It's Queensland Seniors Week
It is without a doubt been a challenging year and we have been working with event organisers to bring you a full calendar of virtual and a number of physical events in some areas.
When we we started to plan for our 60th celebration we certainly did not foresee a global pandemic. Like most events we had to pivot and reshape the program to enable Queenslanders to celebrate in the safest way possible, maintaining the safety of our communities and the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
Whilst this is not our usual way of celebrating, by going virtual we hope you can access a wider range of events and activities than you may have previously.
On Saturday we kicked the week off with a Day of Solidarity Between the Generations. Partnering with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) we hosted an intergenerational virtual morning tea and performance event. If you didn't get a chance to join us then you can still gather your friends and family, host your own BYOT (bring your own tea) party, to enjoy the event online through YouTube.
We have a great week ahead for you.
Today, Monday 17 August, we invite you connect with activities that bring us together. From exploring the Together: the stories of us, movement classes, crafts and conversation. Whilst we may be physically distanced we need to still connect with one another.
Tuesday 18 August, we are asking people to Be B.OLD. Linking with the sentiments of the B.OLD short films, this day is all about challenging the stereotypes associated with ageing, and being bold to try something new.
Wednesday & Thursday 19-20 August we are exploring arts and culture through a range of online gallery and museum tours, movement and information events.
Friday 21 August is Fitness Friday! Being physically active is fundamental to ageing well. It can make you feel better, is good for your mind and body, and improves physical functioning
Saturday 22 August is all about being social, in the safest way possible. The word “social” comes from the Latin socius meaning "friend". We invite people to phone their friends, catch up over a virtual cuppa, and send virtual hugs.
Sunday 23 August is We Care Day. Older people make an enormous contribution to our communities through volunteering and providing informal care. During the lockdown Queenslanders stepped up to the plate to assist and it has taken an army of people to fill those vital roles. On the final day of Seniors Week, we will be sharing our gratitude to the Care Army and our communities at large.
We ask you to show your support by sending hugs to the Care Army, and other community members who have assisted you or other during this extraordinary time and highlight your stories from the Together: the stories of us campaign.
A number of bridges and sculptures will be lit red and white in Brisbane and Townsville to show our support.
We hope you have a great week.
Cheers,
Lisa Hodgkinson
Coordinator
Communications and Queensland Seniors Week
COTA Queensland
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Drawn Together
QPAC and COTA Queensland proudly present Drawn Together – a FREE online event that marks the commencement of Queensland Seniors Week 2020 and specifically celebrates the powerful relationships that exist across generations.
Enjoy your own morning or afternoon tea from the comfort of your own home as our guests including Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, QPAC Elder in Residence Aunty Colleen Wall, Creative Director of Briefs Factory Fez Fa’anana and internationally acclaimed didgeridoo performer David Williams and their own young people, discuss the big, complicated and fun issues of our times.
Gather family and friends, young and old, as we share virtual morning tea and entertaining cross generational conversations facilitated by QPAC Scholar in Residence Professor Judith McLean, interspersed with performances by some of Queensland’s most outstanding artists filmed in QPAC’s Concert Hall as well as Cairns and Townsville. See western classical and traditional Asian fusion ensemble JADE New World Collective, Babushka Cabaret, the irrepressible Brat Pack Tappers, Cairns indie folk artist Greta Stanley and Townsville musical theatre performer Sarah Murr.
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Listen to our birthday playlist
This is our 60th year and to celebrate we have created a playlist on Spotify with the help of Queenslanders who have added their favourite songs.
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GRAN SLAM 2020 DIGITAL EDITION!
Searching for Bold Seniors to Slam – Slam Poetry that is!
As part of Queensland Seniors Week’s, Be Bold Day, on Tuesday 18th August we are pleased to be partnering with national performance company Everybody NOW! and Care Service Provider and Grow Bold champions Feros Care to launch their seniors slam poetry initiative, Gran Slam.
After a huge success in 2019 Gran Slam is back, re-imagined to reach more wordsmiths of wisdom and poetic seniors who are ready to step up to the soapbox and slam – slam poetry that is.
Gran Slam 2020 invites seniors from across Queensland to take part in a series of online workshops, culminating in a live-streamed slam poetry event. Under the guidance of an experienced poet and literary performer, participants will learn how to write and perform slam poetry to move and inspire, exploring tools and advice for crafting a great poem that can be expressed through spoken word.
On Tuesday 18th August at 6.30pm we invite you to the official facebook live online launch party.
Get a sneak preview on what Gran Slam is all about, hear spoken word poetry performances and find out how to get involved.
Now more than ever we need to hear the voices of older Australians, amplified and visible to the world – Let Gram Slam be your microphone!
Register your attendance at the launch party here
Find Out More, Get Involved or Nominate someone you know! www.everybodynow.com.au/granslam
Gran Slam is another Grow Bold Initiative presented by Everybody NOW! and Feros Care. Everybody NOW! is supported by the City of Gold Coast.
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E-Safety Webinars
The internet is a wonderful place to explore, and it can help you do a lot of things easily. But there are some things you need to know so you can enjoy being online safely.
Join nbn™ , eSafety Commissioner, Queensland Police and COTA Queensland at one of three webinars on eSafety as they show you some simple tips to stay safe online. Click on the webinar name to find out more adn to register.
These webinars will be hosted on GoToWebinar and a link to access the events will be sent to you after registration.
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Virtual Seniors in the Studio Dance Classes
This Queensland Seniors Week join in one of four FREE Virtual Seniors in the Studio dance classes, Sunday 23 August 2020.
The four classes on offer will cater to all abilities:
You can enjoy the classes from the comforts of your home, taught to you on Zoom.
Whilst these events are FREE, please consider donating to the Queensland Ballet.
Registrations are essential and numbers are limited.
*Please note the photo was taken before the coronavirus pandemic.
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Hugs
Our favorite embrace. Not all of us can share one at the moment but that doesn't mean we can't share the sentiment of a hug.
We won't be without hugs forever, but during this time we can let someone know we are thinking of them by giving them a virtual hug.
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Together: the stories of us
A people powered project aimed at showcasing the diversity of Queenslanders through stories, photos, videos, and recipes.
Without a doubt we are living in an interesting time due to the COVID pandemic. But we are not alone.
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Together we are supporting one another. Together we are learning new skills, and ways to keep in touch. Together we are aiming to inspire, celebrate, and stay socially connected even when we are physically distanced. Together we will thrive.
By sharing our stories we can connect, find aspects of ourselves in others and of others in ourselves. We all have stories and that is what brings us together.
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Did you know: The first Queensland Seniors Week was initiated by COTA Queensland in 1960. Back then it was called Old People's Week and COTA was known as the Old People's Welfare Council. The language may have changed over the decades but the importance of the week has remained the same.
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Who is COTA Queensland?
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is a statewide not-for-profit organisation advancing the rights, interests and futures of people as we age.
For over 60 years we have worked with older people to ensure the futures of Queenslanders are filled with opportunity and possibility.
Our programs support older Queenslanders to influence decision making and create positive social change.
To find out more about COTA Queensland, click here.
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Queensland Seniors Week is coordinated by COTA Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.
This program supports the building of Age-friendly communities in Queensland.
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