Kwinana Seniors

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On Tuesday, 11 November, the Kwinana Recquatic was alive with laughter and movement as seniors gathered for a vibrant Hula Hoop Session led by the talented instructor, Ruth.

The atmosphere was electric as participants spun, twirled, and discovered just how much fun fitness can be! Members of the Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre’s Happy Hoopers group joined in, proving that staying active isn’t just healthy—it’s joyful and social too.

If this sounds like your kind of fun, why not give it a try? Contact the Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre on (08) 9419 8402 to learn more about the Happy Hoopers group and how you can get involved.

A heartfelt thank you to Ruth for bringing her energy and expertise to Seniors Week, and to everyone who came along to share in the smiles, spins, and giggles.
Let’s keep moving, connecting, and celebrating healthy ageing—because every twist and turn is a step toward a happier, healthier life!

On Monday the 10^th of November, the incredible Seniors Week Lunch Event at the Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre was a heartwarming celebration of connection, culture, and community spirit.

From the heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Elder Michael Indich, to the uplifting words shared by Mayor Peter Feasey, the afternoon was a vibrant celebration of community and culture. The Singing Seniors’ rendition of Sister Act absolutely stole the show, bringing smiles and applause all around. Graeme’s heartfelt poetry added a reflective touch, while the lively line dancing kept the energy high and spirits joyful. Together, these moments created an atmosphere filled with laughter, storytelling, and genuine connection, an unforgettable tribute to the richness of our local community.

We also premiered our Seniors Week video, which featured two of our remarkable local seniors — Bill Toon and Jean Andrus-Howley — whose stories highlighted the strength, wisdom, and community spirit that enrich our city. Through their reflections and shared experiences, the film captured the essence of active ageing and the meaningful roles seniors continue to play in shaping Kwinana’s identity.

Guests enjoyed a delicious feed from Winnie's Bakehouse, took part in a fun quiz, and learned about the exciting events happening all week, from 50Fit and Tai Chi, to creative workshops, social gatherings, and a BBQ breakfast at the Recquatic!

A huge thank you to our volunteers, performers, and everyone who joined us. Let’s keep the celebration going, check out the full program on the City of Kwinana What’s on Page and get involved!

The Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre recently celebrated a fantastic turnout for its free Zumba class, with local seniors embracing the opportunity to stay active and connected.

This energising initiative is made possible through a partnership with Reclink, who generously cover the costs of the Zumba instructor and room hire, ensuring the class remains free for community members aged 55 and over.

The City of Kwinana supports the Centre in bringing more accessible programs to older adults, promoting healthy ageing and social engagement within the community.

The Kwinana Senior Ambassadors Program (KSAP) is a dynamic initiative operating as a working group within the Kwinana Senior Citizens Centre (KSCC), with support from the City of Kwinana. This program is dedicated to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and fostering meaningful social connections among seniors in the community.

📍 Community Engagement

On the first Thursday of every month, the Senior Ambassadors can be found at the Kwinana Marketplace, engaging with community members, sharing information about upcoming events, and providing resources tailored for older adults.

🤝 Program Objectives

As a working group of the KSCC, the Ambassadors play a pivotal role in:

• Promoting the Centre's programs, activities, and events within the community

• Sharing information about relevant services, support, and tailored resources

• Acting as advocates by collaborating with seniors, their carers, the KSCC, the City of Kwinana, and community organisations.

🌐 Get Involved

For more information about the Kwinana Senior Ambassadors Program or to express interest in becoming an Ambassador, contact KSCCAmbassadors@proton.me

The Kwinana Senior Ambassadors are committed to ensuring that seniors in the community remain informed, connected, and active participants in local life.

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.