Queensland Seniors Week has been marked with a lunch hosted by the Minister for Seniors, Coralee O’Rourke at Parliament House.
Speaking to diners, many of whom were invited seniors, Mrs O’Rourke said the week was special “not only because this is the 60th anniversary of the celebration, but also because we have had to make some big changes to follow public health directions during the COVID-19 pandemic”.
She said the week, which runs until Sunday (23 August) would be the first containing some virtual celebrations.
“Despite the changes and the challenges, there is still so much on offer across the State,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The decision to include a mixture of virtual and in-person events was made earlier this year to give seniors the opportunity to socialise from the comfort and safety of their own homes.”
She said that at its heart, Seniors Week was about connecting with the community, and the virtual nature of some of the events had not changed that.
“In fact, it has made activities even more accessible for some seniors who might not have been able to travel or access events or activities in the past,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
Queensland Seniors Week is coordinated by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, with Government funding.
She said the week began with Drawn Together, an event featuring performances and conversation between generations streamed online from the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
“The COTA team has done a fantastic job embracing the virtual transition for Seniors Week 2020,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“The official website is filled with new ways to connect, from virtual hugs to sharing stories and even contributing to a Spotify playlist inspired by Seniors Week.”
She said COTA had also encouraged the community to try out new types of events online, with offerings like art, theatre, exercise and other informative workshops.
More information about Queensland Seniors Week 2020, including a list of events, can be accessed at this PS News link.
