Welcome to our Spring edition of Get Moving Greater Bendigo.
You know it's Spring in Bendigo when there is a burst of colour in our gardens from the 50,000 tulips that have been planted and in full bloom. If you haven't already be sure to visit the beautiful tulips on display along Pall Mall and Conservatory Garden.
We hope it's an easier time for everyone as the weather warms up and there are some easing of restrictions to enjoy regionally.
In this edition of Get Moving we have featured some interesting information and activities for our older community members. We always welcome local stories to share, if you know of other items of interest please email getmoving@bendigo.vic.gov.au so we can include them in our next newsletter.
Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined 2021
The City of Greater Bendigo was disappointed that the 2021 Bendigo Seniors Festival events, due to take place between October 3-10, has again been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions with most activities unable to proceed under the current restrictions.
However, there will still be a special selection of online content available for older residents to enjoy and we are looking to reschedule the much-loved opening concert to a time when more people will be able to attend, which is great news.
It was great reading about local resident and convenor of the Grandmothers Against the Detention of Children Bendigo group, Di O'Neil, tell her passionate story about being an older activist.
Nominate a special senior to receive a celebration hamper
Do you know someone that is always helping other people, trying something new to challenge themselves or keeping active, it could even be someone you think needs a little cheering up?
To celebrate Seniors week (October 3-10) the City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to offer an initiative where people can nominate someone over 65 years of age to receive a box of delicious treats to enjoy.
Email seniorsfestival2021@Bendigo.vic.gov.au to nominate someone today, please include your name, the full name of the person you are nominating, a short description of why you are nominating them, their address and phone number.
Limited hampers available.
Local events and activities during Seniors Week
Fun, friendship and fellowship in retirement
A meet-and-greet information opportunity to learn about and join the Probus club of White Hills. Your chance to ask questions about membership and activities the club offers from members. Where: Epsom Village Shopping Centre, Epsom When: Wednesday 6 October Time: 10am - 3pm Cost: Free Phone: Colin Watts on 0400 743 870 Email: probuswhitehills3550@gmail.com
Seniors Art Competition Online
Have you picked up painting as a hobby during lockdown or always dabbled in art? Budding artist or long time lovers of art looking to showcase their talent can enter the St Paul's Cathedral Bendigo online art competition.
If you wish to submit an entry, please email spas2021@yahoo.com and you will be given a link to upload your work.
Ageism Awareness Day
1 October 2021
Did you know that in the modern workplace, age 50 is considered old and that employers are reducing older workers from their workforce at alarming rates?
Ageism is a serious issue and experienced not only in the workplace, but prevalent in many other areas of society with detrimental consequences for people’s health and wellbeing. Among older people, ageism is associated with poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation and loneliness, greater financial insecurity, decreased quality of life and premature death.
Australia's first Ageism Awareness Day will be held 1 October 2021 and the overall goal of the EveryAGE Counts campaign is to set strong, new foundations for current and future generations to age well.
To mark the occasion City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director Vicky Mason took a pledge against ageism: "I stand for a world without ageism where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. I commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life."
Share the videos, quiz and pledge with your colleagues, family and friends
Dementia Action Week
20 – 26 September 2021
Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years.
With so many people impacted now and into the future, it is vital to increase our understanding of dementia and learn how they can make a difference to the lives of people around them who are impacted – and to help eliminate discrimination.
The good news is, there is a lot can be done to improve their experiences. To find out how you can make a difference please visit https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/
COVID-19 vaccination information
We know that there's a lot of talk out there about the COVID-19 vaccine. And it’s difficult for some of us to know if it’s safe for us and if we really need it. With the coronavirus still causing outbreaks and lockdowns, vaccination is our key to a return to normal life.
So if you’re feeling hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to turn down all the talk online or on talkback radio. And book in the one talk you should really have - with a doctor or pharmacist. They can answer any questions you have and give you the information you need.
Mayor Cr Dr Jennifer Alden said it was easy to think of the many things we had missed throughout the pandemic that being vaccinated would allow us to do again.
“It is wonderful to see such a strong response locally to getting the vaccine and it is so important this continues,” Cr Alden said.
“After such a long time, there is so much that we’re missing and that we really want to get back to doing – whether that’s catching up with friends, getting kids back to school, helping businesses stay open, playing sport in front of crowds or generally to support our community.
“Thank you to our residents that have starred in the campaign and helped deliver this important vaccination message. We all want to see a return to more normal times and now that vaccines are widely available, there is choice of vaccine and the majority of age groups can be vaccinated, we can continue working together to reach the all-important 70 and 80 per cent targets.
“Greater Bendigo is tracking very well when compared to other regional cities around Australia. We have so much to be proud of in our race to be vaccinated, and we have been so well supported by the wonderful teams at Bendigo Health, Bendigo Community Health Services, GP clinics and now pharmacies.
“If you are unsure, have a conversation with a GP and seek out informed advice.”
You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, distress and concern in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). It's important that you also look after your health and wellbeing during this time too.
The Information or assistance during COVID-19 document provides detailed information on the support services available to people in general and locally. There is information on financial support, housing and accommodation assistance, mental health assistance, crisis support, food relief, business support and family violence resources available.
5 Ways to Wellbeing outlines 5 simple things that we can do each day to improve our wellbeing and happiness while we remain mostly in our homes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The below resources may help with processing the impact of COVID-19:
Bendigo Health
Bendigo Mental Health Services provide high quality mental health care to Loddon Campaspe Southern Mallee communities. See the website for detailed information about the services and resources provided. www.bendigohealth.org.au/MentalHealthServices info@bendigohealth.org.au
Phone: 5454 6000
For specific COVID-19 information, phone 1800 675 398
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