Join us for another wonderful year of friendship, movement, and meaningful moments. Our centre is buzzing with programs designed to support your physical health, stimulate your mind, and nurture social connection. Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn something new, or simply enjoy good company, there’s something here for everyone.
We look forward to sharing a year filled with activity, laughter, and community spirit with you!
“The best way to keep moving forward is to stay connected to the things—and people— that lift you up.”
Centre Update
Welcome back, wonderful centre users and volunteers!
Can you believe it’s already February? All our programs are now back in action.
We’ve got some great events on the horizon, so pop these in your diary:
• February – Morning Melodies featuring a Beatles Tribute Band at QPT. Get ready to twist and shout!
• March – Advanced Care Planning Workshop & Document Completion Session.
A quick note: you’ll need to attend the first workshop before joining the documentation session.
• May – Move Your Body and Flourish (details coming soon!)
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook on Over 50’s Geraldton Life to keep up with the latest updates, photos, and program news.
We also love hearing from you — if you have new ideas, suggestions, or activities you’d like to see, please share them with us!
See you all soon at the Centre
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
with Rosetta Finlay (aka Nonna Rosa)
A visit to the “From Nonna with Love” exhibition at Fremantle Maritime Museum brought emotional memories of growing up Italian in Australia. On the welcome wall outside is my name engraved alongside my parents noting our arrival in 1966 on the Galileo Galilei.
The exhibition reflected stories of tradition and triumph. Women leaving their homeland, overcoming language barriers, pioneering new ground and becoming entrepreneurs against all odds making a mark on the Fremantle/ Perth fishing, retail businesses and community. Many from villages close to mine in Sicily. These strong women became Nonna’s passing on heritage, culture and passion for food and in my mind popped up that famous Godfather movie quote
“In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns” They persevered, building community in a strange land, assimilating but keeping their identity.
I wandered through the room set up just like Nonna’s kitchen, the table set with virtual Italian food delicacies and it dawned on me that over the years I’ve morphed into a Nonna –teaching my grandchildren to make pasta, cannoli’s, crostini, arancini. My recipes are in safe hands
The finale was 20 free recipe cards displayed on a wall contributed by the women portrayed in the exhibitions. Excitedly I took every single recipe card. Of course, I know how to make most of those recipes but us Italian Nonna’s are competitive and dare I say highly critical. Are they as good as mine?? We shall have to wait and see. I’ve got quite a bit of experimenting to do.
Do you have a special food memory or recipe to share? We would love to hear it. Email rosetta@cgg.wa.gov.au or drop it into the centre.
Thursday 26 March, 10am to 12 noon
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
RSVP by Monday 23 March
P: 9956 6636 E: rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au
This workshop is being hosted by:
Date: WEDNESDAY 21st January 18th February 18th March 15th April
Time: 9.30 am to 11.30am
Venue: QE2 Centre
Call in and chat with Karen about everything aged care
Snippets of My Life
With Molly Thompson
A child of the 50’s at School
School days began in 1950 and at 5 ½ years old I started at Geraldton State School (now Geraldton Primary) Home was two miles away and I recall walking through sandhills, bush and an old Chinese cemetery which was later cleared for housing. In 1952 Allendale School was completed on land donated by George Allen, a prominent local tomato producer. School was now a walk away from our 7th street home. The original school was prefabricated and comprised four classroom, headmaster office and small staffroom.
Early days at Allendale were carefree, we built cubbies in the bush, played up the hill where Grammar School is located now. We helped clear the school oval by forming lines and picking up sticks and double gees. On Arbour Day we planted a tree we were expected to water and look after. We walked over the hills to the beach for swimming lessons. This beach is now referred to as Medallion beach.
At playtime and after school skipping, hopscotch and knuckle jacks were popular with the girls and marbles (doogs) played by the boys. Free bottled milk came in a third of a pint bottle with a plug of thick cream on the top. The foil tops were saved and made into Christmas decorations. Teachers threw chalk and blackboard dusters at us if it was thought we were inattentive. One day in February 1952 I headed off to school only to be told by my neighbour the King had died and school cancelled that day . I remember crying, not for the King but because I wanted to go to school.
In 1957 it was off to Geraldton High School … I learnt dressmaking, hand stitching etc. Thank you, Miss Dineen, I didn’t appreciate it at the time but so much was beneficial in my adult life.
Note: Molly is a Balance Gym and Over 50’s Gentle Gym volunteer
Wishing you all a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
APPOINTMENTS
One on One classes will resume on Tuesday 3rd February 2026
CLASSES
Both Beginners and Continuing Classes will resume on Thursday 5th February 2026 at 9am to 10am
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.
About Your Phone, Your Style
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. We still have places available for beginners and the continuing class where you will learn some very interesting topics.
One to one appointments on Tuesdays are maintaining their popularity and students bring along a wide variety of issues that we deal with, which keeps us on our toes and gives the client the satisfaction they seek.
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.
Our SOSG Students and Volunteers taken prior to our Christmas break.
Please contact us on 0474 639 961 if you wish to join or visit either of our classes and for one-to-one appointments on Tuesday mornings
Your phone, your style…..
A Lifetime of Friendship
Jeff Field and Ian Lake
Jeff Field and Ian Lake were both born in 1944 and have shared a lifetime of friendship. Jeff began school in the 1950s at Geraldton Primary School, while Ian attended Allendale School. Their paths crossed at Geraldton High School, where Jeff excelled as a champion hockey player and high jumper. Ian jokingly described himself as an “also-ran,” though he was a strong swimmer.
Ian recalls many nights when the hockey players would sleep outside on the verandah at Jeff’s family home—a railway house located opposite the site of the current Geraldton Police Station. The friends also travelled together to compete in Country Week Hockey Championships.
Over the years, Jeff and Ian built their own lives around family and work, yet their friendship never wavered. Ian jokingly shared when he was young, his family lived on George Road and were so poor that on his walk to Allendale School, he would “pick up lunch on the way as he went through the local rubbish tip located in the area.”
Maureen, Jeff’s wife, fondly commented, “Ian was very handsome and a ladies’ man.”
A long story short – Jeff got into the plastering trade and a did a load of fancy cornices & ceilings. Ian managed Lake’s Jewellery store. However his proudest achievement was commencing a Baptist Care housing mental health program which he went on to manage.
Today, both Jeff and Ian remain active and catch up weekly at the QEII Seniors & Community Centre participating in the Balance Gym program before joining the “Laughs & Crafts” class where there’s plenty of socialising and reminiscing.
Chat Pack: Talking with Stroke
A friendly conversation group
Had a stroke? Trouble talking?
Join us for a chat over tea or coffee. Practice talking in a safe, relaxed space.
Run by stroke survivors
Supported by trained volunteers
Free to attend!
Where?
Geraldton Regional Library – Meeting Room
37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton
Also online (Zoom link available)
When?
Every second Monday 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
2026 Feb - July Dates
February: 9th & 23rd
March: 9th & 23rd
April: 20th (this session is at WACRH)
May: 4th & 18th (18th is at WACRH)
June: 15th (15th at WACRH) & 29th
More Information
Contact: Trish Goodale (volunteer) – 0428 955 227
Everyone is welcome!
Supported by:
CRUISE 2026 WORKSHOPS
Volunteer Workshop Wednesday, 11 February, 9.30-12.30pm th The Gerald Apartment Hotel
Want to make visiting cruise passengers feel welcome? Join us for a friendly, informative workshop designed to help you build confidence when meeting and assisting cruise guests. A wonderful opportunity to connect, contribute, and explore volunteering with our cruise community.
Reserve your seat here
Or arrive at 9.15am to register
A letter from Germany
The centre received an interesting letter with photos recently from a Klaus Littmann from Germany who gave his vintage as 1943.
Good day Ladies & Gentlemen,
On internet of ABC Australia, I have seen there was a fire in Geraldton close by your centre in Durlacher St. It’s amazing in my home village Durmersheim we also have a street with the same name (see attached picture)
Durlach is the name of a small town about 16 km from my home town. The old city was founded around 1150 and is also a family name. About 300 years ago people from Eastern Europe who had unpronounceable names were given the German name Durlacher. Many years ago Durlacher Street led directly from Durmersheim to Durlach, now it ends in the agricultural field. Do you know how did the name Durlacher get into Geraldton? I would be very grateful for a short message
Note: Rosetta has responded and Klaus was most grateful for the reply and information.
Pensioners Social Club
Happy new Year to All
Hope everyone had a great holiday and may 2026 be a healthy and peaceful one
Did you Know? Venus is the only planet to spin clockwise! Well, we ended 2025 with a Celebration Christmas lunch with delicious food and friendship. Many members & visitors were excited to win prizes and raffles.
Dates to Remember:
Thursday 5 February
General Meeting 10:30am
Bring & Share lunch
Thursday 12 February
Bingo - 1pm. All welcome
Monday 2 March Committee Meeting 11am
Thursday 5 March
General Meeting 10:30am
Catered lunch only $15.00. All welcome & bookings essential.
Thursday 12 March
Bingo - 1pm. All welcome
Lorraine’s a worthy winner
Lorraine Chapman was named City of Greater Geraldton’s Australia Day Seniors Citizen of the Year for 2026
Recently, I was thrilled to receive an email telling me I had been nominated for the Senior community citizen of the year. I was delighted to think that someone appreciated my efforts and valued the writing groups I organise and teach.
When I saw that Donna Rolston and Max Correy, two well respected members of the community who have volunteered their services for many years, I knew one of them would be the worthy winner.
I was shocked and of course delighted when Sandra Carr read my name out as the winner. It was particularly wonderful to have Sandra present the award because she was also a member of Writers of the Coral Coast before a parliamentary career called her away.
I feel very humble to be awarded for doing what I love, writing and swimming with wonderful people. It makes me very happy that the activities I organise bring joy to other people too.
Tuesdays 1:30 to 3:30pm February 17 & 24
March 3, 10, 17,24
Cost is $5
QEII Seniors & Community Centre
Contact the Centre on 9956 6636 to book or email rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au
with Lorraine Chapman
Seniors Action Group
with Secretary Pauline Stacey, Social Butterfly
Happy New Year everyone!
Welcome to February and another year. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and didn’t eat too many extra treats (no judgement here!).
For those who may be new, the group is all about keeping active, staying connected, and having a good laugh along the way. We’re a friendly bunch enjoying carpet bowls, darts, table tennis, cards, and most importantly, catching up for a chat and a cuppa. You don’t have to be an expert at any of the games, enthusiasm and a sense of humour are what really count. Whether you come for the activity, the company, or just to get out of the house for a while, you’ll always be made to feel welcome.
Happy Birthday February Members!
We hope your day is filled with smiles, cake, and a little extra spoiling. If you’re celebrating a birthday this month, please let us know so we can wish you a happy birthday in person. People born in February are said to be creative, caring, and
great problem-solvers, which probably explains why they fit in so well with our group.
Our Activities
Carpet Bowls -Mondays, 8.30am to 4.00pm, A full day of bowls with morning and afternoon tea, music, laughter, fun and raffles.
Darts – Mondays, 9.00am to 11.00am, Friendly games in a relaxed and social atmosphere.
Table Tennis – Mondays & Thursdays 1.00pm to 3.00pm, except every second Thursday. Plenty of fun, laughs and raffles included.
Cards – Fridays 1pm to 4pm -Enjoy a game, a chat and good company.
Special Monday Bonus!
Try three Monday activities — Carpet Bowls, Darts, and Table Tennis, for just $5. Where else can you get a bargain like that? Plenty of fun, laughs, music, raffles, and good company all in one day!
Caring Cards from Val Brown
A big thank you to Val Brown, who sends out thoughtful cards to members, whether it’s a get well, thinking of you, or sympathy card. Her kind messages are a lovely way to show we’re thinking of each
other and always bring a little smile when someone needs it most. Val sent a total of 31 Cards in 2025. For January Val has sent out 1 get well and 1 thinking of you card
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Date: Tuesday 10th February
Time: 10.30 am
The business of the meeting will include:
• Confirmation of the minutes of the previous AGM
• Presentation of the President’s and Treasurer’s reports
• Election of office bearers and committee members
• Appointment of auditor (if applicable)
• General Business
All financial members are entitled to attend and vote.
By order of the Committee
After the meeting, stay for a 2-course lunch main and dessert just $15 for members and $18 for non-members.
Lunches are held every second Tuesday of the month and feature special guest speakers, raffles, and entertainment. Bring a friend or two and enjoy a relaxed time with great company. You might learn something new from our guest speakers, find a little inspiration, and of course, share some laughs over a good meal.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe even win a raffle!
Dates for your Diary:
Monday 2 February - 10:30am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday 10 February- 10.30am AGM & lunch
Valentine’s Fun
What did one ocean say to the other on Valentine’s Day? Nothing they just waved!
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 *Seniors Action Group *Seniors Action Group
