Seniors Week grants help Qld communities celebrate all ages

More than 100 community organisations and local councils across Queensland are sharing in $100,000 for events and activities to be held during this year’s Queensland Seniors Week.

Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke said Queensland Seniors Week, to be held 19-27 August 2017, would bring Queenslanders of all ages together to celebrate the valuable contributions of older people.

“From Cooktown to Goondiwindi and Longreach to Tugun, these subsidies of up to $1,000 mean there will be events and activities for everyone, young and old, to enjoy.

“This year, I’m pleased to see celebrations are gearing up with a broad range of events on offer across the state, such as online shopping classes, basic computer courses and expos.

“Today I’m paying a special visit to Diversicare in Townsville to congratulate them on receiving $1000 for their event ‘Celebrate Diversity through Food, Culture and Dance’ which will be held on August 19.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said this event exemplifies what Seniors Week is all about, with two local schools performing to diverse local communities, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTI communities and multiple generations.

“We are celebrating all ages and all walks of life in the community, empowering our older Queenslanders in the process,” he said

“The theme for Seniors Week this year is ‘A Queensland for ALL Ages’ and there really is something for everyone.”

Julie Fraser, state-wide team leader for Diversicare's Multicultural Advisory Service said that the aim of the event will be to focus on multiple ways in which people are diverse.

“We will encourage people to wear their traditional clothes or gowns as an opportunity to have fun and celebrate diversity through food, culture, dance,” she said.

Seniors Week is coordinated by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland which receives Queensland Government funding to collaboratively plan, run and subsidise Seniors Week events and activities.

COTA Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans said COTA produced an easy to use online Seniors Week calendar of events.

“We are pleased to support organisations with resources to further develop intergenerational connections within communities,” he said.

The Queensland Government is providing $100,910 towards 114 events and activities across the state this year.

For more information on Queensland Seniors Week or to register or view a Seniors Week event, visit www.qldseniorsweek.com.au or phone COTA Queensland on 1300 738 348.