For National Seniors New Farm Branch in Brisbane, retirement means speeding up not slowing down. Along with their monthly meetings which includes speakers, entertainment and lunch, the branch also organises regular day trips around Brisbane and South-East Queensland (known affectionally as ‘Lola Days’ in honour of their late trip organiser Lola), visits to the cinema or sporting events, special barbeques in New Farm Park, book club meetings, and dinners.

During one such dinner, the group was having such a good time they were concerned they might be disturbing other diners!

“I went across to another table to apologise to two women there in case we were making too much noise. Instead of being annoyed with us they confessed to being envious of how much fun we were having and wondered if they could join us!” Branch Treasurer Anne Stubbington said.

Along with activities and speakers, the branch also helps members gain new digital skills to help them not only survive in an increasingly digital world but stay safe during the pandemic. 

“We help our members deal with change. We are now fully in the digital world and all of our members pay by tap-and-go using their bankcards. Putting this initiative in place made it easier for our older members to navigate everyday life and also made us more COVID-safe. We also taught a number of our members to use Zoom meetings when COVID-19 prevented physical meetings. They have all been proud of themselves for learning modern skills,” Anne said.

After two years of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, the Yarra Valley Branch in Victoria has been busy organising lots of interesting outings for their members, including a secret mystery trip to The Royal Hotel in Upper Ferntree Gully via the scenic Dandenong Ranges and a recent visit to the magical Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo in Mount Evelyn.

The Yarra Valley Nocturnal Zoo hosts over 450 animals and birds, including koalas, dingoes, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles and more. It is also home to Australia’s first NDIS Zookeeper Program, where participants learn about caring for animals and important workplace skills.

Branch members were shown around the five-acre property by owner Lou, witnessing lots of the animals that call the Zoo home along the way.

“It was a wonderful experience walking around the property and seeing what is being done with the [NDIS program] people and the new skills they are learning,” Yarra Ranges branch member Elaine said.

The Toowoomba Hospice Association recently received a much-needed funding boost in the form of a $10,000 donation from Home Instead Charities, with the help of National Seniors' Garden City branch.

The branch heard the local hospice was looking to upgrade their nurse call system but needed funding, so the branch committee reached out to National Seniors’ partner Home Instead, who were more than happy to help.

The hospice says it will use the money to install a new nurse call system which is effective and sensitive to the needs of patients reaching their end-of-life stage.

The new nurse call system is called the Rauland Buzzer system and minimises disturbance to other patients by avoiding loud buzzer sounds and emergency pull cords.

The Rauland Buzzer system is audible enough for nurses to respond to a client needing assistance.

“A lot of people know National Seniors for our tireless advocacy work we do nationally, but there is a lot we do at the community level too and that is indicative by the unsung efforts of our Toowoomba Garden City Branch as witnessed here at the Toowoomba Hospice,” National Seniors General Manager Chris Grice said.

Keen to be part of the fun? Why not join your local branch!