Seniors Scene
AUGUST 2025
Fantastic Feedback
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who completed the QEII Seniors & Community Survey Report – July 2025!
We’ve received fantastic feedback and a wealth of thoughtful suggestions for new programs and information sessions. Your input helps us shape future programming that truly reflects the needs and interests of seniors. And thank you to anonymous who made our day extra special for their kind words
“I really enjoy coming to the QE11Centre there’s always something going on! Honestly you can spend five days a week here and still not run out of things to do. (I’m starting to wonder if I should just move in!) The lounge is perfect for a good cuppa and a chat, lots of books DVDs and jigsaw puzzles to keep you entertained who needs netflix. It is a warm friendly place that really brings people together. A big thankyou to the lovely staff always welcoming and the volunteers are absolute legends, you’re doing a fantastic job.” Please note: A hard copy of all the survey results is available in the centre lounge room
Centre Update
A special thanks from the Midwest Fijian Community.
We held our first ever Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on the 23 May at the Centre with a combined Big Morning Tea/ Breakfast spread for $5 per head.
A big “Vinaka Vakalevu” (Thank you very much!) goes out to members of the community, family, friends and Lord Mayor for attending and to QEII members who came out in numbers.
We’d also like to thank local businesses for their kind donations for this special event. More than a 100 people attended and we achieved our goal of raising more than a $1000. We look forward to hosting this special event again next year. All proceeds go towards the Cancer Council Western Australia. (Mereani - Secretary - MFC)
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
Plant Swap
Thursday 18 September
9am to 11am
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
Plant swap Rules:
• Plants must be healthy, pest free and labelled.
• Garden accessories are welcome e.g. pots
• If you bring one plant/cutting, you swap one, bring two, swap two
• Do not bring invasive/ poisonous plants
• You must be bring plants/ cuttings to take part in the event.
Join us for a free cuppa, make new friends and share your gardening tales
Contact the QEII office on 9956 6636 or email rosettaf@cgg. wa.gov.a for further details
Creative Journalling
Tuesdays 1:30 to 3:30pm
5, 12, 19, 26 August
2, 9 September
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
With Lorraine Chapman
Cost is $5. Contact the Centre on 9956 6636 to book or email rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au
No Fail Poetry
“Another fabulous writing course has come to an end, after great attendance from experienced poets and curious beginners. We learnt to open up and play with words, throwing in our bait to see which words were biting and then wrangled them into rhyming and non-rhyming verses. We wrote poems about places, people, problems, colours, emotions and about ourselves.We laughed, we cut and pasted, we dressed up, we feasted and we marvelled at the poems that turned up. It was a hoot and best of all, we grew and surprised ourselves at how brilliant we are!
I can’t wait for more writing adventures when Creative Journalling returns, for all those participants that asked for more, I’m running six more, brand new, creative discoveries starting August 5th.”
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
by Yvonne Lovedee
Chocolate Cake
INGREDIENTS
3 cups plain flour (375g)
2 cups castor sugar (440g)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp bicarb
½ cup Cocoa Powder
METHOD
¾ cup rice bran oil or vegetable oil
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 cups cold water
1. Turn oven on 170c fan forced
2. Sift flour, sugar, salt, bicarb and cocoa into large bowl.
3. Make 3 wells. Pour oil into one, vinegar into second and vanilla into third well.
4. Pour cold water all over and whisk well.
Baking times
55 mins in 23cm tin, 23 mins as cupcakes, 45 mins in 20cm tin at 160170 degrees
Notes Makes 24 cupcakes, mixture is runny – put in a jug to pour into patty pans, less mess
Can also make as gluten free and they freeze well
Farewell Centre VolunteersBarry and Merrilyn Line
As Barry and Merrilyn Line prepare to move to greener pastures down south the Centre wishes to express its gratitude for the incredible contribution they’ve made over the past ten years as volunteers. They stepped into a variety of roles with dedication, generosity and commitment.
Merrilyn brought boundless energy to various roles as a Tax Help volunteer, one-onone technology assistance, a centre greeter, Friday Gentle Gym group leader, and helping seniors navigate the Service WA App during COVID. She was also instrumental in commencing the Centre’s “Over 50s Geraldton Life” Facebook page.
Barry lent his strength and humour as a Balance Gym volunteer seeing the session progress from 2 to 4 per week. He was also a centre greeter during the COVID period. Together, after Cyclone Seroja they took it upon themselves to potting and selling frangipani cuttings with all proceeds to the Royal Flying Doctor Service – a testament to their ongoing care for others in times of need.
We wish them all the very best in this new chapter of life. P.S. Barry & Merrilyn wish you all a goodbye.
Basket Weaving
Basket Weaving with Priscilla Papertalk was held at the Centre on the 15 July and was the ideal opportunity to learn a new skill and make some friends, all while having a basket of fun.
Feedback from Pauline Stacey
What a delightful experience! Priscilla Papertalk’s weaving session was more than just a craft class. It was a warm, welcoming space where laughter, creativity wove together beautifully.
I went in not knowing a stitch (or a weave!) but I came out with a gorgeous little basket, a few new friends and a big smile on my face. Priscilla’s gentle guidance and storytelling made the session feel like a cultural journey, not just a lesson. “It was a “basket full of fun” I’d definitely do it again!
Switched On Seniors
Geraldton
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com
Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors Telephone 0474 639 961
Hi everyone, July gave us a lovely break for the school holidays, allowing us to not only take a rest but also to reflect, assess and contemplate the way forward with our Switched on Seniors Geraldton classes.
We are currently without beginners, but with advertising and promotions we are trying to get the word out there as we are sure there are many seniors who would love to be able to use their phones with confidence in the knowledge that the phone is assisting them in their lives rather than being an object that just makes them frustrated. If you are that person or know of someone who would benefit from joining our beginners’ class, please let them know. We run a smaller beginners’ class which allows us to provide a more personal service, with dedicated volunteers available and ready to help. Please contact us on the above number if you are interested in coming to the class or have any enquiries regarding what we do.
The continuing class is seeing good numbers and much progress. We had our presentation of certificates together with a morning tea during our last session before the break, which we all enjoyed. It was also pleasing to see that students were now beginning to work through some of the exercises in their own time, culminating in a certificate acknowledging their progress.
We are mindful of ‘AI’ being in the spotlight now and we shall be helping our students, and ourselves to try to gain a better understanding, as far as possible. Roger will be presenting this Topic throughout August. There will also be handouts and videos, and we are sure that interesting discussions will follow. If you wish to join in for this topic please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please use the telephone number 0474 639 961 for Tuesday appointments. The office at the QE11 Senior Centre is no longer taking calls for appointments or cancellations, thank you.
Your phone, your style…..
Snippets of My Life
With Cath Jennings Jnr
Being the daughter of two World War 2 Veterans, Mum, Kath Senior, 95 years was in the Navy WA and Sydney. Dad, Des, 100 years, Army Darwin and New Guinea. As a bank Johnny’s wife, Mum kept busy volunteering via Red Cross country outreach programs. A lot of the small towns we lived in did not have hospitals or ambulance, so Mum taught First Aid and Home Nursing, empowering people to tend to their sick and elderly family members at home and to help keep accident victims alive while waiting for an ambulance or the Royal Flying Doctor to arrive. She was also one of the Red Cross Civil Defence first responders for Darwin’s Cyclone Tracey, awarded an OAM for her community service.
I started school in Carnamah and remember seeing Mum and Dad and their pals in “dress-ups”, performing hilarious vaudeville type skits at Golf Club events. I’m chuffed that the Bank house we lived behind is now a gallery and creative workspace, as it was there
that I saw and heard live theatre (Joan Dutch, the Town Clerk’s wife, brilliantly reciting CJ Denis’s poem “The Sentimental Bloke”) and live music, Dad ripping out jazzy tunes on piano and Mum sang funny Andrews Sisters songs and knew all the words.
Married for 72 years, Dad used to say, “You don’t even get that long for murder!” He would also joke then in his 90’s “I don’t go to funerals anymore- There’s no use coming home. I don’t even buy green bananas!” He drove his car till he was 99 and at 96 he set and still holds the record as the oldest contestant on Millionaire Hotseat. He got cheers from the studio audience for razzing Eddie Maguire, continually calling him “Eric!” (Not a Collingwood fan!). So lucky to have had such great folks.
QEII Knitters & Crochet Group
June - July Donations
Geraldton Regional Hospital - 16 knitted teddies, 5 toy octopus, 2 heart monitor bags.
Mission Australia - 14 crochet blankets, 1 poncho.
Centacare Family Services - 18 pair banana socks, 5 knitted teddies, 4 baby rugs, 10 baby beanies, 6 pair child socks, 6 pair baby booties, 3 baby cardigans, 6 child cardigans, 6 child jumpers, 18 blankets, 24 scarves, 1 adult vest, 35 adult beanies, 10 pair mittens.
Desert Blue Connect - 20 blankets, 20 adult beanies, 20 scarves, 10 pair mittens, 8 child cardigans and jumpers, 5 baby cardigans and jumpers, 4 knitted teddies.
Department of Communities - Adult: 53 beanies, 8 ear warmers, 20 crochet blankets, 6 pair mittens, 18 pair banana socks, 31 scarves, 1 vest.
Child: 1 cardigan, 5 jumpers, 26 beanies, 3 pair socks, 3 jigsaw puzzles.
Baby: 3 cardigans, 7 pair booties, 12 beanies, 20 knitted teddies, 10 material rugs, 1 box recycled baby clothes. All distributed to Meekatharra and Mt Magnet areas
Donation For Raffles: Seniors Action Group: 2 beanies and scarves, 1 crochet blanket.
The Visibility Group meet the 4th Tuesday of the month at 10am at the Centre. All welcome. Contact 1800 847 466
Seniors Action Group
As the winter months continue, we hope you are all staying warm, well and finding ways to keep your spirits high. Whether it’s a cuppa with friends, a walk in the sunshine, or joining in our group activities there is always something to lift your mood. The August flower is the gladiolus, known for its tall striking blooms and symbolising strength, integrity and remembrance. August birthstone is the peridot a beautiful green Jem said to bring peace ,happiness and good fortune .
Happy Birthday to all our August members
On the 19th July the Seniors Action Group Geraldton recently marked a wonderful milestone , 42 years of community connection, advocacy, and togetherness.
To celebrate the occasion, members came together for a special birthday lunch at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre, with
plenty of laughter fun and camaraderie. President Trevor Hansen kicked of the event with a warm welcome and a heartfelt thank-you goes to Angie’s Bella and her team for putting on a beautiful lunch, the delicious food and friendly service made the day even more special.
The highlight of the event was a delightful performance by the Ukulele Dreamers, who had toes tapping and hands clapping with their fun and uplifting music. Their energy and enthusiasm brought smiles to every face and even sparked a few sing-alongs!
There were also raffles and door prizes galore, adding to the fun and excitement of the day. Congratulations to all our lucky winners!
It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of music, friendship, and shared history. Many members took a moment to reflect on how far the group has come since its early days, and how
it continues to grow and thrive thanks to the support of dedicated volunteers and the wider community.
Here’s to 42 fabulous years , and many more to come.
Dates for your Diary:
4 August at 10:30amCommittee Meeting
12 August at 10am - Morning tea followed by our General Meeting. Professor Howard Gray Guest Speaker and lunch. Howards passion for local history and storytelling is sure to make it a memorable morning we hope to see you there .
Pensioners Social Club
Hello to all members, here we are half the year gone and the beginning of the next half
Did you know?
One minute of Anger weakens the immune system for 4 to 5 hours
One minute of Laughter boosts the immune system for 24 hours
President Val Brown opened the 3rd July General meeting at 10:30am with 30 present and 3 apologies.
Minutes of previous General & Committee meetings were read and passed.
Birthday Wishes – Sylvia Peel, Val Brown, Marilyn Damien, Dulcie Valenti and Pauline Brockwell
Winners: Door prize – Shirley Edwards Money Card RaffleLynne Walsh & Pat Parker
President Val Brown read the yearly report, thanked the committee & members for their help and support making it an enjoyable social year for our seniors and QEII staff for advice and support. She then presented Certificates of Appreciation to 10 hard working members and a Life Member certificate & badge to Pat Parker. Well earned for her years of dedication.
Meeting closed at 11am.
President opened the AGM meeting at 11:05am
Previous AGM minutes were read and passed. Treasurer Lynne Walsh read the financial report as per audit prepared by auditor Bead Raymond and thanked him.
President declared positions vacant and called on scrutineer Lina Mittoni to read the nomination results:
President – Val Brown
Vice President – Lesley Robinson
Treasurer – Wendy White (from the floor)
Secretary – Lina Mittoni (from the floor)
Committee- Pauline Brockwell, Yvonne Burton, Bev Daniels, Jean Jones, Perdita Kellett, Joy Reid, Lynne Walsh, Faye Wright
President welcomed the new committee and thanked retiring members. The closed AGM at 11:35am. A delicious lunch followed with chocolate pudding & ice cream. A big thank you to our amazing caterers Angie’s Bella Cucina – Angie Fondacarro & helpers
Dates to Remember:
Monthly meeting & lunch –10:30am, Thursday 7 August.
Bingo – 1pm, Thursday 14
August
Committee Meeting
– 11:00am, Monday 1
September
We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to members who ae unwell and deepest condolences if you have lost a loved one.
Midwest Seniors’ Directory 2026
Planning is underway for the biennial directory which includes Businesses – who provide discounts Community groups and activities to keep you fit and connected to community Emergency numbers including police, hospital, St John Ambulance; List of Senior’s Service Providers such as Aged Care Assessment Team, Seniors Information Line, Silver Chain and the like Government Concessions
Is there a business or group you would like to be invited to participate?
Contact: Yvonne on 0428 312 338 or email: iiw.au.seniorsdirectory@gmail.com or leave a note at the QEII Centre.
Launch: Monday 10 November during Seniors Week activities.
Thank you
Yvonne Lovedee Project Coordinator Inner Wheel Club of Geraldton
Gardening Tales with
Rosetta
Digging for Treasure
I’ve been enjoying recent rains but perpetually in the back of my mind is the nagging thought I need to alleviate the dampness next to my house stumps as my front yard is sloped. I excel at dreaming up ideas but sometimes I need the planets to align before I start. And so, it was one Saturday morning motivation overcome procrastination, and I dug out the grass and ended up with a 9-metre-long trench ready for a retaining wall.
In the process I unearthed a16 ½ oz glass coke bottle –my love of all things vintage kicked in and immediately dropped the shovel and started googling. Surely this must be worth a bit of money. My house was built in 1961and who threw the bottle there and why after many years was, I destined to find it?
A thorough google search concluded I won’t be giving up my day job - $15 was the going price for my find unlike a Californian couple who found $10 million worth of gold coins in their backyard. All I’m digging up is endless couch grass and at times in life I’ve even dug myself into a hole which took a lot of sweat, blood and tears to get out of.
But of course, it’s all about perspective isn’t it and it dawns on you gradually as you reach the golden years. The real treasures of life aren’t material things, there’s no point digging up the past, what could have been, what should have been, the real treasures are your health, your family, your sanity, your friends and being proud of yourself that at 60 years (young) you can still dig a hole.
Timetable
Start Finish Class Cost Notes
8.30 4.00 Indoor Bowls $5.00 *SAG 9.00 11.00 Darts $5.00 *SAG
9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free
10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free
MONDAY TUESDAY 8.30 9.30 Pole Walking Free 9.00 10.30 10.00 11.30 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free WEDNESDAY
11.30 12.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 3.00 Table Tennis $5.00 *SAG 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free
*Seniors Action Group *Seniors Action Group
7.00 8.00 Walk Group Free Meet at Two Foreshore 9.00 4.00 11.00 6.00 Pickle Ball Pickle Ball $5.00 $5.00 9.00 1.00 Understanding your hand held device $5.00 Appt only. 9.30 11.30 Dementia Carers Support Group Free 1st Tuesday of the month
10.00 1.00 SAG* Meeting 10.00 11.30 Visibility Group Free 12.30 2.30 Line Dancing Free 12.00 12.45 Pilates $5.00 1.00 3.00 Mahjong Free 1.00 4.00 Ukulele Dreamers $3.00 12.15 - 12.45 Beginners Class 4.00 6.00 Pickleball $5.00 1.15 2.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required 7.00 8.00 African Drumming $7.00 $10.00 Waged
WEDNESDAY (CONT)
Start
Finish Class Cost Notes
9.00 Noon Laughs & Crafts Free 9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free 10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free
9.30 10.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free 12.30 3.00 Pickle Ball $5.00 2.00 3.00 Bereavement Support Free 3rd Wed Monthly
THURSDAY
9.00 9.00 10.00 10.00 Switched on Seniors / Beginners Class Continuation Class Free Free Bring own device
9.00 11.00 Mahjong Free
8.30 Noon Chat N Do Craft Group Free Not on 1st Thurs of the Month
10.00 12.30 *PSC Meeting 1st Thurs Monthly 12.30 3.45 500 Card Game Free 1.00 4.00 Bingo Books *PSC Bingo 2nd Thursday of Month
1.00 4.00 Rummikub Free 2.00 2.45 Zumba $5.00
FRIDAY *Pensioners Social Club
9.00 Noon Knitters & Crochet Group $0.50 9.00 10.00 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free 9.00 Noon Art Class $5.00 10.00 Noon Chess Free 10.15 11.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free Referral required
1.00 3.00 English as a 2nd Language Free 1.00 4.00 Euchre & Frustration $5.00 *SAG
500 Card Game
Free
Thursday 12.30pm – 3.45pm
Contact Paula 0408 215 503
African Drumming
Tuesday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
$7 concession $10 waged
Art Class
$5.00
Friday 9.00am – 12noon
Balance Gym
Free
Mondays & Wednesdays
9.15am – 10.00am & 10.30am – 11.15am
Bingo
Cost of Books
1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners
Social Club
President 0439 907 455
CLASS DETAILS
Canasta Free
Monday & Wednesdays 12.30pm - 4.00pm
Caring Cuppa –Bereavement Support Group
Free 3rd Wednesday of each Month 2.00pm –3.00pm
Hosted by Midwest & SJOG Palliative Care Services
9956 2497 or 9965 8888
Chat N Do Craft Group
Free
Thursday 8.30am – 12noon Not on First Thursday of the Month
Contact Gloria 0427 170 548 or Tina 0422 397 997
Chess Free Friday 10.00am - 12noon
Contact Shirley 9964 9584
Darts
$5.00 Monday 9.00am - 11.00am
Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group
President 0498 999 406
Dementia Carers Support Group
Free
First Tuesday of the month
9.30am - 11.30am
Contact Nicole 131 151
English as a Second Language
Free
Friday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
– Provided by Midwest
Multicultural Association
Marnie Ryan 0423 234 475
Euchre & Frustration
$5.00
Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President
0498 999 406
Indoor Bowls
Cost $5.00
Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President
0498 999 406
Justice of the Peace
Free
Contact Peggy Hodgson
0427 290 136
Knitters & Crochet Group
$0.50
Friday 9.00am – 12noon
Contact Jean Steer 0499 251 242
Laughs & Crafts
Wednesday 9.00am –12noon
Join us for exciting crafts each month
Line Dancing Free
Tuesday 12.30pm -1.00pm
New Learners 1.00pm – 2.30pm Beginners & Intermediate
Start time is 1.00pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month Mahjong Free
Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 11.00am
Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free
Wednesday 9.00am –10.00am, & 10.30am – 11.30am
Friday 9.00am – 10.00am
Wear enclosed gym shoes and bring a water bottle
CLASS DETAILS
Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group
FREE Mondays
11.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am
Pensioners Social Club Inc Meeting
1st Thursday of each Month
10.00am – 12.30pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners Social Club
Contact President 0447 372 120
Pickle Ball
$5.00
Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am Tuesdays 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Wednesday 12.30pm - 3.00pm
Pilates
Tuesdays
12.00pm - 12.45pm
Pole Walking Free
Wednesday 8.30am –9.30am
Provided by Seniors
Recreation Council of WA Inc Greater Geraldton Branch
QEII Lounge & Library Free
Everyday 8.15am – 3.45pm
Rehabilitation Gym Free Tuesdays 1.15pm - 2.15pm Fridays 10.15am - 11.15am
Contact Geraldton Regional Hospital Physiotherapy Dept. on 9956 2204.
Rummikub Free
Thursday 1.00 – 4.00pm
Contact Bibah & Milan Chesi 0417 944 959
Scrabble Free
Monday & Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Seniors Action Group Meeting
2nd Tuesday of each Month 10.00am – 1.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406
Switched on Seniors Geraldton/ Be Connected
Free Beginners Class
Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am
Continuation Class
Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am
Bring your device
Contact 0474 639 961
Seniors Recreation Council
WA Geraldton Branch
2nd Wednesday tri-monthly
9.30am – 10.30am
Val Brown 0447 372 120
Table Tennis
$5.00
Monday 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406
Ukulele Dreamers
$3.00
Tuesday 12.15pm - 12.45pm Beginners.
Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Membership $20.00
Contact Di Trotter 0407 217 312
Understanding your hand held device
Tuesday 9.00am – 12noon
Appointment only - $5 donation
Contact QEII 0474 639 961
Proudly run by: Switched on Seniors Geraldton / Be Connected
Visibility Group
Free
4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am
Contact 1800 847 466
Walk Group Free
Tuesday 7.30am
Meet at Two Foreshore prior to department time
Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786
Zumba
$5.00 Thursday 2.00pm – 2.45pm
