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Celebrate Together NSW Seniors Week Festival 1-12 February 2023!

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Join the largest celebration for seniors in the southern hemisphere. Try something new, meet new people and have a great time at loads of free and discounted events in your local area. The theme of Seniors Festival 2023 is Celebrate Together, encouraging local seniors to get together, enjoy social connection and celebrate their invaluable contribution to the local community.

PORT STEPHENS

From art classes and yoga to workshops and a special lunchtime concert, there's something for everyone, with the highlight of the 2023 program the First National Seniors Concert, featuring a special 2-course lunch and local singer Drury performing his 'All The Way – The Sinatra Songbook'.

First National Principal Rebecca Dean says that the First National Port Stephens team is honoured to sponsor the 2023 Seniors Concert, to be held at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said the Seniors Festival is an excellent chance for locals to come together with friends or make new connections.

"We know how important social connection is, not only for our mental health but also for our emotional and physical health. Our annual Seniors Festival is a great opportunity to get together, celebrate the wisdom and experience that comes with age, and meet new people," Mr Palmer said.

For a complete list of events in the Port Stephens area, visit www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/events/2023/seniorsfestival-port-stephens.

HUNTER VALLEY

The Cessnock City Council program is packed with concerts, films, talks, workshops, open days, and more! Featuring a range of free events and activities across the LGA, this year's program provides an opportunity for seniors to come together and engage with the creative arts, local businesses, health and wellbeing practices, heritage and an array of special interest activities.

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said the event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our seniors and bring together more than 25 community services and organisations.

"I urge all seniors in our community to participate in this year's Festival and discover the variety of offerings available," said Mayor Suvaal.

"It's an opportunity to try something new and make the most of the celebratory atmosphere. The festival reflects the strength of our community bonds, and Council is very proud to be a part of it."

Festival highlights this year include Celebrating the Joy of Music, a Wine Country Association Concert at the PACC, a Ukulele

Dreaming Mini Concert, and It's All in Your Own Backyard hosted by the Hunter Valley Information Centre. Northern Coalfields Community Care Association Community Transport will provide door-to-door transport to most events for a gold coin donation.

The program is available online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/Seniors2023.

NEWCASTLE

As part of the 2023 Seniors Festival, City of Newcastle is hosting a comedy gala and mini expo on 9 February at the City Hall.

After a sold-out 2022 Seniors Weeks Comedy Gala, Civic Theatre, City of Newcastle and Comedy for a Cause are delighted to bring you a packed line-up of comedians, including Jean Kittson, Gary Eck, Andrew Barnett and Bruce Griffiths.

Tickets include a free morning tea from 10AM and entry to the Seniors Mini Expo with information about services and community groups.

Members of the general public do not need to register for the expo but must purchase a ticket to attend the comedy gala. Tickets can be purchased at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/seniors-weekcomedy-gala.

LAKE MACQUARIE

Over in Lake Mac, the beloved Seniors Concert is back and performed in two locations for the first time. Two concerts will feature Jumpin' Jukebox Duo and the dulcet tones of Tom Jones, while several other fun and entertaining events will go ahead across the city.

Join local author Alison Ferguson for the launch of Grey Nomad, a comedic sci-fi adventure at Toronto Library on 11 February. Enjoy a cup of tea as Alison shares how she wrote and published Grey Nomad.

What is a Fab Lab, and what can you do there? In these special seniors sessions on 10 February at the Swansea Centre. You will create a design and see it printed on the laser cutter, tour the facility and equipment, and try the VR headsets.

For more information about Lake Mac events, visit www.lakemac.com.au/Forresidents/Community/Over-55s/2023-NSWSeniors-Festival-in-Lake-Mac.

To find out what’s happening throughout NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival/whats-on.