Ageing Well Expo 2024 a resounding success!

Celebrating healthy ageing and building community connections, this free event brought together residents aged 55+ years from the Cardinia Shire community to empower them in improving and maintaining their well-being.

Cardinia Shire Deputy Mayor Councillor Graeme Moore delivered a welcome speech, setting a positive tone for the event.

“It was a wonderful turn out! The event had a great lineup of activities and speakers that inspired while delivering information about local services and programs available to support our senior community members,” Deputy Mayor Moore said.

“I enjoyed connecting with everyone there, and finding out more about what services and programs are available within our community as we approach and enjoy our golden years.”

Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik who also attended the event said: “The event explored why it's beneficial for our health to have strong social connections, how we can nurture our emotional and physical wellbeing by getting involved in activities that interest us, and different ways to take care of our mind and body as we age.

“It was a stellar example of how Council’s Ageing Well team is here to help our residents connect, be active, live well, be informed, and most importantly, feel safe in our community,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

Event highlights included two special guest speakers, a panel Q&A discussion, a range of stallholders exhibiting their local services and programs, a light lunch, and a mesmerising digital artist captured the day’s moments, creating art in real time.

Guest speakers presented valuable insights and practical strategies for getting the most out of life and healthy ageing with attendees:

• Physiotherapist and falls expert Annette Biviano shared information and exercises that can improve physical health and that work to build a strong foundation for preventing falls and the related cascade of effects.
• CEO of Prevention United, Dr. Steve Carbone, explained the statistics showing correlations between mental health and ageing well, and gave practical examples of small actions that can be taken every day to improve mental health for a more vibrant and longer life.
• Pat from Emerald U3A also addressed the audience, sharing a poem entitled ‘I felt it deeply: a reflection on ageing’, and unifying the audience through relatable themes.

During the panel discussion, five residents shared their lived experiences of ageing with moving, relatable, and humorous anecdotes. Their stories resonated with the audience, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

Of course, the Master of Ceremonies, well-known radio host and comic performer, Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, skilfully hosted the event, ensuring that attendees remained engaged and entertained throughout.

And, exhibits from 24 service providers and ageing well programs highlighted opportunities for connectivity, active living, and informed decision-making; empowering seniors to make educated choices about their well-being.

Cardinia Shire Council is proud to be recognised by the World Health Organisation as an Age Friendly City. The expo was fully funded by Council and aligned with the Ageing Well Strategy and Council’s Liveability Plan, emphasising priorities such as connection, active living, well-being, information, and safety.

Among its objectives, this event aimed to empower the Cardinia Shire ageing community by providing access to essential resources, spotlight social and physical activity opportunities, celebrate diversity, and promote community education.

Senior community members can stay up-to-date on all things Ageing Well in Cardinia by:

• checking out Cardinia Shire’s quarterly Ageing Well Newsletter
• accessing the resources available on Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/ageingwell, and
• visiting the ‘Cardinia Support’ website; a valuable resource accessible on mobile devices and available in several languages, connecting community members to over 250 local support services.