The '2021 Festival of Fun for Seniors' was a massive success, evidenced by the smiles on the faces of those who attended events over the fortnight. Nearly 500 Federation Council senior residents attended one or two of the four events that offered a selection of health and physical, arts and culture, and social activities.
The festival began with one hundred and forty guests getting their 'disco' on with Paul Vituello at ClubMulwala's Stayin' Alive with CPR. Guest speaker, Catherine Stanley with "Annie" and "Baby" CPR dummies brought home the importance of knowing CPR and how to correctly use a defibrillator on both the young and the old. Each guest received a wallet CPR card as a reminder of this life saving skill.
As guests enjoyed a two course meal. Fiona Kleinitz an ambassador for the Australian Stroke Foundation and Rutherglen residents took the audience on a personal journey of having a stroke in her thirties, and gave insight into the risk factors, signs of stroke and importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Lorna Nixon was the lucky winner of the accommodation package at ClubMulwala's Resort and guest speakers, Catherine Stanley and Fiona Kleinitz were gifted a $25 voucher for their time. All thanks to the generous sponsorship of ClubMulwala.
Savernake may be the new fashion capital of the Federation Council after last Wednesday. Eighty guests watched high-end Ageing Well models Jenny Coco Chanel aka Jenny Enever, Liz Louis Vuitton aka Liz Seeliger, Wendy Vivienne Westwood aka Wendy Eyers, Yvonne Saint Laurent aka Yvonne Perrin, Ida Joyce aka Ida Mensforth, along with Kirsty Kardashian aka Kirsty Crockett and Stella McCartney aka Stella Fox strut their stuff their op shop ennobles on the catwalk at the Savernake School of the Arts Hall.
The Federation Fashion Parade was all about fun, fashion and friendship and this was delivered with Councillor, Bronwyn Thomas MCing the event and the Savernake Hall Committee dishing up a scrumptious morning tea of scones, slices and sandwiches.
Guest speaker, Sally Hughes of Corowa and District Boomerang Bags enlightened the crowd about the importance of staying social and volunteering within the community. The best dressed competition was won by Judith Barber of Howlong and Yvonne Dale of Urana. Prizes were donated by Yvonne and Garry Perrin, Corowa and District Boomerang Bags, Studio Alyssum Florist, and Clover and Co Collective Dog Accessories.
On Sunday, Cann's Bus Lines who provided the transport for the festival, chauffeured one hundred and fifty guests to the Ageing Well Lunch at Paradise Palladium Theatre, in Morundah. Members of Council's Ageing Well Committee, Jenny Enever, Mike Gardiner, Yvonne Perrin and Liz Seeliger showed their many talents as they recited their favourite poems followed by a special original poem from Mayor, Pat Bourke.
A digital screening of the Department of Communities and Justice Art of Ageing Exhibition was on loop as guests enjoyed a rack of lamb, and a selection of desserts prepared and served by the Morundah Hotel. Each guest took home a promotional magnifying bookmark from the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW. A sighting of two family of emus on the plans between Urana and Morundah added to the special day.
Filial Piety is a Chinese celebration that pays honour and respect to their seniors, and the final Festival of Fun for senior's event did just that at the Howlong Golf Resort. Participants found their inner Zen as they were lead through a group demonstration of Tai Chi by Helen Jobson of Riverina Tai Chi and Qigong and enjoyed the Chinese banquet prepared and served by Jenny from Szeto Asian Kitchen.
Ageing Well member, Jenny Enever who lived in China for many years gave the day a special touch by providing a cultural music and photo experience. The one hundred and ten guests each took home a gift bag from the Federation Council.
Council wishes to thank ClubMulwala for sponsoring the Stayin' Alive with CPR event, along with the Ageing Well Committee members, guest speakers, committees and businesses that supported the 2021 festival. The Festival of Fun for Seniors is part of the NSW Seniors Festival, and celebrates the role senior's play and the contributions they make to the Federation Council and their communities.