Seniors get social across the St George area

The social calendar in Peakhurst just got busier with the NSW Seniors Festival grants program providing $4890 for the Illawarra Retirement Trust in Peakhurst (IRT Peakhurst).

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, acknowledged the importance of investing in senior members of the community and how the program will do just that.

“This grant is an opportunity for older people in our area to get out into the community and be social, happy and active,” Mr Coure said.

“Seniors in our region lead the way as role models, carers and volunteers. We want to see them continue to be socially active to extend this legacy.”

Almost 80 projects were selected across the state, adding to a diverse schedule of activities including social dances, educational workshops and health programs.

The grants program had three categories covering small, community-run activities with grants up to $1,000, to large-scale programs with grants of up to $10,000.

The Illawarra Retirement Trust will utilise this funding for their art therapy program entitled “Art from the Heart” to celebrate the creativity of residents.

Sessions for this art therapy program will be undertaken during the NSW Seniors Festival, which runs between 13 and 24 April 2021.

Acting Minister for Seniors, Geoff Lee, said the program aims to give every senior citizen the chance to be part of the NSW Seniors Festival.

“For more than 60 years, our seniors have joined the Festival’s activities and programs, which foster innovation for healthy ageing,” Minister Lee said.

“Staying connected is pivotal to wellbeing, so we have backed local initiatives to help reach seniors no matter their language, location or mobility level.”

“I look forward to seeing the art and musical entertainment on offer at IRT Peakhurst during the NSW Seniors Festival, because I know that this program will directly result in a reduction of loneliness and social isolation,” Mr Coure said.

Learn more about the NSW Seniors Festival at: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au