Art classes at Millicent and Kalangadoo form part of Wattle Range Council’s Celebrate Seniors program for 2023.

Happening over the month of October, the program is jam-packed full of activities across the council area.

The Celebrate Seniors Working Group, comprising representatives of council, community groups, organisations and industry, have been busy planning the program which will be delivered with the generous support and assistance of many.

“An annual fixture since 2011, the Celebrate Seniors event is highly anticipated and well supported by the community,” Working Group Co-ordinator Catarina Santos said.

“We have had some great activities return by popular demand, as well as introducing some new and exciting events that will surely interest many seniors.

“To support our seniors in participating, bus transport will be available free of charge to some events.”

Ms Santos recommended those wishing to participate reserve their seat early to avoid missing out.

“All bookings can now be done online through Humanitix, and we encourage people to learn how to use the platform by visiting the Millicent Public Library or one of the Visitor Information Centres at Penola, Millicent and Beachport, for help with their bookings,” she said.

“We encourage seniors in our community to participate and support this program, with a wide range of activities there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”

Regular Celebrate Seniors attendee and Millicent resident Alice Cruickshanks is again eager to join in this year’s festivities.

“Keeping my mind active is important to me and this Celebrate Seniors Program will keep me very busy,” she said.

“I’m very much looking forward to the live music, cooking demonstration and the new events, like dancing demonstrations, bowling in Beachport, art classes in Kalangadoo and the bus trip to Penola.”

Local Millicent Lions Club volunteer Brenton McMillan is excited about assisting with the events, where this year fresh hot doughnuts will be offered at the movie session.

Some of the highlights in the program include open days at the Leake Brothers Glencoe Woolshed, Banksia House and 5THE FM Radio Station, the Mount Gambier City Band playing in Penola’s Town Square and cooking demonstrations.

The full Celebrate Seniors Program and Senior of the Year Nomination Forms are available for collection at any of council’s offices or the Millicent Public Library.

Meanwhile, Shearers Cook Café proprietor Melissa Armfield will continue her yearly tradition of staging a cooking demonstration.

She will use the commercial kitchen at the Millicent RSL Hall to prepare a Mexican meal before a gathering of 35.

Ms Armfield has staged such demonstrations at the past three Celebrate Seniors month.

“It will be very much a hands-on activity,” she said.