Seniors Scene SEPTEMBER 2026
Let’s start the conversation Thursday, 10 September 2026 is R U OK? Day. A reminder that a simple, genuine conversation can make a real difference to someone who may be going through a tough time. Remember it’s fine to ask “R U OK?” any day not just on the official day, and to take the time to listen with care and without judgement. Take a moment to check in with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. If you notice someone does not seem themselves, trust your instinct, start a conversation and let them know they are not alone. Ask, listen, encourage action and check in again later — because a conversation could change a life.
88 DURLACHER ST | PHONE 9956 66361
Centre Update QEII SENIORS & COMMUNITY SURVEY A huge thank you to everyone who completed our recent survey. We were delighted to receive 300 responses, including many valuable comments about the services we provide. The results will be shared soon. CAR PARK SECURITY The City of Greater Geraldton has recently upgraded car park security at the centre with additional cameras. This positive improvement will provide greater visibility around the car park and help support a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who visits. Patrons are encouraged to continue looking out for one another and to let centre staff know if they notice anything of concern. NEW CASUAL STAFF MEMBER Please join us in welcoming our new casual staff member, Narelle Moyle. “Hi everyone, I’m quite new to Geraldton, having moved from Perth, and I’m really loving it here. QEII is such a lovely place to work, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of you. Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
The QEII Seniors & Community Centre is provided by the City of Greater Geraldton and funded by the State Government through the Department of Communities
Notice of Change to Opening Hours
Please be advised that from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the QEII Seniors and Community Centre operating hours will be as follows: Opening Time: 8:15 am Closing Time: 3:45 pm We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the QEII team. Thank you, City of Greater Geraldton
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RECIPES FRM THE HEART SPINACH AND CHEESE PIE by Roger Cefai Roger, from the Switched on Seniors group, brought in a piece of this delicious pie for a taste-test. 100% yummy! Ingredients 2 x 23 cm pie crusts 280 g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained( fresh is better) ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 425 g ricotta cheese 225 g mozzarella cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups diced Cheddar cheese Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Press the bottom pie crust into a pie dish. 2. Combine spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar cheeses. Mix together well and pour into the bottom pie crust. Place second pie crust on top of filling, seal and trim edges. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes and cut into wedges.
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Make Gnocchi with Maria
(Taste Italy & stay for lunch)
Thursday 17 September
QEII Seniors and Community Centre 10am - 11am: Gnocchi making | 11.30am - noon: Lunch 12.15pm: The Midwest Belly Dancers go Italian – Join in and learn an Italian dance
COST IS FREE
Class is limited to 8 participants and 30 for lunch
Registered participants will be contacted on Tuesday 15 September to conrm attendance. Those on the waiting list will be advised if spots become available.
RSVP by Friday 11 September to Rosetta P: 9956 6636 E: rosettaf @cgg.wa.gov.au
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Brain Gym by Pensioners Social Club
Memory Fun Come along for a friendly and enjoyable session of brain games, memory activities, puzzles, conversation, and laughter. Keep your mind active • Meet new people • Have fun! Date: Thursday 24 August 2026. Cost: $5 Contact Val Brown to register on 0447 372 120 Everyone welcome! Bring a friend and enjoy a relaxed morning of memory games and social connection.
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New program - Brain Gym 30 seniors spent a wonderful afternoon of laughs and fun solving puzzles at our first ever Brain Gym session held on the 20 August organised by the Pensioners Social Club One participant shared, “It was such a fun session — I loved challenging my mind and having a laugh with everyone.” Everyone is welcome to come and join in!
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Snippets of my life - Nita Rumble I was born in a small country town on the edge of the Barossa Valley in South Australia. At age 21 I moved to Northampton for a 12-month working holiday to live with my sister & family. Some eleven years later I was living in Geraldton with a husband & our two small boys. In 1986 I started a Family Day care business – home based childcare and in 2022 I retired after completing 36 years of childcare. I loved my jobdidn’t want to retire!! My heart said no but my body said thank you. I didn’t like the paperwork, didn’t particularly like some parents but loved every child. Life in retirement is happy but very busy. I belong to the Salvation Army, my church and am involved in lots of activities, A privilege to be able to volunteer. I came to the “Laughs & Crafts” Group at the Centre about 18 months ago at the invitation of a friend. What a wonderful group of friendly, kind & helpful people! We bring our own crafts & help each other and if someone has what the other needs it’s freely given. I also now have a vege garden and love to watch things grow from seed to your table. And not forgetting my 6 wonderful grandchildren. Geraldton has been my home now for 43 years and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
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Seniors Week The Geraldton Seniors Week Committee has been together for more than 25 years, working tirelessly assisting the Seniors Programming Officer to organise annual events in the Midwest. A few months ago, the committee made the difficult decision to finish due to health and other personal circumstances. They leave behind a wonderful legacy of commitment and hard work and were recently honoured and thanked at a morning tea hosted by City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune.
L-R: Heather Allen, Gloria Burnett, Lina Mittoni, Jean Jones, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune, Pat Parker. Absent: Douglas Bruce 2026 Seniors Week will still take place this year at the centre with some wonderful events so be sure to save the dates:
Sunday 8 November to 15 November 2026
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QEII Knitters & and Crochet Group
The QEII knitters and crochet group were busy July & August creating a wonderful range of handmade items donated to the following organisations: Department of Communities Adult: 15 crochet rugs, 15 scarves, 7 prs mittens, 10 prs banana socks, 35 beanies, 7 prs mittens,15 child beanie’s Baby: 1 large booties, 4 crochet rugs, 2 jumpers. 3 cardigans, 4 beanie & bootie sets, 12 beanies, 4 trauma teddies, 8 soft toys Salvation Army – Geraldton 15 crochet rugs, 40 beanies. 15 scarves, 10 prs mittens, 10 pair banana socks Desert Blue Adult: 15 crochet rugs, 15 scarves, 12 pr mittens, 8 prs banana socks, 25 beanies Child: 20 beanies, 5 jumpers, 1 sleeveless top Baby: 12 beanies, 10 pr booties, 2 cardigans, 1 dress, 8 knitted teddies Ngala Adult: 5 crochet blankets, 10 scarves, 15 adult beanies, 10 prs mittens Child: 10 beanies, 2 jumpers, 1 cardigan, 3 prs banana socks Baby: 3 jumpers,1 African tee, 1 sleeveless top,1 cardigan & beanie set, 2 crochet rugs, 1 dress, 4 prs booties,10 beanies, 4 trauma teddies Mission Australia 13 crochet rugs, 6 prs banana socks, 25 beanies, 5 prs mittens, 1 ear warmer ALL DONATIONS OF YARN ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED
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GERALDTON PORT BOAT TOURS 10 & 11 October 2026
Experience the sights, sounds and scale of our working port from the water while seeing firsthand how the port isevolving for the future.
SENIOR’S BOOKING SESSION: MON 14TH SEPT, 9.30-11AM QE2 BUILDING You must bring: ID (eg Driver’s licence) Credit card (not debit card) 11
Your Phone your style ………. With
switched on seniors geraldton EMPOWERING SENIORS WITH TECHNOLOGY AND THEIR DEVICES switchedonseniorsgeraldton@gmail.com Fbk: Geraldton Switched on Seniors
Telephone 0474 639 961
For information about Thursday Classes and Tuesday One to One Appointments
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Gardening Tales
with Rosetta
Welcome to Spring? Cold, wet days behind enticing us with a glimpse of warmer days ahead and the fruit trees blossoming into fresh life. Over five years, I’ve attempted growing three fig trees, all of which didn’t survive, all my life I’ve wanted one (my Sicilian heritage coming through) but never managed to keep alive. An orange tree planted in the backyard has managed to grow 40cm in five years. However, the dwarf lime and lemon in my front garden planted two years ago have tripled in size and now blossoming. I’m eagerly waiting for the first fruits. The irony - I don’t even like limes! My first mango tree planted survived a year and succumbed to a very hot summer. Not one to give up I decided to try again. The second tree planted lay mostly dormant for three years, a few occasional leaves coming and then dropping but to my delight recently it shot up flowers. Wow! Does this mean I need to get ready for a mango crop? My mango growing expert neighbour dampened my excitement warning me to protect the tree from the wind and sun “otherwise they will drop off” Who thought gardening could be so stressful, with the cost of water, fertiliser and babying is it worth it? But as every gardener knows you need the right conditions for plants to grow, and nothing beats saying” I grew this myself” Remember “It takes two to mango” So off to the big green warehouse I go to spend more money on essentials. “The beauty of Spring is a reminder of life’s endless wonders” anonymous Note: Would you like to share gardening tips/ tale in the newsletter – contact rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au or the centre on 9956 6636
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Seniors Action Group with Secretary Pauline Stacey
August was a busy and exciting month for the Geraldton Senior Action Group, with plenty of activities and celebrations. Celebrating 43 Years What a fantastic day we had celebrating the 43rd Birthday of the Geraldton Senior Citizens Action Group! It was wonderful to see many members family & friends come along to enjoy good food, music, laughter and great company. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us — the food, music, laughter and company made it a truly memorable day. A special thank you to QEII Knitters & Crochet and everyone who donated prizes and gifts, and to our committee for all the planning and hard work behind the scenes. Huge thanks also to Angie’s Bella Cucina and helpers for the delicious food, and to DJ Andrea and Geraldton Spin360°Video for the entertainment.
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Tai Chi – Have A Go! We also enjoyed a wonderful Tai Chi demonstration with Natalie and the members of Taoist Tai Chi Geraldton. Members and friends had the opportunity to watch the demonstration and then have a go themselves. It was great to see everyone getting involved and giving it a try! A big thank you to Natalie for coming along and sharing her knowledge with us. September at a Glance Monday 7th September – Spring Hat Day Bring out your favourite, funniest or most fabulous hat and help us celebrate the arrival of spring Tuesday 8th September - General Meeting Lunch and entertainment 10.30 am to 1pm. Keep an eye on the noticeboards throughout the QEII Centre and our Facebook page for more information about upcoming activities and events. Geraldton Senior Action Group “Keeping seniors active, connected and engaged.”
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Pensioners Social Club By scribe Mark Beswick
Hello to all members & hope you’re enjoying the beautiful winter sunshine. Did you know? Red hair is the strongest gene. Fact: If a Father or Mother has Red hair, future generations of red hair will rarely SKIP a generation. President Val Brown opened the August meeting at 10.30am welcoming 27 members for the meeting and lunch which was served at 1pm due to another booking occupying the kitchen. Lucky door tickets won by Jean Jones, Dulcie Valenti & Dianne McKay Minutes of the previous General Meeting and Committee meeting were read and passed. Birthdays: Jean Jones reached another milestone 90 years young. – Lesley Robinson, Perdita Kellett & Margaret Pitman. Each received a flower.
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Wendy White our Treasurer read the financial report – All going well. The Trading Table Joy and Yvonne will run it every month until November. All welcome to peruse and find a bargain. General Business: Perth Trip: Leaving Friday 16th October at 9.00am returning Sunday 18th October 2026. Members $340, Non-Members $380 - Includes bus, accommodation, 2 dinners & one breakfast. For further information phone Lina 0427869786 Brain Gym held Thursday 20th August was enjoyed by all with 30 in attendance. 1st October General Meeting will be a bring & share lunch as Angie will be away. Guest Speaker Grant Hargreaves from Rangeway Amcal Pharmacy- Spoke about Strong Bones & Steady Steps. 6.2 million people in Australia aged 50+ have osteoporosis. Contributing factors poor health, smoking, alcohol, overweight, medication & lack of exercise. Remedy with calcium high foods, Vitamin D, sunshine & exercise Our amazing Angie Bella Cucina – Served a lunch of Roast Beef, Veges, Apple Strudel & ice-cream Birthdays - Dulcie Valenti, Pauline Brockwell, Marilyn Damien, Val Brown Dates to Remember: Monthly Meeting & Lunch 10.30am. Thursday 3rd September 2026 Bingo - 1pm, Thursday 10th September 2026 Brain Gym 9.30am to 11.30am Thursday 24th September 2026 Committee Meeting – Monday 28th September. 2026 We Send our Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery to Members who are Unwell and Deepest Condolences if you have lost a Loved One.
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Timetable MONDAY Start 8.30 9.00 9.15 10.30 11.30 12.30 1.00 1.00 3.30
Finish 3.45 11.00 10.00 11.15 12.30 3.45 3.00 3.45 6.00
*Seniors Action Group Class Indoor Bowls Darts Balance Gym Balance Gym Parkinson Support Group Canasta Table Tennis Scrabble Pickle Ball
Cost $5.00 $5.00 Free Free Free Free $5.00 Free $5.00
*Seniors Action Group Meet at Two Foreshore Free $5.00
TUESDAY 7.30 9.00
8.00 11.00
Walk Group Pickle Ball
9.00
1.00
9.30
11.30
10.00 10.00 12.30 12.00
1.00 11.30 2.30 12.45
Understanding your hand held device Dementia Carers Support Group SAG* Meeting Visibility Group Line Dancing Pilates
Free Free $5.00
1.00 1.00
3.00 3.45
Mahjong Ukulele Dreamers
Free $3.00
1.15 7.00
2.15 8.00
Rehabilitation Gym African Drumming
Free $7.00
Pole Walking Over 50’s Gentle Gym
Free Free
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9.30 10.00 11.30
*SAG
*SAG
$10.00 Appt only. Free
WEDNESDAY 8.30 9.00 10.30
Notes
1st Tuesday of the month
12.15 - 12.45 Beginners Class Referral required $10.00 Waged
WEDNESDAY (CONT) Start 9.00
Finish Noon
Class Laughs & Crafts
Cost Free
9.15 9.30 10.30 12.30 12.30 1.00 2.00
10.00 10.30 11.15 3.00 3.45 3.45 3.00
Balance Gym Parkinson Support Group Balance Gym Pickle Ball Canasta Scrabble Bereavement Support
Free Free Free $5.00 Free Free Free
THURSDAY
Notes
3rd Wed Monthly
*Pensioners Social Club Free Bring own device
9.00
10.00
Switched on Seniors / Be Connected
9.00 9.30 8.30
11.00 11.30 Noon
Free $5 Free
10.00 10.30 12.30 1.00
1.30 11.15 3.45 3.00
Mahjong *Brain Gym Chat N Do Craft Group *PSC Meeting Zumba 500 Card Game Table Tennis
1.00
3.45
Bingo
Books
1.00
3.45
Rummikub
Free
Noon 10.00 Noon Noon 11.15 3.00 3.45
Knitters & Crochet Group Over 50’s Gentle Gym Art Class Chess Rehabilitation Gym English as a 2nd Language Euchre & Frustration
$0.50 Free $5.00 Free Free Free $5.00
3rd Thurs Monthly Not on 1st Thurs of the Month
1st Thurs Monthly $5.00 Free $5
Not 2nd Thursday of the month *PSC Bingo 2nd Thursday of Month
FRIDAY 9.00 9.00 9.00 10.00 10.15 1.00 1.00
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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 Brain Gym $5.00 9.30am – 11.30am Proudly run by: Pensioners Social Club Val Brown 0447 372 120 Canasta Free Monday & Wednesdays 12.30pm - 3.45pm 20
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
88 DURLACHER ST | PHONE 9956 6636 | rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au 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 Held at QPT on Friday 4 Sept Parkinsons Boxing/Support Group FREE Mondays 11.30am to 12.30pm Wednesday 21
CLASS DETAILS 9.30am to 10.30am 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 Mondays 3.30pm - 6.00pm Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am Wednesday 12.30pm - 3.00pm Pilates $5.00 Tuesdays 12.00pm - 12.45pm Pole Walking Free Wednesday 8.30am – 9.30am Provided by Seniors Recreation Council of WA Inc Greater Geraldton Branch
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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. No session on Friday 4 Sept Rummikub Free Thursday 1.00pm – 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
88 DURLACHER ST | PHONE 9956 6636 | rosettaf@cgg.wa.gov.au 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 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 Visibility Group Free 4th Tuesday of each Month 10.00am Contact 1800 847 466 Walk Group Free Tuesday 7.30am Meet at Two Foreshore prior to departure time Contact Lina Mittoni 0427 869 786 Zumba $5.00 Thursday 10.30am - 11.15am
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THE BROKEN BANJO BROTHERS ALL TICKETS $30
QUEENS PARK THEATRE PRESENTS
MORNING MELODIES
PERFORMING THE GOLDEN ERA OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CLASSICS
TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2026
10 AM MORNING TEA - 11AM PERFORMANCE
GET YOUR TICKETS AT WWW.QUEENSPARKTHEATRE.COM.AU OR PH: 9956 6662