Far north Queensland gets set to celebrate Seniors Week

Older people in the communities throughout far north Queensland are set to celebrate Seniors Week in style in August, thanks to funding from the Department of Communities.

Seniors Minister Warren Pitt said 13 organisations in far north Queensland had shared in Queensland Government funding of $14,260 to help them plan Seniors Week celebrations.

Funding recipients in far north Queensland are:
• National Seniors Association, Cairns $1000
• St John’s Community Care, Redlynch $1000
• Babinda District Community Association $1000
• Cairns Municipal Band $880
• Cardwell Shire Council $1000
• Ozcare, Malanda $1000
• QCWA, Forsayth $880
• Injinoo Aboriginal Community Council $1000
• Hambledon House Community Care $1000
• Atherton Shire Council $1000
• Poruma Island Council $1500
• Kuranda Information and Support Centre $1000
• Ravenshoe Rural and Remote Aged and Disabled Care $2000.

“Seniors Week is a highlight of the year for older Queenslanders. This year it will run from 18-26 August,” Mr Pitt said.

“It’s an exciting time when older people throughout the state celebrate their diversity and promote healthy ageing among the wider community.

“Celebrations include Indigenous and multicultural events, concerts, expos, dances, intergenerational debates, sport and a host of other activities.

“Seniors Week is a great opportunity for the whole community to get involved in activities that recognise older Queenslanders and their contribution to society.”

Mr Pitt said total funding of $126,325 was distributed among 125 community organisations around the state to promote activities celebrating older people.

“This year Seniors Week will again promote inclusive activities by encouraging Queenslanders of all ages to honour and respect older people,” he said.

“Older people deserve to be valued for their hard work, experience, knowledge and contributions, all of which have helped build the foundations of the far north Queensland region and the state.

“Their influence extends beyond intergenerational boundaries and the benefits to local communities are long lasting.”

Mr Pitt said Seniors Week funding this year was being announced earlier than in previous years.

“We appreciate that it takes some time to plan and organise these events,” he said.

“Members of local councils, seniors organisations and community groups are really the people that make Seniors Week special and the Queensland Government is dedicated to supporting these groups in their planning.

“From this month, far north Queensland organisations will also be able to post their activities on the Seniors Week events calendar, available on www.communities.qld.gov.au/seniors.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280