Enter our Recycled Fashion Parade and strut your stuff! Thank you for your overwhelming support: Our parade on 21 May is now fully booked for attendees. However, we’re still looking for models in the following categories: Vintage, Casual, Sporty, Evening Wear and Handmade. There are lots of prizes to win, so put together an outfit and enter today.
To enter, contact Lina on 0427 869 786 or Val on 0447 372 120.
Centre Update
Welcome to May, cooler weather and the sound of rain! It may be getting colder outside but at the Centre things are really heating up with additional events scheduled in addition to our regular programs
COMING UP:
• 7th May – Staying Safe Online
• 21st May – Recycled Fashion Parade (fully booked)
• 28th May – Improve Your Health
STAFF CHANGES
Pavlina is now on maternity leave and we are eagerly waiting to see if she’s having a boy or girl. We will keep you posted once the big day arrives and see who guessed correctly! Yenifer Canelon will be acting in her position as Coordinator of Community Development. We have also welcomed Fred Block back into the Team as a Community Development Officer.
REMEMBER
Don’t sit at home by yourself, come and join in, make some new friends and try something different.
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
Join Injury Matters in partnership with the City of Greater Geraldton for this forum style event
T H U R S D A Y , M A Y 2 8
10am - 2pm
QEII Seniors & Community Centre 88 Durlacher St, Geraldton
Free Event
Morning tea, light lunch and prizes!
Presentations
Improve Your Health: Falls Prevention, Stay On Your Feet®
Keep A Healthy Mind: Know Your Rights Q&A, Consumer Protection
Check Your Medicines: Medication Management, Pharmacy 777
Fuel Your Body: Nutrition for Bone and Muscle Strength, Foodbank WA
Activities
Exercise for Cognitive Health
Cooking Demonstration Planting Station
Mini Expo
Local services and vendors with resources to help you prevent falls, remain independent and age well
Creative Writing Workshops
Come along and have some fun learning to write stories, real or imagined. All new activities for returning and beginner writers.
Creative writing teacher, Lorraine Chapman will show you techniques, tips and tricks to develop your true life experiences or imaginative ideas for adults or children into super stories during six easy, no fail sessions.
Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:30pm
& Community Centre
Basic First Aid Demo Session
A St John Basic First Aid Basic Demonstration was held for centre members presented by Fiona Galvin on the 21st April (yes, our very own Fiona, centre casual) who is also a St John First Aid Trainer.
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference and the session provided participants the confidence and practical skills to respond quickly and safely when someone needs help.
The demo covered varied topics including DRABC Action Plan, Defibrillator, how to assess a situation, call for help, and provide immediate care for common injuries and medical emergencies.
Thank you to participants who enthusiastically supported the session.
RECIPES FRM THE HEART
Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding
This is a lovely dessert of which brings back memories of days gone by…
The recipe is from the Crimson Butterflies Favourite Recipes book which was placed on the recycle table in the QEII lounge. Enjoy!
Ingredients
¾ cup brown sugar
1 ¼ cups self-raising flour
100g melted butter
1 egg
4 tbsp golden syrup
1 tbsp. cornflour
1 ½ cups boiling water
Directions
Preheat oven to 180c. Grease a 1.5 litre ovenproof dish
Combine ¼ cup of brown sugar and all the flour in a bowl.
Add the melted butter, egg, milk and 2 tbspn of golden syrup and stir until combined
Spoon into greased dish. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar on top of the batter
Combine boiling water with the remaining 2 tblspn of golden syrup. Pour over the top of the pudding mixture and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Serve with cream or ice-cream
Purple Road Project
The QEII Seniors and Community Centre’s Knitters and Crochet Group have proudly partnered with the Purple Road Project to raise awareness of elder abuse across Western Australia. The Project developed by Encompass Legal and Community Services is an initiative for senior wellbeing inviting communities to create symbols of respect and support for older people in the form of handcrafted purple circles.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the QEII community embraced the opportunity to take part.
“Our Knitters and Crochet Group were immediately drawn to the message of the Purple Road Project to prevent elder abuse and celebrate the role seniors play in our lives,” he said.
“Every circle they create represents a senior in our community who deserves dignity, respect and safety. I commend the group for taking part in this worthy project. Group members have produced dozens of beautifully crafted purple flowers of varying textures, designs and patterns.
The piece will be part of a statewide community road, with over 50 community groups taking part to reach over 100 metres worth of designed pieces. By participating in national and state wide awareness campaigns such as the Purple Road, the QEII Centre continues to champion the voices of seniors in the Midwest.
Switched On Seniors
Geraldton
switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com
Facebook: Geraldton Switched on Seniors Telephone 0474 639 961
Who said it wouldn’t be fun to learn how to use your smart device to make things easier in your life? Well, ‘humpty doo’ did the beginner’s class have some laughs this month as we learned how to talk to our phones and tell them our appointments, and within a flash there they were, magic!! Not only did Siri/Bixby look after our calendars but she/he is going to remind us of our appointments/events/birthdays giving us the amount of time we asked to be reminded. How cool is that? There’s more: throughout May, apart from the organised SCAM presentation by the Commonwealth Bank, we shall be learning how to speak to our devices again and this time instruct Siri or Bixby to send a message or an email and read the replies to us. Interested???
Following the Easter break, students in the continuous class were presented with the topic ‘closing unused websites and Apps’ On their smart devices. On Thursday 7th May at 9am Jessica Rowland from CBA will be presenting ‘Staying Safe Online’ Related topics will follow during May in this class.
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…..
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
THURSDAY
7TH MAY 2026
9 AM START
TO BE PRESENTED BY JESSICA ROWLAND
COMMONWEALTH BANK, AUSTRALIA
All Class Members and Friends Welcome
Organized by:
Switched on Seniors Geraldton
QE11 Senior Centre
88 Durlacher Street, Geraldton
Over 50s eBike Social Group
with Rosetta
You know when you have an idea and you’re all pumped up ready to get it off the ground and then you need to put it into action. I was pondering this recently on a chilly Sunday morning all snuggled under my doona in bed wondering what possessed me to start a bike riding group. Oh, that’s right – the exercise, fresh air, socialising and of course free coffee.
The sign-up list had eager seniors ready to take the challenge and at 7:30am seven of us met at the designated spot on the foreshore. (a few sent apologies) Pumped, we set off on the 11km ride taking in marina views as we progressed along the pathway to Bluff Point, a combination of seasoned riders and those who hadn’t ridden for years. We stopped at the Horizon Ball for a photoshoot and then back for a free coffee to round the session off. Interestingly, all were centre members, the majority who’d never met before, table tennis, art class, mahjong, pickleball and switched on seniors all represented.
It was the perfect morning making memories together and we send a huge thanks to WestCycle Inc for providing refreshments. Stay tuned for further adventures… or better still come and make memories with us.
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
Blast from the Past: Balance Gym (2016)
Launched in 2016 with a $3,000 Stay On Your Feet grant, Balance Gym was created to provide a group option outside of Geraldton Regional Hospital. The funding made transport possible, helping participants attend safely and consistently and the program supported volunteers, Maria Feragalli & Molly Thompson. The initial group commenced with 11 participants and two sessions per week.
Fast Forward to 2026 – 275 registered with four sessions per week and an average of 50 participants per session. The class is now facilitated by WACRH (Western Australian Centre for Rural Health) who generously provide student physios who take the sessions as part of their assessment.
Huge thank you goes to Maria and Molly who are still volunteering with the added assistance of Betty Clark.
Seniors Action Group
with Secretary Pauline Stacey
Welcome to our May. We have a wonderful month ahead filled with celebrations, activities, and community spirit.
Mother’s Day
Wishing all the wonderful women in our group a very happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for all you do.
Bowling Tournament
Scheduled for Monday 18th May, it promises to be a fun day of friendly competition, laughter, and community spirit. We encourage everyone to come to play or to support. Please put your name down in the Upper Hall noticeboard or contact President Janet Rodan: 0427607473
General lunch Meeting
Our general lunch meeting held on Tuesday April 14th 2026 was opened by President Janet Rodan at 10.30am.The minutes from previous meetings were read and accepted as true and correct with the meeting well attended and enjoyed by all . Updates were shared regarding upcoming events including the Bowling Tournament on Monday 18th May.
Card Winners: Congratulations Janet Darch and Lynne Blackmore.
Guest Entertainment
Thank you to Jaye Allan, who provided a beautiful performance on the gourd flute, and the line dancers, who added fun and energy to the day.
Acknowledgement of Donations
Sincere thanks to Kirrilee Warr MLA Member for Geraldton for her generous donation of $250, and Melissa Price MP Federal Member for Durack for kindly donating $200 towards our upcoming Bowling Tournament. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sympathy & Cards
We extend our sympathy to members and families who’ve recently experienced loss or sadness. Our thoughts are with you. Over the past three months, Val Brown has kindly sent out 8 cards to members, which is greatly appreciated.
May Birthdays
A very happy birthday to members celebrating! May-born people are often known for their warm hearts, friendly nature, and ability to make others feel welcome. They bring kindness, strength, and a good sense of humour to those around them.
Dates for Your Diary
Executive Committee Meeting: Monday 4th May at 11:15am
General Meeting & Birthday Celebration: Tuesday 12th May 10:30 am
Join us for a very special occasion as we celebrate a valued life member of our group Denis Blackwell’s 100th Birthday. We look forward to honouring this wonderful milestone. Mayor Jerry Clune will be in attendance. There will be entertainment, delicious lunch and of course, a birthday cake to help celebrate this remarkable occasion. Bookings: Janet Rodan (President) 0427 607 473 Members $20 | non-members $22
Looking forward to another great month together and thanks for being part of such a friendly and caring group.
Pensioners Social Club
By scribe Mark Beswick
Hello to all our members. Hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather.
General Meeting
The General meeting was held Thursday 2nd April. President Val Brown opened the meeting at 10:30am welcoming 23 members and lunch followed at 11:30am
Treasurer Wendy White read the financial report. All is going well. Thank you, Wendy. Minutes of the previous general meeting were read by Lina Mittoni.
Lucky money raffle winner was Val Brown
April birthdays
Doreen Major, Lina Mittoni & Joy Reed
General Business
Joy’s Trading table will be held at next month’s meeting.
40 Tickets have already been sold for the Recycled Fashion Parade the club is hosting the 21May. Lina said there are only 50 more left.
We are excited to announce a new program Brain Games, commencing Thursday 23 July. It will be $5 to play. Watch this space.
Lunch was delicious with amazing chef, Angie serving up Silverside with salad (potato salad and beetroot) and Pear slice and ice cream for dessert.
Guest speaker
Our speaker was Anne Dixon from Geraldton Switched on Seniors, a regular group who meet at the QEII Centre. Anne did initial training on mobile phones 7 years ago and because of COVID, started teaching people 2 years later how to use phones especially those struggling with online usage. The group teach various topics including avoiding scams, using a phone calander, keyboard, speaking a message to their phone, how phone auto types for you and shopping online.
Dates to Remember
Monthly Meeting and Birthday/Mother’s Day lunch: Thursday 7 May
Bingo: Thursday 14 May 1:00 pm
Recycled Fashion Parade: Thursday 21 May
Committee meeting: Monday 25 May
We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to members who are unwell and our deepest condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one.
Trivia - Did you know?
Dutch men are the tallest in the world, with an average height of approximately 183–186 cm and hold the top spot in global height rankings since the mid-1950s.
Guest Speaker Anne Dixon with Lina Mittoni
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
9.00 10.00 Switched on Seniors / Be Connected Free Bring own device No classes 9&16 April
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
FRIDAY *Pensioners Social Club
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 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
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
