More than 80 local seniors came together at the Ipswich Sports Club for a Seniors Month morning tea hosted by Ipswich West MP Wendy Bourne, connecting older residents with organisations and services that support healthy, active and independent ageing.
The Queensland Police Service Pipes and Drums Band opened the morning with a lively performance, setting the tone for a welcoming event focused on community connection and practical support.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann also attended, joining Ms Bourne in speaking with local seniors and service providers throughout the morning.
Ms Bourne said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contribution seniors make to the Ipswich community while ensuring they are aware of the services available to support them.
“Our seniors have helped build the communities we know and love today, and it is important they know where to turn when they need support,” Ms Bourne said.
“Events like this bring people together, provide valuable information and create opportunities for seniors to connect with others in their community.
“For many people, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. Bringing these organisations together in one place means seniors can ask questions directly and find out what services are available to them.”
Guests were able to speak with representatives from the Heart Foundation, Ageing and Disability Advocates Australia, National Seniors Australia, Seniors Net, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Queensland Police Service and 60 & Better Queensland.
Information and advice covered a range of topics, including healthy ageing, aged care services, advocacy and support, online and personal safety and opportunities to stay socially connected.
Ms Bourne thanked each of the participating organisations for supporting the morning, along with the Queensland Police Service Pipes and Drums Band for their performance and the Ipswich Sports Club for hosting the event.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come along, catch up with friends, meet new people and learn about services that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life,” Ms Bourne said.
“The strong turnout shows there is real demand for opportunities for seniors to connect with one another and access trusted information.
“Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on older Queenslanders, which is why bringing people together through events like this is so important.”
Ms Bourne encouraged any seniors who were unable to attend and would like information about local services or support to contact her Ipswich West electorate office via Ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au or by calling 3447 3100.
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Media Enquiries: (07) 3447 3100
Image #1: Wendy Bourne MP and Shayne Neumann MP with seniors support group and social club 60 and Better Ipswich
Image #2: Wendy Bourne MP and Shayne Neumann MP with Sergeant Nadine Webster and the Queensland Police Service Pipes and Drums Band
