Blue Mountains News

Council partnered with the Blue Mountainsaged care sector to host the expos as part of International Day of Older Persons, which falls on 1 October each year.

This year the two events were held at Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub in Springwood, and Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba, to make it easier for residents from across the region to attend.

Attendees learned about the many groups and activities designed to keep seniors active and connected available across the Blue Mountains to reduce the sense of isolation.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Isolation and loneliness is a growing problem in our society and no group is more affected by this than our seniors.

“It’s particularly significant here in the Blue Mountains as we have a large and growing over-65s population, which currently sits at just under 23 per cent of our community. That’s nearly a quarter of the Blue Mountains, so any opportunity we have to help them connect and build community is extremely important.

“These kinds of events would not be possible without the dedicated aged sector organisations, community groups and volunteers, and of course, Council staff.

“Council worked with community and aged sector organisations to create two fantastic events that were not only accessible, but welcoming and meaningful for everyone who attended.”

Thirty-four service organisations and community groups were represented, from the Blue Mountains’ Men’s Sheds to Rotary, local gardening groups to walking troupes, the SES, WIRES, and many more.

Information on resources for older people living in the Blue Mountains is available at here