Switched On Seniors – Be Connected Geraldton commenced 5 ½ years ago, when Roger and Anne took up the challenge of establishing the group. Through their hard work, dedication, and the invaluable support of fellow volunteers, the program has gone from strength to strength.
What began as a single session expanded to meet growing demand. Today, the group offers two regular sessions, catering for beginners and intermediate participants, as well as additional one on one support. Over this time, more than 300 local seniors have been assisted to build confidence, skills, and connections in an increasingly digital world.
The success of Switched On Seniors is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and the enthusiasm of participants, creating a welcoming and supportive space for lifelong learning.
Contact the group on 0474 636 961 for further information “Don’t be Shy, Theres’s always something new to learn”
Centre Update
As the cooler months approach, we have a full program of activities with extra events coming up with further details in the newsletter
This month, we’re pleased to offer a First Aid Demonstration exclusively for Centre users, providing practical information and demonstrations on basic first aid skills in a supportive setting.
The Pensioners Social Club Recycled Fashion Parade on the 21 May will be a fun and creative event celebrating sustainability and raise awareness around waste reduction. Look out for our mannequins at the centre!
June 25 - Stand up to Ageism & Preventing Financial Scams
Whether you’re popping in regularly or connecting with us for the first time this month, we’re pleased to have you as part of our community and look forward to welcoming you into the Centre.
JUST A REMINDER
Centre will be closed on 3 April, Good Friday and 6 April, Easter Monday.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
Harmony Week 2026
with Pavlina Heiderova
Thank you to all who joined us for Harmony Week - your participation, enthusiasm and smiles made the whole week a joy.
Celebrations began with the Harmony Week Festival delivered by the Midwest Multicultural Association. Throughout the week, we enjoyed a variety of sessions including gentle pilates, zumba, somatic movement, guided meditation and an art class that sparked plenty of creativity.
Our cultural experiences were equally popular, from lively Indian dancing to peaceful basket weaving workshops, along with Cocos Malay sarong tying and ketupat weaving.
A definite highlight was the delicious pasta, enjoyed by all who attended. We also had great fun with pickleball, which brought lots of friendly competition and laughter.
A very special thank you goes not only to our facilitators but also to the many community members who generously offered their time to deliver such wonderful workshops. Your skills, passion and willingness to share made the week truly appreciated.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came along, tried something new or simply joined in the community spirit. This project or event has been supported by the Office of Multicultural Interests, whose funding made it possible for us to offer such a full and meaningful Harmony Week program.
Harmony Day Pasta Making
Written by Cate Jennings,
The Scribe with the Vibe (never beige on the page.)
Forgive me if I bend your ear, but our class with Rosetta, Maria, Was really a “laster” on how to make pasta. (Next week: “How to make beer!*”)
Maria’s an absolute dear, Fountain of knowledge, good cheer, She showed us all how to roll up a ball of pasta dough. Now we’re much free-er
To throw down eggs, water, salt, flour and make that age old mix cower
Pummelling it into submission without fear or inhibition.
Add semolina- that’s all! Pretty soon we had a ball**
Which we hurled down with gusto, some more flour to dust, oh!
A feisty femmes’ free-for-all.
We formed a long conga-line and danced round the counter (no wine!)
We weren’t even “plastered” Just joyfully - “pasta-ed” Maria the Star… did she shine!
We got out the pasta machines; (Had not had such fun since our teens!)
With calm supervision, and practised precision, Maria had us full of beans!
Those small handles turned and voila! They churned out a feast that was fit for a King.
Lasagne, Linguini, Spaghetti, Fettuccini. These women can make anything!
At last, feeling wasted, we flopped down and tasted.
The fruits of our efforts- none better!
‘Twas ten out of ten. Let’s do it again! Here’s cheers, Maria, Rosetta!
Footnote:
*How to Make Beer may be replaced with “How to Make Petrol” if this dilemma prevails!
** We all had a ball, in more ways than one. Such fun! We’re currently jockeying to soon be gnocchi-ing!!
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
Pumpkin, Tomato & Feta Muffins
by Janet Darch
1 cup roughly chopped pumpkin
2 tbsp water
1 ½ cups self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder ½ cup feta crumbled
¼ cup sundried chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp snipped chives
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
Tomato chutney to serve
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line 8 pan muffin with baking paper.
Microwave pumpkin and water covered on high 4 to 5 mins
Sift flour, and baking powder together, Stir in pumpkin, feta, tomatoes chives and sugar.
Make a well in the centre of the ingredients. Pour in milk, eggs, oil and mustard. Bake 20 to 25 mins until cooked when tested.
Cool in pan for 5 mins before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Pack in an airtight container and serve on the road with tomato chutney.
Note: Can be frozen and used as required.
Piece by piece - Where brains get a workout!
Doing puzzles is a fun way to keep your brain active and healthy. They help improve memory, problem solving skills, and concentration by encouraging you to think in new ways. Puzzles also build patience and persistence—you learn to stick with a challenge until you find a solution. On top of that, they’re a great way to relax and reduce stress, giving your mind a break from everyday worries. Whether you’re doing a crossword, jigsaw, or logic puzzle, you’re exercising your brain while having fun at the same time.
Have you checked out our puzzle board in the lounge room? Huge thanks to Rudee for the loan of the table. Completing the puzzle has brought lots of laughter and enthusiasm, making it a fun and social activity for everyone involved.
Switched On Seniors
Geraldton
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com
Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors
Telephone 0474 639 961
And so, the fun was had, learning how to organise our many, many photos, not only collating them but also editing them and learning how to take a better photo in the first place.
April will be all about assisting us in our day-to-day lifestyles, things that help us. So, we’ll be starting with our calendars which will not only hold our appointments, birthdays and more, but remind us, which is the key! This will take us to the school holidays where we shall break for two weeks. On our return we shall be looking at ‘Speech to text’ and ‘speaking text’ which enables us to send text messages and emails without using our keyboard and it will show us how your phone can read a text or email to you, if your eyesight is challenged. Just a couple of facilities within our phones that assist us with our daily lives
During March, the Continuing Class were presented with some interesting topics, namely
• “What is data” students were shown a video clip giving an insight on what services used more data than others,
• “Mobile Networks” students were presented with a video of the workings of mobile cell towers so as to give them a basic understanding of how a smart device works,
• “iPhone and Android quick settings” Students practiced using the quick settings feature on their Smart devices allowing users to quickly access the features available from one place.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
More interesting topics will be presented in April. We’re in the process of organising a presentation to be held at QEII Centre for those interested on the topic “Staying safe online” presented by a Commonwealth Bank representative, stay tuned for details.
Please note the school holidays commence Friday 3rd till Sunday 19th April and we’ll be having a break during this period.
Our One-On-One classes recommence 21st of April, and Thursday classes the 23rd of April.
HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!
Appointments and Class Information
For One-to-One appointments on Tuesday mornings and Beginners & Continuing Classes every Thursday 9am to10am please call 0474 639 961
Your phone, your style…..
Women on Wheels with
Anne Dixon
Ok, so I may have made the same resolutions in past years, but what we all know about resolutions, is the difficulty in carrying them out. Everyone’s favourite! losing weight!! Great that is happening already this year, Next, we have the exercise, also a But here comes the biggie! For quite some time I have been talking and talking and talking about getting a bike, well big there. As you can imagine, I was feeling very proud of myself by this time.
Whoops! A few little rides around Moresby and out of the way of traffic and all was going well. Then a full event ride came along called…….. “Women on Wheels”
Rosetta mentioned it to me initially, at the Centre and my first thoughts were, “Crickey, could I really do this, it’s a long ride? And I haven’t been on any long rides since I got my bike” Stow Gardens to Sunset and back! In for a penny – in for a pound! And the registration was completed.
What a lovely day it was as all the ladies gathered at Stow Gardens for the event. Mostly bikes but also scooters and even roller skates. Excitement grew as more women arrived. Flowers adorned the bikes; there were bowers and rainbow ra ra skirts worn by some of the riders and they all looked great.
It was time for the ride to begin, and I was so apprehensive about wobbling off my bike with so many riders, but thankfully Rosetta was with me and stuck with me through the whole ride for which I am very grateful, thank you Rosetta. It was lovely to see all the participants riding, ringing bells and having a wonderful time. Me, I had to stop about three times along the way but made it in the end. A welcome coffee awaited and many had ordered lunch which was enjoyed on the grass area and consisted of a huge grazing box.
The only thing that was missing for me, was a ra ra skirt and perhaps some flowers, but there is always next year.
Change flyer as needed, thanks
It is being run by the Seniors Action Group – so we don’t need centre logo on it
INDOOR CROQUET
INDOOR CROQUET
Expression of Interest
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
Over 50’s come and try a fun, social indoor game—no experience needed.
• Beginners welcome
• Basic coaching and rules explained
• Equipment provided
Proposed details (to be confirmed)
How to register your interest:
Please contact: Seniors Action Group or put your name down on the sign up sheet in the QEII lounge
Phone: Janet on 0458 538 199 for further info
Pensioners Social Club
Hello to all our members. Hope you’re all enjoying the Start of Autumn.
Did you know the Black Widow spider eats the male spider- her mate – LOVE at First Bite!
President Val Brown opened the 5th of March meeting at 10.30am and welcomed all especially 4 new members – we hope you enjoy our club, meeting friends & making new ones.
Lucky door tickets were won by 3 members – one ticket each.
Lucky numbers card was won by Faye Wright. There were no birthdays or anniversaries.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed.
Treasurer Wendy White presented the financial report. All going well. Good job Wendy.
General Business:
From April lunches will rise to $20 per person. Annual $15 membership fees are now due (equates to $1.36 per month.)
It was decided to host a Recycled Fashion Parade on Thursday 21st May with Devonshire Tea – Entry Fee $10. Tickets can be purchased at QE2 office, Val Brown or Lina Mittoni.
Search the Op shops for your outfit and enter a category to win. This is for males & females. Vinnies are kindly offering a 15% discount to anyone shopping for an outfit to enter the parade. Just mention the event when you go into the shop.
Enter to win a prize in the following categories: Vintage, Casual, Sporty, Evening Wear, Handmade. There will be a catwalk for brave people. Thank you, Rosetta, for her help.
Meeting closed at 11.00.
Watch this space for more social activities coming up.
Guest speaker 2026 Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Award Recipient Rohan Prowse gave his account of coming to Geraldton for 6 months to investigate the lack of
homelessness services including the back packers Camelia Guest house having to close because of lack of funding. He’s ended up calling Geraldton his home for the past 7 years. Rohan works for Fusion helping to break the cycle of fatherlessness and family violence – helping kids and bringing families together.
Lunch was served at 12 noon - Delicious crumbed chicken and a variety of salads. Sweets – Vanilla slice and ice cream – another yummy lunch cooked and prepared by Angie & Leonie from Angie’s Bella Cucina. Thank you.
Next Monthly meeting & lunch is on Thurs 2 April at 10:30 am
Bingo: Thursday 9th April at 1pm
Val Brown and Rohan Prowse
March Birthday Girls - Lesley Evans, Jan Bailey and Sue Wood
Birthday boy Leo Johnson
Seniors Action Group
with Secretary Pauline Stacey
Welcome to April! We hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the change in the weather. A big Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating this month! Wishing you a lovely day filled with laughter, good company, and a treat or two. People born in April are known for being warm, cheerful, and full of life, always ready for a chat, a laugh, and a bit of fun.
The General Meeting was held at 10:30am, March 10th with 35 in attendance and 3 apologies. President Janet Rodan opened the meeting and presented a price list for hall hire, helping everyone understand what the group’s funds contribute towards.
Best Dressed: Prize Beth Still, Lucky door prize winner: Tina Lucas
Card Winners: Judy Currell-Kendrick, Anna Sisson
Lunch Update: Even with rising costs, we’re committed to keeping our lunches affordable because good food and great company never go out of season! Our delicious twocourse meal, prepared by Angie’s Bella Cucina includes complimentary tea and coffee. Don’t forget, meetings include engaging guest speakers and fun entertainment, making it a wonderful social outing for all! Members: $20 Non-members: $22
EOI – Indoor Croquet: If sufficient interest received, further information regarding hall hire and equipment costs will be investigated. Sign-up sheets are available around the Centre for you to add your names.
New members: A big welcome to Celia Lee, Barbara Larkin, Debi Parsons, Leta Ryan, Michael Malloy
We were delighted to welcome Guest Speaker Jackie from Full of Life, who gave an inspiring talk on the power of food and choices we make every day affects our health as we age. Her interest in nutrition began after noticing friends and family were experiencing health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. By focusing more on plant-based whole foods, she and her family experienced: More energy, less sluggishness, better sleep, fewer digestive problems, reduced joint and back pain and weight loss without strict dieting.
We found the talk interesting and informative, and thanked Jackie for sharing her knowledge and personal journey with us.
Website & Contact: Download Jackie’s free recipe book and learn more at fullolife.com.au
Jackie also runs cooking classes and can be contacted on 0409 886 982. Facebook: Full of Life, jackie@weelaway.com.au
Due to the lunch price increase, members will be required to bring their own plates, cups and cutlery and join the “wash your own dishes” roster after lunch. (April Fools!) Ha-ha gotcha
Wishing all our members family and friends a very Happy and safe Easter!
Dates for your Diary:
Executive Committee Meeting: Monday April 13th 11.15am
General Meeting: Tuesday 14 April 10.30 am
Lunch Menu: Lasagne chips and salad, Dessert: Profiteroles
Guest Entertainment: Jay Allan playing a musical instrument and very talented Line Dancers who hold sessions at the QEII on a Tuesday at 1pm. Everyone welcome.
COMMUNITY EVENT FREE 25 JUNE
For World Elder Abuse Awareness
11am12pm 12 pm12.30pm For all registered attendees
12.30pm1.30pm
11am12pm 12pm12.30pm 12.30pm1.30pm
PREVENTING FINANCIAL ABUSE & SCAMS
The warning signs and 10 common types Protecting yourself and avoiding scams
LUNCH PROVIDED
STAND UP TO AGEISM
Timetable
MONDAY TUESDAY 8.30 9.30 Pole Walking Free 9.00 10.30 10.00 11.30 Over 50’s Gentle Gym Free WEDNESDAY
7.30 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. No appts 7&14 April 9.30 11.30 Dementia Carers Support Group Free 1st Tuesday of the month
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 No classes 3,10,17 April
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
CLASS DETAILS
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
Canasta
Free
Monday & Wednesdays
12.30pm - 3.45pm
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
Chess
Free Friday 10.00am - 12noon
Contact Tony 0428 876 890
Darts
$5.00 Monday 9.00am - 11.00am
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
President 0458 538 199
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 0458 538 199
Indoor Bowls
Cost $5.00
Monday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Proudly run by: Seniors Action Group
Contact President 0458 538 199
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
Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group FREE Mondays 11.30am to 12.30pm
