It has been a busy month for the National Seniors community, with several major branch events held across Australia.

We are always impressed by the work National Seniors branches go to in staging events for members and the broader community. Last month, the biggest branch events on the calendar were held in Armidale in New South Wales, Broadbeach and Toowoomba in Queensland, and Port Kennedy in Western Australia.

The annual Zone 114 conference in Port Kennedy was held on Wednesday 12 October. The conference was hosted by the Rockingham and Districts Branch, and heard speeches from National Seniors General Manager Chris Grice, Board Chairman Ross Glossop, and local community leaders. A big thank you to the main organiser and MC Nanette Senior, who worked tirelessly to stage the conference this year.

The Garden City branch staged the annual Toowoomba Seniors Expo on Thursday 20 October, in partnership with the Toowoomba Regional Council. The expo brought together close to 100 exhibitors for local seniors to meet and better understand what services are available to them. National Seniors staff attended on the day to help at the Garden City branch booth, meeting with existing and prospective members. The Garden City branch held a great event that benefited their local community. Congratulations to all branch members and president Hazel Gillies, who kept the day running smoothly.

The Armidale branch held the Armidale Branch Seniors Information Day. Thirty-five stallholders attended, including government agencies and product and service providers that support older Australians. Congratulations to branch president Bob Barwell on the successful event, with a special mention of Bev Lilley’s organising efforts.

On a great morning by the beach, the Broadbeach branch spoke to Chris Grice and Gold Coast Channel 9 TV newsreader Bruce Paige. Held at the Kurrawa Surf Club, about 100 attendees came along. Special thanks to branch president Jenny Johnston, who organised the event and the many great prizes, and to branch events coordinator Matt Johnston, who helped host the event.