Welcome to our Winter edition of Get Moving Greater Bendigo.
We hope you're all keeping warm and positive, and find some useful information to support you to stay active, healthy and connected over this period.
If you know of other activities in the community for older adults please email getmoving@bendigo.vic.gov.au so we can include them in our next newsletter.
Public health and wellbeing plan open for feedback
The City of Greater Bendigo is asking for feedback on the newly developed Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan Issues and Opportunity Paper.
Every four years councils are required to lead their communities in the development of a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.
The Issues and Opportunities paper aims to highlight newly identified priority areas for the coming four years, identify areas that need more work and attention in our community and detect gaps in our focus areas.
The City of Greater Bendigo is excited to announce the 2021 Seniors Festival will take place in October and is calling for expressions of interest from local clubs, groups and organisations interested in holding an event as part of the Festival. The Festival will take place across Greater Bendigo from Sunday October 3 to October 10, 2021.
The Seniors Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the resilience of older adults and reconnect and be involved following COVID-19. This year the festival theme is “keepin on” and The City would love to include as many activities and events on the program as possible. Events and activities can include promoting positive and active ageing, hosting open days, entertainment, exhibitions, learning new skills, wellbeing, or exercise activities.
Forms need to be submitted by Monday June 21, 2021.
Have a shot at walking basketball
Walking basketball is a free, social and fun event to get active and connect with other older adults in Bendigo.
Played with a size 5 basketball, on a modified hipheight, or lowered, ring. Five on five game play, with rest breaks where required.
Being held at Bendigo Stadium, 91 Inglis St West Bendigo on 21 June at 10am the sessions are 45 mins followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
There's no need to book, you can just come along to play.
For more information contact the Bendigo Basketball Stadium: 5440 6200
COVID-19 vaccination information
Have you had a COVID-19 vaccination?
If you are aged 50 or over and would like to make an appointment at the Bendigo Community Health Services COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic please call the Client Services staff on 5406 1200 to get the next available appointment.
Please discuss with your GP if you have an existing medical condition or medical history that you believe puts you at risk of receiving a certain vaccine. Your GP can fill out a referral form on your behalf to the Victorian Specialist Immunisation Services (VicSIS). The outcome of your referral will be sent back to your GP once assessed by VicSIS.
There's lots of information getting around about the vaccine. Please only use reliable sources to make your decision. The Department of Health is a trusted source to go to at www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
The Victorian Government Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 can also provide advice on when and where you can be vaccinated.
Nominations for the 2021 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards are now open
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards recognise the volunteer work and contributions to community life of older Victorians who have given and shared their skills, experience, time and energy.
The awards also provide an opportunity to say thanks - to the many senior Victorians, who have given and shared their skills, experience, time, and energy with our state. By nominating a deserving person, you can help make sure the outstanding contributions of our seniors are recognised.
If you would prefer to have a 2021 Nomination Form mailed to you, please contact the Victorian Seniors Card Operations Team on 1300 797 210.
Nominations close on Friday, July 9.
World elder abuse awareness day 2021
June 15 is designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). It highlights one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse.
Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. Rates of elder abuse are under reported, but the Australian Institute of Family Studies estimates up to 14 per cent of older people in Australia are affected.
Older Victorians experiencing elder abuse, or family members concerned about an older person, can get help by calling Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated challenges continue to impact our health and mental wellbeing.
This is a reminder that skilled mental health professionals are available 24/7 at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au and 1800 512 348, to provide mental health advice and information tailored to the pandemic.
Beyond Blue Support Service is also available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3PM – 12AM AEST or email responses within 24 hours).
You are receiving this email because you are a part of the Positive Ageing Network that is operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, or you have requested to be part of this mailing list. You can unsubscribe from this listor subscribe. For information on the protection of your personal details, you can read about that on our website.
