A music concert, guided walking tours, comedy debate and free entry to all the City of Sydney’s aquatic and fitness centres are some of the activities available to Sydney’s older citizens during Seniors Week.
The largest celebration for people over 60 in the southern hemisphere, Seniors Week runs from 1–10 April and is an opportunity for older adults to try out the City’s facilities, meet new people and share their stories, skills and experiences.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said age should be no barrier to having fun and being social.
“We take a lot of pride in putting on events and activities that keep everyone active – physically and socially,” the Lord Mayor said.
“I encourage our city’s older citizens to take part in some of the great things we’ve organised for Seniors Week, including free concerts and performances, helpful workshops, walking tours and free entry to our pools.
“As well as hosting Seniors Week, we operate 13 community centres year round, offering courses and hobbies from table tennis, walking groups and dancing to arts and crafts and computer training.”
Activities available during Seniors Week include:
Free pool and gym entry – 1–10 April
Senior residents can enjoy free entry to all of the City’s aquatic and fitness centres including Prince Alfred Park and Victoria Park pools and gyms at Juanita Neilson Fitness Centre and Pyrmont Community Centre.
Folk Fest – Sunday 3 April, 10.30am–1.30pm
A multicultural family fun day with performances and artistic activities at Ultimo Community Centre. Includes talent show, drawing and colouring-in competitions for children and adults and a free, barbecue lunch.
Guided walking tours – various locations, 4, 5, 7 & 9 April
Join one or more of the walking tours on offer and learn about the history of Sydney’s parks and foreshore including Sydney Park, Hyde Park, Glebe Foreshore and Pyrmont.
Music concert – Tuesday 5 April, 11.30am–2.30pm
Reginald Murphy Centre will host a free lunchtime world music concert with tango dance performances followed by a paella lunch for $10.
Refugee talks and performances – Wednesday 6 April, from 10.30am
Former refugees and asylum seekers will share personal stories about their journey to Australia, including cultural performances, and an opportunity to keep the discussion going with panellists and other audience members. A free, light lunch will also be provided at the Redfern Community Centre event.
Seniors Week expo – Thursday 7 April, from 10.30am
An opportunity for seniors and soon to be retirees to meet new people and learn about services and programs in their local community. The event at St Helen’s Community Centre will feature yoga and Zumba demonstrations and a performance by the Older Women’s Network.
Planning Your Future talk – Thursday 7 April, 1–3pm
Uniting Care NSW will run a two-hour session on accommodation options for seniors considering their future. The session at Alexandria’s Cliff Noble Centre includes the option of return-home transport.
Grandparents’ storytime – various dates and locations
Celebrate Seniors Week at a special twilight storytime with your grandchild or other special young person in your life. Stories will be themed around grandparent relationships followed by a craft activity that all the family can enjoy doing together. Suitable for children under 8 years old.
Queerstories – Thursday 7 April, 6.30pm–7.30pm
Queerstories at Surry Hills library will celebrate music, humour and storytelling with some colourful and emotional tales from well-known members of Sydney’s LGBTIQ community.
Comedy debate – Friday 8 April, 11am–12.30pm
“Youth is wasted on the young” will be the topic of discussion when six comedians and media personalities get together for a debate at Sydney Town Hall.
Information Hub – Friday 8 April, 10am–11am
Sydney Town Hall will host a free hub for advice and information from specialised service providers including
WEA Sydney (adult education), Fire and Rescue NSW, Telstra and NSW Transport-Opal card.
Zumba Street Party – Friday 8 April, 12.30pm–1.30pm
A Zumba party in Martin Place will celebrate the experiences of Sydney residents from all ages and backgrounds who love the renowned dance fitness program. Seniors of all ages and experience levels are welcome to take part in an hour of fun and Latin rhythms in the heart of the city.
For more information on the Seniors Week program go to https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Publicist Elaine Kelly 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au