Diverse program of events for 2017 Seniors Festival

From ballet to beer, the 2017 City of Wagga Wagga Seniors Festival literally has something for everyone aged 50 years and over.

With the state-wide theme of “inclusive communities” in mind, Council and the Wagga Seniors Festival Steering Committee have worked with the community to create one of the most diverse festival programs yet.

Forty-one events and activities will be held over the 10-day festival, which begins with the official launch on 3 March.

Bookings can be made now for everything from catching a movie with acclaimed film critic David Stratton to a garden workshop with author Indira Naidoo.

“Around a third of Wagga Wagga’s population is aged 50 years and over and the annual Seniors Festival is a celebration to thank and recognise older people for the role they play and the contributions they make to our community,” Community Sector Manager Janice Summerhayes said.

“Events such as the Seniors Festival ensure Wagga Wagga continues to be a liveable and inclusive community for people of all ages.

“This year we are fortunate to have some big names like David Stratton and Indira Naidoo to complement the diverse range of local events.”

Indira Naidoo will be sharing her knowledge and secrets from her latest book on how to transform small spaces into edible gardens, while David Stratton will be screening two of his favourite films at the Civic Theatre along with a talk and question and answer session.

Some of the other highlights include a Vietnamese cooking class from Food I Am with chef Soon Lee Low, a Silver Swans Ballet Class, Hops for Pops – a brewery tour of the Thirsty Crow Brewery Co and coffee cupping with The Blessed Bean.

“The City of Wagga Wagga is proud to fund and support local festivities that promote positive attitudes towards older people,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.

“Delivered by the City of Wagga Wagga, the festival is made possible through various partnerships to ensure a diverse program of activities and events that help older residents remain active, healthy and connected.”

The 2017 Seniors Festival runs from 3 to 12 March and tickets are on sale and bookings can be made now.

For the full program of events or more information, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival. For a hard copy of the program, drop into the Civic Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Civic Theatre, Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga City Library and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.

Wagga Wagga Seniors Festival 2017 is proudly funded and supported by City of Wagga Wagga with support from Transport for NSW and NSW Department of Family and Community Services.

Nominate now for the Community Service Awards

Nominations are now open for the Wagga Wagga Seniors Festival 2017 Community Service Awards.

Proudly sponsored by Member for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire and the City of Wagga Wagga, the awards recognise outstanding contributions to the community by individuals aged 50 years and over.

Nominations close on Friday 10 February and will be announced on 3 March at the official launch of the 2017 Seniors Festival celebrations. For more information contact Mr Maguire’s office on 6921 1622.