Support for seniors centre

The Community Centre for Seniors has been open since January at the Old Doctor’s Surgery cottage, better known these days as the ‘Soupie’.

The free centre offers a place for connection, conversation and company, a cuppa, and a slice of cake. Locals can find the information they need about access to MyAgedCare support packages, and enjoy guest speakers and activities.

“Since starting in January, we have enjoyed activities such as trying out water divining, playing with clay, games, poetry, the importance of having a Will, and visits from Dementia Australia, Stay on Your Feet, Red Cross, Parkinsons WA, Financial Counselling, and WA Seniors Card,” the Centre’s Sally Hays explained.

“We appreciate the generosity of our small team of community volunteers who attend each week to help with morning tea and make sure everyone feels welcome.”

Ms Hays said she was pleased to announce broader opening times thanks to support from the AMR Shire.

“From 21 July, the Centre for Seniors space will run at two different times each week to make access more convenient.

“Our grant has enabled the Community Centre to employ a Seniors Coordinator to organise the space and program, with regular speakers and activities of interest, and connect people with Anni, our Staying in Place Coordinator who can assist with aged care support.

“People can now drop in on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm, and Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm.

“We look forward to growing this free and welcoming space for older people in our community, helping them feel heard and make connections.”

Ms Hays also offered special thanks to Voyager Estate who provided a grant to purchase new and more comfortable chairs and a couch, to Patrick and the team at Retravision Margaret River for the “amazing price discount” to enable the furniture purchase; and to the Margaret River Lions for the donation of a coffee table to complete the setting.

“We are so grateful for this ongoing support from across the community that enables the Community Centre, a not-for-profit support organisation, to stay independent and continue to offer new activities and opportunities that respond to community need.”

The Centre for Seniors is located at the Soupie cottage at the Old Hospital Heritage Precinct, 33 Tunbridge Street Margaret River.

For more info, contact 9757 3200 or seniors@mrcc.com.au. To connect with Anni from Staying in Place, call 0494 030 256 or email stayinginplace@mrcc.com.au

If you are interested in joining as a volunteer or have any questions, contact new coordinator Lucy at 9757 3200 or seniors@mrcc.com.au.