Shire hosts a lunch for the ages

THE Surf Coast Shire has welcomed some of its older residents for a bite to eat and some entertainment as part of its ongoing celebrations for Positive Ageing Month.

Held at the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre, the Torquay Community Luncheon saw about 50 members of the Surf Coast community sit down for a meal on Tuesday this week.

Guest speakers included Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison, who signed the EveryAGE Counts Pledge on behalf of the council.

EveryAGE Counts is an advocacy campaign aimed at tackling ageism against older Australians, and the pledge reads: “I stand for a world without ageism where all people of all ages are valued and respected and their contributions are acknowledged. I commit to speak out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life.”

More than 1,800 people have signed the pledge so far.

Cr Pattison said the shire was happy to create an environment where older residents could continue to live in the Surf Coast community they call home and support the EveryAGE Counts campaign.

She said ageism could affect confidence, quiality of life, job prospects and health.

“It can also keep them from contributing to the community.

“The campaign wants to reimagine what it means to grow older, and reframe our older years as a valid and meaningful part of life.

“Tackling ageism is a big goal, but one we can all take small steps towards achieving.”

Other speakers at the event included Torquay Community House co-ordinator Prue Challis and Art of the Minds Festival’s Lyn McCarter, an apt choice as Tuesday of this week was World Mental Health Day.

Surf Coast Secondary College students served lunch, which was catered by Feed Me Surf Coast, and the Torquay Men’s Shed Singers performed a set including “Sloop John B”, “Morning Town Ride”, “Everyday” and “Proud Mary”.

For more information on the shire’s Positive Ageing Month activities, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Over-55s/Positive-Ageing-Month