Kwinana Seniors

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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!

Seniors Week 2023 Grand Finale

On the dance floor we all agreed with Patrick Hernandez as we belted out that it is indeed ‘good to be alive’ (born to be alive), as we showed off dance moves like ‘greased lightning’ - or is that just the ‘jive talking’!

With help from DJ Dion and MC extraordinaire Pauline, we did indeed remember when; with everything from the twist and Nutbush to the macarena. A karaoke screen confirmed we all had the right lyrics and even provided an opportunity for having one’s fifteen seconds of fame!

Merle’s dress was dazzling (literally) – get those fishnet stockings! Suzanne was clearly ‘going to San Francisco’, with flowers in her hair as Scott McKenzie suggested. On the subject of hair…Jean’s purple frizzy locks were simply amazing. Annette declared herself a ‘Mod’ with large daisy earrings and bright blue eye shadow and the Hippy Twins stole the show!

Yes, it was all happening at the Kwinana Bowling Club on Saturday 18 November, ensuring that Seniors Week closed having created its own special memories.

President Dean and his wonderful team of volunteers welcomed us warmly and as always, provided an excellent supper. ‘Remembering when’ is apparently hungry business.

Oh, and we even had line-dancers! What a hoot as those experienced patiently showed their routines to the rest of us. There were at least three versions of ‘Nutbush’, but we turned right together every time! Is it a little cryptic to ask if there is an analogy in there somewhere?

Groovy man!

Annette
Proud Savvy Senior

As Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons sang, Oh, what a night! (for late December back in ’63, please read mid - November 2023) one in which not even rain stopped play! With its soft lighting and twinkling table candles, Theatre 2 at Koorliny Arts Centre created a welcoming ambience for guests and performers at the City of Kwinana’s 2023 Seniors Week Launch event, on Monday evening, 13 November.

Deputy Mayor and First Nations Community Leader Barry Winmar warmly Welcomed everyone to Country, to which Jean, Chair of Kwinana Savvy Seniors responded with her Acknowledgement of Country and thanked the many people who made this event possible. Mayor Peter Feasey formally opened the City of Kwinana’s 2023 Seniors Week Celebrations, describing the City’s support for Seniors and the unique contribution we continue to make in our community.

The scene was then set for an amazing evening of celebration, fun and reflection; enjoyed by Seniors and non-Seniors alike! The success of the event was the result of a partnership between the City of Kwinana and Seniors groups, which fosters positive and healthy ageing for all residents.

Under the stewardship of Master of Ceremonies Justin, Koorliny’s General Manager – who also gave a cameo performance – a program showcasing activities available to Kwinana Seniors unfolded. Local Poet Graham’s 2022 poem ‘Seniors’ at times tender and at others hilarious, challenged former perceptions of Seniors whilst validating the many roles and responsibilities, formal and informal, we hold - in our city and beyond.

Jane mesmerised guests with her Tai Chi Gongfu Fun demonstration, followed by an invitation to ‘have a go’; one of the aims of Seniors Week. Singing groups, Singing Ukes and Singing Seniors, took us down memory lane as we listened, sang and clapped along. Delicious light refreshments fuelled our energy for the fun and activity!

So, did the 2023 Seniors Week launch in the City of Kwinana celebrate joyfully and meaningfully? Absolutely!

Will we do it this way again? Definitely! Feedback supports this.

Was it hard work? Certainly, anything worthwhile often is; which is where the partnerships are so important.

Is there anything we could do differently? Yes! Spread the word even more widely, ensuring this fabulous event is available to all.

Annette

Proud Kwinana Savvy Senior

Seniors Week recognises and celebrates the unique contribution that Seniors continue to make in our community. It is also an excellent opportunity for Seniors to meet new people and have a go at a range of different activities.

What takes your fancy in the week’s program?

Check the Key Dates for full details and contacts for each activity.