The Hills Shire Council is celebrating the outstanding contributions of its senior residents with a two-week festival filled with free events and activities from March 2 to March 16.
Residents aged 60 and over are invited to enjoy a complimentary screening of the new Bridget Jones movie, Mad About The Boy, at Castle Towers and a free Devonshire tea during the Bella Vista Farm Open Day.
Seniors can also try out Tai Chi and aqua aerobics for free, as well as an Expo where attendees can connect with care service providers and more.
Mayor of The Hills Shire Council, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the celebration aims to put a spotlight on seniors and their dedication to the community, aligning with this year's theme: "Time to Shine."
"We're offering a range of free activities to honour and celebrate the contributions of our senior residents while providing an opportunity for seniors to connect and socialise," Mayor Byrne said.
"Seniors play an integral role in our community, with an incredible 77 per cent of Council's volunteers aged over 60. Their dedication to volunteering, sport, recreation, and the arts makes The Hills a fantastic place to live, work, and enjoy life.
"Whether it's enjoying a cuppa at the farm, a film at Castle Towers, an afternoon of jazz at Roughley House, or a dip in the pool at Waves, there's something for everyone during NSW Seniors Festival."
The Hills Shire's Seniors Festival program consists of:
Open Day at the Farm
Explore the historic homestead, shop for local treasures, and enjoy Devonshire tea (FREE for the first 100 seniors to register), whilst listening to a special musical performance by the Hills Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Bella Vista Farm
When: 9am – 2pm on Sunday, 2 March
Tai Chi Classes
Improve your balance, flexibility, and mindfulness during a FREE Tai Chi class which promotes gentle, low impact movements for focus and peace.
Where: Baulkham Hills Community Centre
When: 9:30am – 10:30am on Wednesday, 5 March & 9:30am – 10:30am on Wednesday, 12 March
*Bookings not essential
Aqua Aerobics Classes
Stay active and improve your fitness in a supportive and refreshing environment, during a FREE aqua aerobics class at Waves.
Where: Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre
When: 11am – 11:45am on Wednesday, 5 March & 9:30am – 10:15am on Thursday, 13 March
Movie Screening
Relax with a FREE screening of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy at Events Cinemas.
Where: Events Cinemas, Castle Towers
When: 4pm – 6pm on Thursday, 6 March
Seniors Festival Expo
Connect with the local community and enjoy a vibrant showcase of local service providers, businesses, and community organisations. Shuttle buses to the Expo are available from multiple locations.
Where: Hills Community Care, Balcombe Heights Estate
When: 10am – 3pm on Thursday, 13 March
Jazz at the Pines
Listen to the enchanting sounds of live jazz and tour the grounds of the historic Roughley House. All ticket holders will receive a $5 voucher to enjoy a complimentary homemade cake, coffee, and/ or morning tea.
Where: Roughley House at The Pines
When: 10am – 1pm on Sunday, 16 March
For more information and to register, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for 'Seniors Festival.'
