Seniors join the social scene
Some NSA branches operate on a social basis – and that requires volunteers to step up as organisers.
National Seniors Australis (NSA) has been around for almost 50 years – that milestone will be celebrated in 2025 – and, over that time, it has been many things to many people.
We operate at a national level, taking seniors’ concerns to the federal and state governments, driving changes in policy to benefit older Australians.
But we also work at a grassroots level, engaging directly with our members and other seniors, and encouraging them to engage with each other.
Our members participate in the organisation in many ways, including by having their voices heard on the big issues through our advocacy campaigns.
Many members have chosen to join NSA branches, most of which continue to operate under a formal structure, with elected office bearers – president, secretary, and treasurer – and regular general meetings.
However, as time has gone on, the people holding official positions in some branches have had to move on, and there has been nobody to replace them.
This has meant that these branches have reluctantly considered closing.
Now, instead of that, they can convert to social branches. It’s also possible for social branches to start from scratch.
Social branches give members more flexibility to create a group that meets the interests of seniors in your local community. You can meet up for a chat and morning tea, form a walking group, a book club, movie group, lunch group, or enjoy any other social activity.
These new arrangements don’t require bank accounts or formal meetings with minute-keeping, but they do rely on keen volunteers to run whatever activities the group decides to undertake.
One group looking for a volunteer organiser is the Centenary Branch in Brisbane’s south-western suburbs, which is transitioning to social status.
Bev Hocker, president of the Centenary Branch, has dedicated many years to various committee roles. Now, she feels it’s time for fresh faces to step in, bringing new ideas and energy to the branch.
The branch offers friendship, outings, and activities for members, while committee volunteers can maintain and develop skills learned over many years in their work or family life. It’s also a great opportunity to give back and support others in the community.
If this sounds like something that would interest you and you live in that area, contact our community engagement manager, Karen Furnivall, here.
Karen can also advise people who want to form branches or branches that want to switch to a social basis.
We have branches across the country who would love to hear from people who are interested in volunteering their time to assist their local branch.
Whether your skills are photography, newsletter writing, planning outings, taking notes, organising others, whipping up morning tea, bookkeeping, or public speaking, we have a role for you.
If you are not yet an NSA member, you should consider the benefits.
NSA provides members with services such as discounted financial and insurance products, and travel deals; we publish informative and entertaining newsletters; and we offer you the chance to win books, movie tickets, and other prizes.
Recently, we’ve expanded our member benefits to include a free discounts app, which offers great retail and dining deals.
There is more about the advantages of membership here.
We have branches across the country who would love to hear from people who are interested in volunteering their time to assist their local branch. Find a branch near you here.
