FAB Expo hailed a huge success

ABOUT 400 people attended the Friendly Ageing on the Bellarine (FAB) Expo in Drysdale last week, which organisers have hailed a huge success.
Bellarine Aged Care Association (BACA) planned and organised the Expo, which focused on the needs of ageing residents of the Bellarine and the services and programs required to assist them.
The response from more than 60 exhibitors, ranging from community health, voluntary organisations and commercial businesses, was positive and instantaneous.
In addition to ageing participants and their families being able to obtain important health and wellbeing advice and information, entertainment was provided by the Coryule Choir and Portarlington Ukele Kollective (PUK).
Staff and volunteers from SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre provided scones, cakes, and tea and coffee in the ‘Entertainment Foyer’.
Jane Morgan from BACA said many participants completed Feedback Forms to assist in the evaluation of the event, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive.
“Exhibitors were also asked for their views at the completion of the day and all said the attendance and interest from participants was great,” Ms Morgan said.
“Exhibitors added that they would be interested in being involved in future FAB Expos.”
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker officially opened the Expo and congratulated BACA and all associated for their initiative in arranging such an important community event.
Ms Morgan said the diversity of services and programs exhibited at the FAB Expo was amazing – from age and disability equipment, retirement villages and travel agents to Elder Rights advocacy, funeral services and Bellarine Community Health – to name a few.
She said a major attraction was Bellarine Community Health’s ‘Health Bus’, which included a purpose-built counselling area and podiatrist chair.
“Many participants left the event with ‘show bags’ full of information on the services available to them and important advice on how to make their lives more healthy and enjoyable.”
“The interest and enjoyment expressed by participants made the FAB Expo a most worthwhile experience for the many ageing residents who attended the event.”