City of Kwinana in Hammond park, with my partner and dog Levi. I love going fishing on the weekend with my Dad, running around the river, swimming at the beach and trying out new coffee shops.

I look forward to working alongside the Senior community members in Kwinana.

Emily

Community Development Officer (Healthy Ageing and Inclusion)
emily.strange@kwinana.wa.gov.au

We're very excited to let you know the City is currently advertising for a Community Development Officer (Inclusion and Healthy Ageing). Healthy Ageing is a new portfolio for the City, and it's the first time we'll have a dedicated officer for seniors. It's come about due to an identified community need through the Strategic Community Plan and Social Strategy, and the advocacy of the Senior Citizens Centre and the Savvy Seniors.

Applications close Friday 1 November, and we'd expect them to start early in the new year. Look forward to hearing more soon!