2025 - JANUARY 2026
Seasons Greetings. . . and Happy New Year from all of us at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre. Thank you for your support, friendship and companionship in 2025. We look forward to seeing you all back in 2026.
The centre will be closed from Monday 22 December and reopens Monday 5 January 2026.
Have a great break and see you all soon!
Over 50’s Geraldton Life 2025 has flown by so quickly, and as we reach the end of another successful year, we are truly grateful for all the support our centre members have given. We have finished the year with approximately 1900 centre members and hit a high note with our social media page Over 50’s Geraldton Life with over 2000 followers and a reach of 111547 in October.
Centre upgrades
A big thank you to the City of Greater Geraldton IT Team who recently upgraded the Seniors online room with four new computers and the maintenance team who gave the walls a fresh coat of paint.
We look forward to an exciting 2026 filled with new opportunities, continued growth.
Have
a lovely break and see you all soon.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
2025 Seniors Week was a wonderful celebration, with great attendance at every event. Thank you to everyone who shared feedback and expressed appreciation for the week. Raffles prizes have now been collected, and we thank everyone for their participation.
Once again, the Geraldton Seniors Week Committee did an amazing job! We would also like to thank Jean Steer and Jean Jones who assisted during the week.
Huge thanks to our major sponsors and businesses who generously provided prizes and those who hosted an event.
First prize raffle winner was Shirley Edwards who won a Shine Aviation voucher valued at $690
A welcoming space to talk about connection, intimacy and wellbeing in later life. Facilitated by relationships and sexuality educator Fran FoulkesTaylor, this session uses humour and open conversation to explore changes, reduce stigma, and build confidence and connection.
9 OR 16 DECEMBER 2025 TH TH
QEII SENIORS & COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Please bring $5.00 cash
To register, contact the QEII centre on 9956 6636 or email rosettaf@cgg wa gov au Or for more information about the workshop please contact Fran - fran@franksexology.com
by Rosetta
The Purple Road project was held the 14 November during 2025 Seniors Week.
Thirty attended the event and others who couldn’t make it on the day contributed items.
Flowers were knitted, crocheted and made from material (Suffolk puffs) with embellishment scattered into the mix.
The brief: To cover a 2-metre banner of purple fabric to highlight Elder Abuse and join the 100 metres of fabric which have already been completed by other groups around the State. Jean Steer & Anne Firbank took the lead on the day and began designing the banner, positioning items onto the fabric. Anne has created two iconic Geraldton landmarks (which will remain secret until the big reveal)
Jean Steer and her daughter Rachael continued to work on the project at home for two days sewing on the flowers.
On the 27 November 6 ladies continued sewing and so far it looks amazing. In fact, I’m pretty sure we will have the best in the whole state.
Keep an eye out for the big reveal in the New Year!!!
Thank you everyone for your contribution, it’s been a pleasure to watch the project transform into a beautiful work of art.
Geraldton Regional Hospital
Maternity Dept, Heart Patients
St Johns Hospital
Maternity Dept
Police Geraldton
Local Charities
Ngala, Mission Australia, Geraldton Flexible Learning Centre, Centre Care, Desert Blue, Salvo’s Geraldton, Dept Of Communities, Stay, Streeties, Hope Community Schools
Nine Local Schools
Ambulance
Geraldton
Raffle Rugs
QEII Seniors Action Group
Pensioners Social Group
Nine Schools
A total of 1381 items made and donated to charity groups
Other recycled items to schools include art packages, books, toys and wool scraps
Thank you to all our members for all your contributions for 2025
Contact Information
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com
Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors
Telephone 0474 639 961
Summary
Switched on Seniors Geraldton offers support and guidance to help seniors personalise their mobile phones, making technology more accessible and enjoyable. Through contact channels such as email, Messaging, and telephone, the group encourages older adults to tailor their devices to suit their individual needs and lifestyles, fostering confidence and independence with digital tools.
Summary
Discover how to make your mobile phone truly suit your needs and preferences. Switched on Seniors Geraldton is here to help you personalise and get the most out of your device, ensuring it matches your lifestyle and comfort.
It is extremely important we all update our software on our devices. Failing to do so will result in our devices not working properly and may affect our safety online. So, when you receive a notification that says Software Update, please do it as soon as you can. If you don’t know how to do this, we are happy to help. Just give us a call.
As another year comes to a close, the group reflects on the progress made. Although beginner class numbers have decreased this year, this may indicate that the group’s purpose has been successfully achieved for many seniors. Attention now turns to the continuing class and the topics covered in 2025.
Topics Covered in 2025
• How to use Airdrop and Quick Share
• Saving, sharing, and deleting files
• Accessibility settings
• How to take a screenshot
• Quick Settings
• How to connect a device via Bluetooth
• Tips & Tricks
• What to do when your home internet drops out
• What to do when your device freezes
• What to do when your mobile device isn’t charging
• How to hotspot
• Understanding web browsers
• Cloud backup and photo sharing
All topics were provided for both Apple and Android devices, ensuring comprehensive support regardless of the type of device seniors use.
If you ever find yourself needing assistance with your device, remember that this is the place to come for support. We are here to help you navigate any issues you may encounter, ensuring you feel confident and connected in your digital experience.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and hope that you enjoy a happy and healthy New Year.
One to one appointments will close on Tuesday 9 December 2025
And resume on Tuesday 3 February 2026
Both Beginners and Continuing Classes will wind up on Thursday 11 December 2025
And resume on Thursday 5 February 2026, at 9am to 10am
“We’re so fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers at the centre! Our volunteers bring programs to life, keep everything running smoothly, and make every new member feel right at home.
The Centre thrives due to their dedication and hard work! From completing attendance sheets, greeting members, setting up/packing down equipment, running classes, keeping the patio garden looking lush, teach seniors how to use technology and sorting out the library etc etc centre volunteers do an amazing job.
Thank you for all you do!
As Elizabeth Andrew said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
The Inner Wheel Club of Geraldton’s 6th edition of the directory details discounts, support services, community groups and businesses pertaining to seniors in the Midwest.
The directory was officially launched in November at the Mayor’s Mystery Bus Tour & Morning Tea to 200 seniors.
• 4,000 copies have been printed
• 36 local businesses provide discounts
• 35 community groups listed.
Copies of the directories are available at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre and the Civic Centre.
with Secretary Pauline Stacey, Social Butterfly
Welcome everyone to our final newsletter for 2025!
As the year draws to a close, we want to thank all our wonderful members for your support, friendship, and laughter throughout the year.
December Birth Flower is the Narcissus (Paperwhite) which symbolises hope, good wishes, and new beginnings, perfect for the festive season. (Some people also include Holly as a traditional December flower.)
December Birthstone is the beautiful Turquoise which Represents protection, good fortune, and peace.
A big Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating in December.
Thoughts & Wishes:
Sent with care by Val BrownTwo Thinking of You cards
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to members who are unwell, grieving, or facing challenges this month. We are thinking of you and hope for brighter days ahead.
Activities This Month:
Monday: Table tennis, indoor bowls & darts
Thursday: Table tennis (except every 2nd Thursday)
Friday: Cards
Don’t be shy, come along and join the fun!
Check the December issue of the Seniors Scene timetable for dates when each group will finish for 2025 and resume in 2026.
Lucky Card Winners:
It’s almost time for our biggest celebration of the year! Join us for a festive lunch filled with delicious food, entertainment, raffles & door prizes, Christmas cheer with plenty of laughs with family & friends.
Please check the notice board in the Upper Hall for the full menu, cost, and booking details. Hope to see you there.
Joke of the Month:
Why is everyone thirsty at the North Pole? No well
On behalf of the Seniors Action Group Geraldton, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year. Thank you for your wonderful support throughout 2025. We look forward to another great year together in 2026.
Monday 1st Dec 2025
10.30am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday 9th December 2025
Christmas Lunch - 10.30am
Monday 5th January 2026 - 10.30 am Executive Committee Meeting
Hello to all members, Hope you are all enjoying the Lovely November weather.
Did you know? That the Female Osprey bird is larger than the Male Osprey – he might be Henpecked
President Val Brown opened the 6th November meeting at 10.30am and welcomed 32 members for the meeting and lunch. 3 Apologies.
Lucky door prize was won by Doreen Major.
Minutes of the previous General Meeting and Committee meeting were read by Lina Mittoni & passed.
Treasurer Wendy White read our financial report. – All going well. Thank you, Wendy.
Birthdays for November – Lynn Blackmore & Sandy Richards.
General Business
• The Next General Meeting will be on Thursday 5th February 2026 – Bring & Share Lunch
• Memberships are due in February $15.00 for 2026
• Lunches will stay the same at $15.00
• Guest Speaker was Sandra Finnity representing Niagara Massage Chair. Sandra gave an overview of the benefits of the Niagara Massage Chair from Pain relief, improved Blood Circulation & enhanced Mobility. Two of our members already use the Niagara Massage Chair and are very happy with it.
• Our amazing Angie Bella –Served Lunch of – Crumbed fish, chips/Salad – Fruit Salad & ice cream
Monday 1 December Last Committee Meeting for the year
Thursday 4 December Christmas Lunch Celebration
Thursday 11 December Bingo 1pm
We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to members who are unwell and deepest condolences if you have lost a loved one.
The Pensioners Social Club wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year
Thank you everyone for the overwhelming support at our first ever Buy Nothing Market. A great morning was had by all with lots of happy people excited about their special finds plus others happy someone was taking their stuff home.
On the day we ran a competition on the most unusual item, and winner was Fiona Allen who won an IGA gift card. She brought along a Solo Handy Adding Machine made in the 1960’s, early 70’s.
Fiona gave us some interesting information on her special treasure.
“This adding machine was used by my dad when he owned a funeral business in Geraldton. All his invoices were added up using this machine. After the business closed it became a toy my sister & I would use when we were playing shops. It was lots of fun pushing down the levers then using the crank handle to put everything back to zero.
Technology sure has changed”
Note: The funeral business was located on the land which is currently Northgate
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
(plus chilling)
Ingredients:
900 ml thickened cream
2 × 250 g packets Arnott’s
Chocolate Ripple biscuits (about 38 biscuits)
Fresh fruit for decoration: strawberries, blueberries, kiwifruit, raspberries etc
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Method:
1. Whip the cream: Use an electric mixer to whisk two-thirds of the cream in a large bowl until firm peaks form.
2. Assemble the wreath: Spread one side of each biscuit with a thick layer of whipped cream.
3. Place a round springform pan (with the base removed) on your serving plate. Stand one biscuit on its edge inside the pan and sandwich with another biscuit. Repeat with remaining biscuits, arranging them around the pan to form a wreath shape. Cover and chill
4. Spread the top and centre of the wreath with remaining whipped cream. Cover well with cling wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight to allow the biscuits to soften.
5. Final layer: Whip the remaining cream until firm peaks form. Remove the pan carefully and spread the top and sides with cream. Decorate: Top with fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Serve immediately
Hello everyone, I can’t believe it’s the “Happiest Time of the Year” again and wondering where the past months have gone.
Ukulele Dreamers have had a wonderful, but busy time this year, with our weekly Tuesday afternoon get together and Thursday fortnightly visits to Aged Care Facilities. It’s a privilege to visit them knowing the pleasure we give and be able to brighten up their week. I know we come away feeling as uplifted as they do with a big smile on our face!
Also, this year we were invited to play and sing at the “Seniors Action Group 42nd Celebration Lunch”. We had a great time and hopefully enjoyed by all. We’ve been invited back to play and sing for their Christmas Lunch and are all looking forward to it.
For the second time this year we are visiting the “Forget Me Not’s” at the Library, this time’ for their Christmas Party. Looking forward to help make their day a little brighter and help the Carers have a great day too.
We wish Rosetta and the QEII staff and all groups a very Happy Merry Christmas and hope the coming year is full of Love, Laughter, Joy, Good health, and every good wish for the best things in life. - Di Trotter
MONDAY TUESDAY 8.30 9.30 Pole Walking Free 9.00 10.30 10.00 11.30 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free WEDNESDAY *Seniors Action Group *Seniors Action Group
Start Finish Class Cost Notes
8.30 4.00 Indoor Bowls $5.00 9.00 11.00 Darts $5.00 *SAG 9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free 10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free 11.30 12.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 3.00 Table Tennis $5.00 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free
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
9.00 Noon Laughs & Crafts Free 9.15 10.00 Balance Gym Free 9.30 10.30 Parkinson Support Group Free 10.30 11.15 Balance Gym Free 10.45 2.15 Online Bridge Game Free
12.30 3.00 Pickle Ball $5.00 12.30 4.00 Canasta Free 1.00 4.00 Scrabble Free 2.00 3.00 Bereavement Support Free 3rd Wed Monthly
THURSDAY
FRIDAY *Pensioners Social Club
9.00 10.00 Switched on Seniors / Be Connected 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 3.00 Table Tennis $5 Not 2nd Thursday of the month 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
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
1.00 3.00 English as a 2nd Language Free 1.00 4.00 Euchre & Frustration $5.00
500 Card Game
Free
Thursday 12.30pm – 3.45pm
Contact Paula 0408 215 503
Ends 18/12/25. Resumes 8/1/26
African Drumming
Tuesday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
$7 concession $10 waged
Ends 16/12/25. Resumes 3/2/26
Art Class
$5.00
Friday 9.00am – 12noon
Ends 12/12/25. Resumes 23/1/26
Balance Gym
Free
Mondays & Wednesdays
9.15am – 10.00am & 10.30am – 11.15am
Ends 10/12/25. Resumes 7/1/26
Bingo
Cost of Books
1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners
Social Club
President 0439 907 455
No Bingo in January
Canasta
Free
Monday & Wednesdays
12.30pm - 4.00pm
Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
Caring Cuppa –Bereavement Support Group
Free 3rd Wednesday of each Month 2 – 3pm
Hosted by Midwest & SJOG
Palliative Care Services
9956 2497 or 9965 8888
Ends 10/12/25. Resumes Feb 26
Chat N Do Craft Group
Free
Thursday 8.30am – 12noon
Not on First Thursday of the Month
Contact Gloria 0427 170 548
Ends 11/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
Chess
Free
Friday 10.00am - 12noon
Contact Shirley 9964 9584
Ends 19/12/25. Resumes 9/1/26
Darts
$5.00
Monday 9.00am - 11.00am
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
President 0498 999 406
Ends 15/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
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
Ends 12/12/25. Resumes 6/2/26
Euchre & Frustration
$5.00
Friday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President 0498 999 406
Ends 12/12/25. Resumes 9/1/26
Indoor Bowls
Cost $5.00
Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
President 0498 999 406
Ends 15/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
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
Ends 12/12/25. Resumes 9/1/26
Laughs & Crafts
Wednesday 9.00am –12noon
Join us for exciting crafts each month
Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 5/2/26
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
Ends 16/12/25. Resumes 3/2/26
Mahjong
Free
Tuesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Thursday 9.00am – 11.00am
Ends 18/12/25. Resumes 6/1/26
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
Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 7/1/26
Online Bridge Game
Free
Wednesday 10.45am –2.15pm
Graham 0427 242 265
Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group
FREE
Mondays
11.30am to 12.30pm
Wednesday
9.30am to 10.30am
Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
Pensioners Social Club Inc
Meeting
1st Thursday of each Month
10.00am – 12.30pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners
Social Club
President 0447 372 120
No meeting in January
Pickle Ball
$5.00
Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am
Tuesdays 4.00pm - 6.00pm
Wednesday 12.30pm - 3.00pm
Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 6/1/26
Pilates
Tuesdays 12.00pm - 12.45pm
Ends 9/12/25. Resumes 13/2/26
Pole Walking
Free
Wednesday 8.30 – 9.30am
Provided by Seniors Recreation
Council of WA Inc Greater
Geraldton Branch
Ends 10/12/25. Resumes 7/1/26
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.
Ends 16/12/25. Resumes 6/1/26
Rummikub Free
Thursday 12.30 – 4.00pm Val Keys 0428 287 187
Ends 18/12/25. Resumes 8/1/26
Scrabble Free
Monday & Wednesday 1.00pm – 3.00pm Ends 17/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
Seniors Action Group Meeting
2nd Tuesday of each Month 10.00am – 1.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406 No meeting in January
Switched on Seniors
Geraldton/ Be Connected
Free
Beginners Class
Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am
Continuation Class
Thursday 9.00am – 10.00am
Contact 0474 639 961
Ends 11/12/25. Resumes 5/2/26
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
Thursday 1.00pm - 3.00pm
(except 2nd Thursday of the month)
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact 0498 999 406
Ends 18/12/25. Resumes 5/1/26
Ukulele Dreamers
$3.00
Tuesday 12.15pm - 12.45pm
Beginners.
Tuesday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Membership $20.00
Di Trotter 0407 217 312
Ends 16/12/25. Resumes 3/2/26
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
Ends 9/12/25. Resumes 3/2/26
Visibility Group
Free
4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am
Contact 1800 847 466
Walk Group
Free
Tuesday 7.00am
Meet at Two Foreshore prior to departure time
Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786
Zumba
$5.00
Thursday 2.00pm – 2.45pm
Ends 11/12/25. Resumes 15/2/26
TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2026 | 11AM
MORNING TEA FROM 10AM
