Tongala’s inaugural seniors’ expo was well received. Pictured are Evi Ipsilantis, Helen O’Donoghue and Faye Polley.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
A seniors’ exhibition in Tongala broke new ground in town, helping elderly residents to understand the resources available to them.
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Various organisations set up stalls at the Tongala Public Hall on Wednesday, September 24, for the inaugural expo to inform attendees about how they could assist them.
Tongala Community Activity Centre president Andrew Bader.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Guest speaker Shelley Hosking from Seniors Rights Victoria discussed the importance of planning ahead as community members aged.
Tongala Community Activity Centre president Andrew Bader said around 80 people came through the doors, which he was pleased to see.
Keryn Martin and Catherine Franklin.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“We have an ageing community, and I believe that quite a few of them really don’t know what’s available to them,” he said.
“What we’re trying to do is get senior citizens out of their homes and get them involved in their community, because they are part of the community.”
Garth Wiffen and Jazz Kaur.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
He highlighted the value of older community members, citing their worldly knowledge and a lifetime of skills learned.
Mr Bader promoted local community groups, including the Men’s Shed, Lions Club and the Tongala Community Op Shop, as sources of connection.
Gloria Pell, Bev Williams and Glenys Salmon.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
“They don’t realise the amount of clubs that are available to these people,” he said.
“We organise a men’s breakfast here once a month, and it started out with about five or six people, now it’s up to 15. And yours truly does the cooking, so it can’t be too bad.”
The expo was supported by the organisations involved and a grant from Campaspe Shire Council, and Mr Bader said he hoped to make it an annual event.
Murray Ross and Jessica Ibbeson.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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