GOLD for South-East Seniors
07 February, 2012
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has announced that the popular Growing Old and Living Dangerously (GOLD) program has been included as one of the 90 programs and services outlined in Council’s Seniors’ Strategy.
The Lord Mayor said the GOLD program had been running since 1997 and provided free or low-cost activities across the city designed specifically for Brisbane’s senior residents.
“The GOLD program provides a range of activities for senior residents to keep active or try something they’ve never done before and is just one of the 80 services being continued under the new Seniors’ Strategy,” Cr Quirk said.
Local Councillor Ian McKenzie (Holland Park Ward) said the GOLD program offered a number of great activities on offer in the south-east suburbs and encouraged local residents to get involved.
“There’s a number of GOLD activities happening on regular basis around the area including, ACT-ivate theatre skills classes, Bliss pilates and gentle exercise and strength sessions,” he said.
“It’s a great way for our local seniors to stay active, meet like minded people and learn new skills”.
“Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and his team are committed to making sure Brisbane is an accessible and inclusive city that caters to the needs of all its residents, and the seniors’ strategy is one of the ways he is delivering on that commitment.”
The Lord Mayor said the Seniors Strategy 2012-2017: Delivering a seniors-friendly city outlined 10 new and 80 existing Council services and initiatives for Brisbane’s over 60s and was the first of its kind ever produced by Brisbane City Council.
“Council will continue to deliver existing seniors’ initiatives like the Council Cabs service, the popular Senior Superstar competition and discounts on fees and charges for pensioners, including the most generous rates rebate scheme in the country,” Cr Quirk said.
“New initiatives in the strategy include free first aid courses for seniors, a new wellness guide written by Brisbane seniors for Brisbane seniors and a mobility centre that will provide access to mobility aids in the CBD.”
The Lord Mayor said as part of the new initiatives Council would investigate the feasibility of establishing a Lord Mayor’s Advisory Group on Ageing and Disability and would trial a business coaching project, teaming up experienced business people with young entrepreneurs.
“The strategy was developed in consultation with local community seniors’ organisations and provides Council with a clear plan to ensure our facilities and planning processes accommodate the needs of our seniors as well as the wider community,” he said.
For more information on
GOLD activities in your area or to read the Seniors’ Strategy online go to
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on
3403 8888
