- Seniors Month 2024 to break records with more events than ever
- 115 community organisations will share in $200,000 to host events and activities in October
- Events range from a month-long seniors extravaganza in Hughenden and cycling adventures to a jetty jaunt, quiz nights, seniors expos and pickleball contests
This year's Seniors Month celebrations are set to break records, with 115 community groups and not-for-profits sharing in $200,000 to host events such as jazz concerts, painting classes and pickleball matches.
The Miles Government boosted this year's funding following an overwhelming response from community organisations.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland will coordinate the statewide celebrations in October on behalf of the government, with the theme Love getting older in Queensland.
During the month, community events will take place from Mareeba to Mudgeeraba, with older Queenslanders invited to enjoy events such as cooking workshops, family tree research lessons, personal safety sessions and cycling adventures.
Seniors Month promotes positive community attitudes towards older people and ageing, opportunities to participate and connect, and celebrates older Queenslander's contributions to the state.
Seniors Month kicks off on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and includes Grandparents Day on 27 October.
Events supported by grants will form one part of wider celebrations. Last year, 1,238 events were registered across the state, attracting around 74,000 people.
In 2023, 80 organisations shared total funding of $136,310.
As stated by Minister for Seniors Charis Mullen:
"Seniors Month 2024 is going to be bigger and better than ever following an overwhelming response from community organisations to host events this year.
"I'm so pleased to announce 115 organisations will receive a share of $200,000 to host events that encourage all generations to connect, challenge stereotypes about ageing and celebrate older Queenslanders.
"The calendar of events in October will be full of fun and interesting activities, including live concerts, a gardening competition, aqua aerobics, IT sessions and much more.
"Seniors Month is a lovely time of the year, reminding us that older Queenslanders are the heart and soul of our communities.
"The Miles Government is proud to support Seniors Month as part of our commitment to building an age-friendly Queensland, where older people are connected to their communities, cared for and celebrated for their contributions."
As stated by Darren Young, CEO, Council on the Ageing (COTAQ) Queensland:
"We are thrilled to again partner with the Queensland Government to deliver Queensland Seniors Month in 2024.
"Queensland seniors helped build and shape our state and remain the heart and soul of our communities – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents or advocates.
"Events throughout October will give older Queenslanders the opportunity to connect with other seniors and their communities and to embrace the things they love about getting older in Queensland.
"I hope all older Queenslanders will join the celebrations, connect with others and celebrate their shared interests and passions through events and activities being held throughout the state."
