Program to help older residents stay connected starts in April

Tewantin’s Colin Hooper and Noosa Seniors coordinator Kelly de Visser. (Supplied)

A new program by Noosa Seniors is helping the shire’s older residents beat social isolation and stay connected.

The free wellbeing, information and education sessions offered by the Seniors Connect program put older locals in touch with a wide range of services and activities.

Noosa Seniors Coordinator Kelly de Visser said research showed older Australians are more likely to experience social isolation than other demographics.

“This program not only brings our local seniors together for a range of wellbeing activities such as meditation and mindfulness, it also provides useful information and education about services and programs available for seniors to access,” she said.

Information sessions cover wills and estates, financial advice, care packages and local health services, plus social inclusion, among other topics.

Tewantin’s Colin Hooper, 90, said he’s excited to take part.

“I have been attending Noosa Seniors now for about 20 months and have enjoyed the social activities and friendships given at the centre,” Mr Hooper said.

“The staff at the centre are excellent and cannot do enough for you. I think the Seniors Connect program will be a great addition to the community and more to look forward to.”

Seniors Connect is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government.

Seniors Connect starts April 29 and runs throughout 2025 with a ‘road show’ of free education and wellness sessions for seniors at seven locations across the Noosa Shire:

• Pomona Community House – Lawson Shed:

Tuesday 29 April – 10am-1pm – Education Session

Tuesday 30 September – 10am-1pm – Wellness Session

• Sunshine Beach Surf Club:

Thursday 15 May – 10am-1pm – Education Session

Tuesday 23 September – 10am-1pm – Wellness Session

• Kin Kin School of Arts

Tuesday 27 May – 10am-1pm – Education Session

Tuesday 15 July – 10am-1pm – Wellness Session

• Cooran Memorial School of Arts:

Tuesday 24 June – 2pm-5pm – Education Session

Tuesday 29 July – 2pm-5pm – Wellness Session

• Apollonian Hotel – Boreen Point:

Thursday 24 July – 10am-1pm – Education Session

Thursday 6 November – 10am-1pm – Wellness Session

• Peregian Beach Community House:

Tuesday 12 August – 11:30am-2:30pm – Education Session

Tuesday 28 October – 11:30am-2:30pm – Wellness Session

• Cooroy Memorial Hall & School of Arts

Thursday 28 August – 12:30pm-3:30pm – Education Session

Thursday 13 November – 12:30pm-3:30pm – Wellness Session

To register, phone (07) 5329 6175 or visit bit.ly/3GngAYn