The amazing Parkinson’s boxing group - Fighting Back Against Parkinsons (FBAP), has a new look.
Encompass Financial, a local accounting business graciously donated the shirts & caps. Huge thanks to Tom Thuijs and Encompass Financial for their generous support.
The group began in 2016 at the PCYC premises and commenced using the centre in August 2021.
The program is aimed at improving motor function, balance and coordination with the added benefit of socialising with like minded people.
Sessions are held Mondays & Wednesdays with QEII volunteer Sharky Ryan leading the group with the assistance of other volunteers.
Centre Update
2026 QEII SENIORS & COMMUNITY CENTRE ANNUAL SURVEY
Our annual survey it out and we’d appreciate your feedback on current programs and future planning. Hard copies are available at the centre, additionally a link has been emailed to centre members.
QEII FRONT GARDEN
Lead by Jean Steer volunteers have been busy transforming the front garden bed We can’t wait to share the finished result — stay tuned for the big reveal! (pictured are some of the volunteers, we will share a group photo with the finished result).
REMINDER: Check the timetable/ class details in the newsletter for changes in the programs you attend e.g. No classes held during school holiday period for Art, Switched on Seniors and ESL.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
It’s a Boy!
We are delighted to introduce our little boy, Josef John Towers (Joey), who arrived on 25 May 2026 after an eventful 42-hour labour.
Joey was welcomed into the world at 2:09 pm, weighing 2.9kg, and was proudly caught by his dad, Rhys.
Thank you to everyone who has been thinking of us and for the many thoughtful gifts. The knitted blankets, beanies, clothing and vouchers have all been greatly appreciated. Joey especially loves snuggling up in his beautiful handmade blankets.
We are both doing well and are currently busy with the newborn routine of feeding, sleeping and nappy changes! Once Joey has received his vaccinations, we look forward to bringing him to QEII to say hello to everyone in person.
Thank you again for your kindness, support and warm wishes Pavlina
SHORT STORY PRIZE 2026
ENTRY IS FREE
Entries open 17 April 2026
Entries
July 2026
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
Mrs M Boiled Chocolate Cake submitted by Rosetta
This recipe dates from the 1980’s from my neighbour at the time, Mrs Miragliotta.
As an eight-year-old my earliest recollection of “Mrs M” is popping in regularly with my mother for an Italian expresso and eating delicious biscotti and cakes in her 1950’s kitchen. I still remember the old tins with pictures of roses up high on the cupboards. This is one of her recipes, Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 ½ cups water
3 tblsp cocoa powder
2 eggs
2 cups self-raising flour
1 tsp bicarb soda
1 tbsp golden syrup
vanilla and cinnamon
Directions
1. Boil butter, sugar water, cocoa. Let cool.
2. Add 2 eggs, beat well
3. Dissolve bicarb soda in a little warm water and add the golden syrup. Mix into the mixture.
4. Add the flour, vanilla and cinnamon and beat with a mixer.
5. Cook in a round tin – 180 degrees for 45 mins or until cooked in the middle.
Ps – I jazzed it up and turned it into a Dubai Chocolate cake
World Elder Abuse Awareness information sessions were held at the Centre on the 25 June: Preventing Financial Abuse & Scams and Stand up to Ageism. Pat Parker & Jean Jones on behalf of the QEII Knitters & Crochet Group were presented with a Thank You certificate by Judy for joining the Older People’s Rights Service Purple Road Project raising elder abuse awareness.
All donations of yarn gratefully accepted
Zumba - Change of times
Commencing 23 July Zumba will be held at 10:30am Thursday morning instead of 2pm.
Scarlet O’Hara’s is a chapter of the Red Hat Society. The ladies gather once a month at the Residency, Marine Terrace and informally monthly at Macca’s for coffee. They are purely a social group aimed at fun & friendship. New members are always welcome. Enquiries Suzanne 0419 947 003
Seniors Action Group
with Secretary Pauline Stacey
Welcome to our July Newsletter! We hope everyone is keeping warm and enjoying the winter season. Thank you to all members who continue to attend our lunches, activities and support our group.
General Meeting: The meeting was opened by President Janet Rodan and previous minutes read and accepted as true and correct.
Thankyou Rhonda Reynolds for taking the role of Treasurer while Mike Kendrick was away and all committee members for the hard work you do
Congratulations to our Card winner: Pat Parker.
Entertainment was provided by Di &Kevin from the Line Dancers who kicked things off with some ballroom dancing before inviting everyone to join in for the Chicken Dance. There was plenty of laughter, music and wonderful community spirit throughout the afternoon. Lunch was delicious and enjoyed by all. Thank you Angie’s Bella Cucina catering .
Happy Birthday to members celebrating in July! Enjoy your special day
We extend our sympathy to members and families who have recently experienced ill health, loss or sadness. A big welcome to new members
Reminder: July Diary Dates
Monday 6th – 11:00am Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday 14th -10:30am General Meeting, Guest Entertainment followed by lunch 12pm.
Gary and Pauline joining in the fun
Pensioners Social Club
By scribe Mark Beswick
Hello to all our members, with the early morning & nights chill, we hope you are all keeping warm.
Did you know? Sunflowers absorb Toxins, including toxic metals & radiation. Following the Nuclear disasters of Chernobyl & Fukushima, Scientists planted Millions of Sunflowers to help those areas to Recover. They are Remarkable Plants.
President Val Brown opened the June meeting at 10.40am and welcomed 25 members.
Lucky door tickets were won by three Members – one ticket each.
Lucky Money prize was won by Pat Parker. There were no Birthdays in June.
Minutes of the previous General Meeting and Committee meeting were read & passed.
Treasurer Wendy White was absent as she was unwell. We hope for a speedy recovery.
President Val Brown read the financial report. All going well.
• The Trading Table - will be none until further notice.
• Next Social Event will be “Brain Gym” Testing our memory skills – Thursday 20th August. 2026 – 9am to 12 noon. $5per session
- All Welcome to have a GO. A list is available to Register or contact Val Brown on 0447 372 120.
• We are in the process of obtaining quotes for bus & accommodation for a weekend trip to Perth on Friday 16th October. More information next meeting.
Guest Speaker was Bernadette from Helping Solutions who are healthcare providers and registered with NDIS & Age Care packages. They provide house cleaning, gardening, shopping, and short-stay accommodation in several Geraldton suburbs. Daily Living Products can be purchased from their Shop - at 164 Chapman Rd. Geraldton.
Our amazing Angie’s Bella Cucina served lunch of Silverside, mash potato & vegetables followed by Sticky Date Pudding & Ice cream.
Dates to remember
Monthly meeting & Lunch –Thursday 6th August at 10.30am
Bingo 1pm, Thursday 9th July
Committee Meeting - 3rd August
We send best wishes for a speedy recovery to members who are unwell and our deepest condolences to all who have Lost a Loved One.
7.30 8.00 Walk Group Free Meet at Two Foreshore 9.00 3.30 11.00 6.00 Pickle Ball Pickle Ball $5.00 $5.00 Temporarily on hold 9.00 1.00 Understanding your hand held device $10.00 Appt only. No appts 7 & 14 July 9.30 11.30 Dementia Carers Support Group Free 1st Tuesday of the month
9.00 10.00 Switched on Seniors / Be Connected Free Bring own device No appts 9 & 16 July
9.00 11.00 Mahjong Free
8.30 Noon Chat N Do Craft Group Free Not on 1st Thurs of the Month
10.00 1.30 *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 3.45 Bingo Books *PSC Bingo 2nd Thursday of Month 1.00 3.45 Rummikub Free 2.00 2.45 Zumba $5.00 Will be held at 10:30 from 23 July
FRIDAY
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 session 10 & 17 July 10.00 Noon Chess Free 10.15 11.15 Rehabilitation Gym Free 1.00 3.00 English as a 2nd Language Free No session 10 & 17 July 1.00 3.45 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
No session 10 & 17 July
Balance Gym
Free
Mondays & Wednesdays
9.15am – 10.00am & 10.30am – 11.15am
Bingo
Cost of Books
1.00pm – 3.45pm
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 0427 607 473
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
No session 10 & 17 July
Euchre & Frustration
$5.00
Friday 1.00pm – 3.45pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President 0427 607 473
Indoor Bowls
Cost $5.00
Monday 8.00am – 3.45pm
Proudly run by: Seniors
Action Group
Contact President 0427 607 473
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
Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am
CLASS DETAILS
Pensioners Social Club Inc
Meeting
1st Thursday of each Month
10.00am – 1.30pm
Proudly run by: Pensioners
Social Club
Contact President 0447 372 120
Pickle Ball
$5.00
Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am
Tuesdays 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Temporarily on hold
Wednesday 12.30pm - 3.00pm
Pilates
Tuesdays
12.00pm - 12.45pm
Pole Walking
Free
Wednesday 8.30 – 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 – 3.45pm
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 0427 607 473
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
No appointments 9 & 16 July
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 0427 607 473
No session 18 June
Ukulele Dreamers
$3.00
Tuesday 12.15pm - 12.45pm Beginners.
Tuesday 1.00pm – 3.45pm
Membership $20.00
Di Trotter 0407 217 312
Understanding your hand held device
Tuesday 9.00am – 12noon
Appointment only - $10 donation
Contact QEII 0474 639 961
Proudly run by: Switched on Seniors Geraldton / Be Connected
