Events

March 2010

Information and events the Ambassador for Ageing attended in March, 2010.

International Women’s Day, Ipswich, QLD - 8 March 2010

To celebrate International Women's Day the Ambassador attended a function in Ipswich, Qld to celebrate successful women in this region. Noeline was touched by the amazing stories of the other guest speakers.

One of the speakers, a popular radio personality, told the audience about how she struggled with depression for a number of years before getting help. She spoke of the stigma and shame she felt about having a mental illness, but with the help of her loving family and a caring mental health service she now has a new lease on life.

Another guest speaker spoke of the years she spent suffering from a debilitating chronic pain condition which saw her bed ridden for quite some time. Not willing to let her condition ruin her life she decided to take up body building to build her muscles and strength. Last year she represented Australia in a world championship competition and although she still suffers from pain every day she is not going to let the condition beat her.

Noeline spoke about being a women in her 70s and she talked about the changes she has seen during her lifetime. She finished off by promoting healthy active ageing messages, which were warmly received by the audience.

Guest Speaker – Annual State Conference, Penrith - U3A Nepean – Blue Mountains Chapter - 9 March 2010

U3A Nepean - Blue Mountains chapter invited Noeline to be guest speaker at its annual State Conference in Penrith, NSW. The Governor of NSW officially opened the event which was a real thrill for the audience. Also speaking at the event was Barbara Holborow, former children's magistrate and long time advocate for young people.

Noeline very much enjoyed her time at the event and she praised the organisers for putting on such a fabulous function!

Opening of Goodwin Aged Care Services Clubhouse - 11 March 2010

Goodwin Aged Care Services Canberra invited Noeline and ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, to officially open its newly developed Lifestyle Clubhouse.

Noeline was very impressed with the facility which has a, restaurant,bar, theatrette, day spa, pool and fitness centre. The Clubhouse is not only for the use and pleasure of Goodwin residents, it is also open to older people in the surrounding community.

Noeline commented that a good restaurant and good coffee were key ingredients for positive ageing as “ these are things baby boomers wont live without”.

Last year Goodwin Aged Care Services won a Master Builders Australia, National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award for the facility. This award was sponsored by the Department of Health and Ageing and is given to builders who construct buildings suitable for our ageing population.

Guest Speaker - Mallacoota District Health and Support Service - 17 March 2010

Falls prevention was the topic of the night at the Mallacoota District Health and Support Service dinner held on 17 March. Around 80 people came to hear a variety of speakers, including a local GP, Paramedic and physiotherapist talk about falls prevention.

Noeline thought the presentations were terrific, with the speakers providing interesting and very beneficial information about falls prevention.

It was a great night all round, the guests learned alot about how to prevent falls and the dinner was delicious as well.



left to right - Penny Seears, Pat Helmore,Terry Houge, Celia Wallace, Noeline Brown, Dr David Appleton, Bob Semmens, Dr Ariel Pearce

Keynote Speaker - 20th Anniversary Celebration, U3A Mount Gambier - 29 March 2010

Around 200 people attended the U3A Mt Gambier (South Australia) 20th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon on 29 March 2010.

There was music, singing, and a very interesting history lesson on U3A Mount Gambier.

Noeline was thrilled to be asked to unveil the U3A wall hanging which was made up of pictorial squares representing the different things U3A Mount Gambier members are involved with. Not only was each group clever in the designs of their individual squares but the quilt as a whole was a very attractive wall hanging.

Before the end of the day Noeline was asked to participate in the launch of the 'Living Books' program - this is where you can borrow a person from the local Library rather than a book. Noeline thought the concept was fantastic and believes school children will benefit greatly from such an endeavour.

Opening JJs Internet Cafe, MayShaw Health Centre - Swansea, Tasmania - 31 March 2010

Not only is Swansea, Tasmania, a lovely town by the sea, the residents are warm and friendly as well.

Noeline visited the MayShaw Health Centre, Swansea, on 31 March to officially open JJ's Internet Cafe, which is funded under the Australian Government's Broadband for Seniors initiative. JJ's Internet Cafe is the first of its kind in an aged care facility in Tasmania.

The Broadband for Seniors initiative provides seniors with free access to the internet as well as free training so that they are able to get the most out of their internet use.

After the official opening, Noeline and the other VIPs (including the Hon Dick Adams MP, Member for Lyons, and Mayor Bertrand Cadart of the Glamorgan/Spring Bay Municipality) enjoyed morning tea with the residents.

Noeline had a great time at MayShaw Health Centre and her love of Tasmania grew even stronger during this visit.