Renette spent many years teaching in public and private primary schools, supporting young learners with patience and care. Her wellbeing journey developed and matured later in life, shaped by the challenges she faced during her son’s illness and the strength she discovered. During that time, she experienced significant weight gain and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Determined to reclaim her health she transformed her lifestyle through nourishing food choices and daily movement losing more than 40kg and, within months, no longer needed diabetes medication. She has maintained healthy blood sugar levels ever since - a testament to her resilience and commitment to long term wellbeing. [Cont page 2]
[Cont from front cover]
She brings that same passion helping others on their own health journeys. Whether you’re trying Pilates for the first time, returning to exercise, or continuing a fitness routine, she offers encouragement, understanding, and a welcoming space to grow stronger together. She believes deeply in the power of community—meeting, moving, and motivating one another toward better health.
A favourite memory at the Centre is attending Line Dancing, where instructor Diana once gave her husband Jeremy a playful little tug to help him stay in step. Moments like these remind her why shared movement matters.
Pilates builds strength, posture, and body awareness gently and mindfully, enhances mobility, supports joint health, and improves balance - helping you feel more confident and capable in everyday life.
Centre Update
What a wonderful month May was! A Recycled Fashion parade, Denis’s 100th birthday and an Improve Your Health Forum. June and July are shaping up to be just as exciting:
We love receiving feedback on our services. Thank you so much to a recent centre user who took the time to leave a review.
Badcock
Come along to connect with local support services, hear from a panel of speakers and explore the range of assistance available in your community
Small act, big difference with
Jo Luxton
Jo Luxton from the Midwest Community Living Association recently noticed Mary and John long-time QEII Centre members of over 15 years continuing to bring energy and joy to the centre. Whether joining activities, enjoying a cuppa, or trying Pilates, they stay active and connected, usually walking everywhere.
On hotter days though, they take the bus, and Jo noticed they were left standing after their usual bench had been removed due to damage. Recognising how important a simple place to rest can be, Jo took action and contacted Council.
Before long, a new bench was installed much to Mary and John’s delight. It’s a beautiful reminder that small acts of care make a big difference.
Thank you, Jo you are a wonderful advocate!
Come along and try Pole Walking!
Hosted by the Seniors Recreation Council of WA Inc, Greater Geraldton Branch
We’d love you to join us for a friendly social pole walk on Saturday 11 July.
Meet near the Jaffle Shack on Forrest Street for an 8:30am start. Spare poles will be available for anyone who would like to give it a try.
Everyone is welcome, stay for coffee afterwards if you wish.
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
Tropical Mango Slice
Makes 18 bars Prep 20mins
Tip: You will need to use about 2-3 passionfruit
Ingredients
250g packet shortbread biscuits
250g packet dried mango slices, finely chopped
125g butter, melted
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
2/3 cup macadamias, roasted, chopped
1/2 cup condensed milk
ICING
1 ½ cups icing sugar mixture
25g butter, melted
3 tbsp passionfruit pulp
Directions
1. Grease an 18cm x 28cm rectangular slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper, extending paper 3cm above pan edges.
2. In a large food processor, process biscuits until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl with the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Spoon into prepared pan. Press down firmly with back of a spoon.
Passionfruit Icing
1. In a medium bowl, stir all the ingredients until smooth. Spoon over the base. Smooth top. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.
2. Using baking paper, lift slice onto chopping board and cut into bars.
Recycled Fashion Parade Recap
by Rosetta
What a wonderful response to the Recycled Fashion Parade on 21 May, hosted by the Pensioners Social Club. Tickets sold quickly, with 100 seniors joining us for a lovely morning of socialising, enjoying a delicious Devonshire Tea and watching their peers strut their stuff.
What started as a simple conversation with Val Brown and Lina Mittoni on how they could boost their club membership soon blossomed into the idea of a Recycled Fashion Parade. From there, the excitement quickly grew, and before long everything was coming together beautifully.
My brief was to set the scene or should I say, decorate. Being an avid lover of all things vintage especially tablecloths (at last count I have approx. 100, packed away in categories, floral, crocheted, white, cream, 1970’s etc) And don’t get me started on vases, currently at 38. Well, as the saying goes, one day they will come in handy, and the event was the perfect time. Always on the lookout for free flowers a friend who couldn’t attend as she was overseas let me raid her garden and so the table was graced with yellow and white chrysanthemum blooms. So, a little part of her was there on the day. Lina, Val, Tania added the final touches with other flowers and trinkets, vintage clothing & bunting was hung around the room, standard roses placed strategically with dressed mannequins and voila the atmosphere was set.
It was heartwarming to see people offer their time, support, and resources to make the event such a success. It was a morning full of laughter, creativity and community spirit, and one we will all remember fondly.
Special thanks to the following:
Cath Jennings – Our compere extraordinaire, who contacted our aspiring models, organised the categories and music, and kept everyone entertained with her wonderful one-liners.
Louise Dow – Generous use of her gorgeous screen for the stage.
Elaine Beard & Helpers – Organising and serving the morning tea.
Ray Henley – Our sound man with soul — we are so grateful for all that you do.
Narelle – Manager at Vinnies Geraldton, who kindly supplied the mannequins, took photos for us as an enthusiastic amateur photographer. Vinnies also generously offered a 15% discount on purchases made for the parade.
Models: To our wonderful seniors who put together outfits and bravely took to the stage, thank you for making the parade such a joy to watch. You were all stunning!
Audience – Thank you for dressing up, joining in so enthusiastically, and helping create such a warm and joyful atmosphere for everyone.
Note: The event has gone viral! Check out the following Facebook pages- Over 50’s Geraldton Life, ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt, Sandra Carr MLC plus and Lina Mittoni interview on ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt radio.
More photos will be displayed in the QEII lounge!
Cath Jennings – compere extraordinaire Evening wear winner Anne Dixon
COMMUNITY EVENT FREE 25 JUNE
11am12pm
PREVENTING FINANCIAL ABUSE & SCAMS
The warning signs and 10 common types
Protecting yourself and avoiding scams
LUNCH PROVIDED
12 pm12.30pm For all registered attendees
STAND UP TO AGEISM For World Elder Abuse Awareness
12.30pm1.30pm
Understanding ageism and positive ageing
Speaking up for what is important to you
Location:
QEII Seniors & Community Centre 88 Durlacher St, Geraldton Bookings essential.
Book now: QEII Centre on 9956 6636 or qebookings@cgg.wa.gov.au
May was another wonderful month filled with friendship, fun, and memorable moments. Our May General Meeting was enjoyed by members, providing a chance to catch up, share lunch, and hear updates on upcoming activities. Our Guest of Honour was Denis Blackwell a life member of the Geraldton Seniors Action Group as we celebrated a truly remarkable milestone, his 100th Birthday. It was a wonderful occasion shared with members and friends, made even more special with Mayor Jerry Clune in attendance. Denis, as always, showed his wonderful sense of humour and humble nature, making it a celebration to remember for all who attended. Bowling Tournament
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the event. It was a great day filled with fun and friendly competition.
Congratulations to our winners
1st Place: Peter Clift, Faye Wright, Leila Green Bob Ward
2nd Place: Elaine Reid, Sue Wood, Carol Sutherland Lorraine Smith
3rd Place: Rob Lucas, Boris Tchernakoff, Ingred Rawson, Marilyn Damien
4th Place: Kaye Morgan, Sue Waldron, Roselyn Reid, Beth Still Happy Birthday to all members celebrating during June. We wish you good health, happiness, and many special moments with family and friends.
We extend our sympathy to members and families who have recently experienced loss or sadness. Our thoughts are with you.
Thank you to Val Brown for kindly sending cards to members on behalf of our group.
Dates for your Diary
Executive Committee Meeting Monday 8th June 2026 10.30am
General Meeting
Tuesday 9th June 2026 10.30am General Meeting with guest entertainment followed by lunch 12pm
Pensioners Social Club
By scribe Mark Beswick
Hello to all our members, hope you are all keeping well and are enjoying the mild warm weather.
Did you know? Queenstown, Tasmania is the wettest town on the West Coast? Annual rainfall exceeds 2,408 mm (96.8 inches) over 40 days.
President Val Brown opened the 7th May meeting at 10.30am welcoming members and guests to our combined meeting, 23rd Birthday and Mother’s Day Celebration.
Lucky door tickets were won by 3 members and the lucky door prize kindly donated by Karen Noble from Advocare was won by Yvonne Burton Lucky numbers card was won by Marilyn Damian.
May Birthdays – Betty Clark, Maureen Edwards & special guest Dennis Blackwell who turned 100 young on 12th May. We wish them all many happy returns.
The birthday cake celebrating the club’s 23rd anniversary was cut by member Pat Parker and centenarian Dennis Blackwell.
Mother’s Day Raffles were drawn with many winners. Thanks to all who donated gifts.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed and Treasurer Wendy White presented the financial report. All going well. Good job Wendy.
General Business
Our major event held Thursday 21st May, a Recycled Fashion Parade & Devonshire Tea was an overwhelming success. 100 attended with lots of fun and laughter. Thanks to Rosetta for her great help, organisation and fantastic Vintage décor. Cath Jennings for her delightful comparing of the show. Narelle from Vinnies for her photography and supplying mannequins and props. Ray Henley for giving his time and expertise with sound and music for appropriate categories. A Big Thank you to our judges and sponsors, Robyn Zadow representing Kirrilee Warr MLA, Sandra Carr MLC & Nicole Howden Bendigo Bank.
Elaine Beard for catering and everyone for make this event a Success. Thank you.
ABC Midwest Radio interviewed Lina on the Breakfast Show and lots of positive feedback received.
We hope to have another social event in July – “Brain Gym” testing our memory skills.
President closed the meeting at 11.55am
Our amazing chefs Angie and Leonie from Bella Cucina served: Entre - Crumb Prawns & salad or Vegetable Tart, Main: Roast beef roast vegetables & gravy, Dessert: Black Forrest Birthday Cake
Dates to remember
Monthly meeting & Lunch –Thursday 4th June at 10.30am
Bingo Thursday 11th June at 1pm
Committee Meeting - Monday 29th June at 11am
AGM Meeting - Thursday 2nd July- Come & have a cuppa before 10am.
Nomination & Membership forms now available.
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.
Denis & Pat cutting the groups’ birthday cake
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 3.30 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
THURSDAY 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 3.45 Euchre & Frustration $5.00
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 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 No session 18 June 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 No session 18 June
FRIDAY *Pensioners Social Club
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 – 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
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
