Celebrating our stellar seniors

Age will be just a number when the annual NSW Seniors Festival returns to Wollongong from 1 to 12 February 2023.

This year’s theme is ‘Celebrate Together’ and Wollongong City Council, alongside the NSW Government and local community groups and organisations, are helping older residents to do just that.

A jam-packed program of fantastic talks, tours, workshops, dance and music events, and exhibitions will encourage seniors to get out and connect with others in their communities.

The ever-popular Lady Mayoress Afternoon Tea is back alongside bush dances, aerobics, bird spotting, lawn games, laughter workshops, and a comedy show.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the festival celebrates the valuable contribution older residents make to our community.

“This festival is an opportunity for us to acknowledge Wollongong’s senior citizens, celebrate their achievements and catch up with friends,” he said.

“We’re truly grateful for the vital role they play in making our region a great one.”

The local program of 45 events includes:

• Watercolour Workshops for Beginners – Thursday 2 February
  Learn simple watercolour techniques and receive hands-on guidance from expert teacher Elspeth McCombe. There are sessions at both 10am and 1.30pm. All materials and morning or afternoon tea supplied.
  LOCATION: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street. COST: Free! Bookings are essential.
• Celebrate Age with Wind and Brass (Concert) - Saturday 4 February
  The City of Wollongong Brass Band is putting on a special wind and brass concert for Seniors Festival, sponsored by Wollongong Council. The bands were very well placed in competitions in the second half of 2022.
  LOCATION: Figtree Anglican Church, Gibson’s Road, Figtree.
  COST: $20. Tickets available at door.
• Garden Discovery Buggy Tours – Wednesday 8 February
  Join a guided tour in the electronic buggy with our knowledgeable volunteer guides to discover the beauty, diversity of plants and history of Wollongong Botanic Garden! Tours depart at 10am and 11am.
  LOCATION: Beside the duck pond at Wollongong Botanic Garden, 40 Murphy’s Avenue Keiraville.
  COST: Gold coin donation. No booking required but limited spots. First there, best dressed.
• Lady Mayoress Afternoon Tea - Friday 10 February
  Join Lady Mayoress Pilar Helmers and Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery AM for afternoon tea with generous helpings of entertainment and fun. Dress for a celebration! LOCATION: Salvation Army Auditorium, 13 Burelli Street, Wollongong. COST: Free! Bookings are essential

“Alongside our Council-run events, it’s great to see so many local groups put their hand up to host. This helps offer 12 days of diverse activities for our residents,” said Cr Bradbery.

“Many of the programs and events are free to attend, it’s simply a matter of making a booking online, calling the event organiser, or speaking with our Customer Service team.”

Visit council’s website for the full program or collect a printed copy from your local library.