Almost 160 active senior citizens within the Grant District Council came together recently to celebrate their community contributions at council’s annual Positive Ageing Luncheons.

Four luncheons were coordinated by the council in honour of Seniors Month 2023 for residents aged 55 and above.

Community members gathered at local restaurants in Port MacDonnell, Tarpeena, Mount Schank and Carpenter Rocks.

Acting chief executive Leith McEvoy said he was pleased to see the older population staying connected and engaging with council.

“These events are an excellent opportunity to help our citizens create positive social connections while promoting healthy and happy lifestyles,” Mr McEvoy said.

“It was great to see our residents enjoy this year’s events and fill local businesses to capacity.

Council values the contributions of our older population and looks forward to continuing to support them into the future.”

Attendees enjoyed presentations from various local residents including Meg Black and Daniel Billingsley who are a mother-son pairing who reunited in the district to pursue a business partnership, and Gill Clayfield who shared stories of her travels around the globe.

Limestone Coast business owners Lizemarie Jooste and Stephanie Jagger described how their hobby of growing flowers turned into starting their own flower business Stefari Flowers.

Well-known photographer Ockert le Roux also shared his passion for capturing the region through his camera lens.

Ms Jooste and Ms Jagger said they were delighted to attend the Tarpeena event and spread their love for what they do.

“We had an absolute wonderful time sharing our flower farm journey with the senior residents at Tarpeena.

We were overwhelmed by the interest and positive responses we received,” they said.

“Seniors have so much wisdom and experience to share and we loved hearing their stories, receiving some great advice and gardening tricks, as well as making community connections.

“It has certainly been a highlight of our year.”