Seniors

seniors

Council recognise and respect the significant contributions older people make to the Gympie region and community. Whether it’s through employment, volunteering, grandparenting, or guiding our future, ageing is a time of possibility, opportunity, and influence.  We’ve included some information below relating to services, programs, and activities across the Gympie region to help residents age well.

  • Council’s Senior Citizen of the Year Awards recognise persons aged 60 years and over, who have made a significant contribution in the past year or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years.

    Gympie Regional Council hosts the awards annually as part of Queensland Seniors Month.

    2023

    The 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year Award Winners:

    • Phyllis Hopf    
    • Henry Bath

    325A1443 1 Congratulations to Phyllis Hopf and Henry Bath for your outstanding contributions to our local community. Phyllis and Henry pictured here with Mayor Glen Hartwig.

    Previous winners

    2005

    Mervyn Brown

    Jacqueline Hyam

    2006

    Frank Richards

    Janet Sawrey

    2007

    Barry Ingram

    Daphne Clarkson

    2008

    Ray Hardiker

    Betty Sinn

    2009

    Geof Walters

    Daphne Horne

    2010

    Reg Tame

    Dorrie Muller

    2011

    Alan Ransley

    Betty Shepherd

    2012

    Rex Hoffman

    Maureen Maguire

    2013

    Gordon Adams

    Lola Cass

    2014

    Val Thomas

    Judith Keetley

    2015

    Henry Kross

    Heather Tatnell

    2016

    Dudley Fisher

    Lillian Burke

    2017

    Stewart English

    Marie Vella

    2018

    Alain Henderson

    Mary Potter

    2019

    Barry Grainger

    Valerie Neal

    2020

    Bevan Day

    Kim Boyte

    2021

    Ian Mckay

    Yvonne Nipperess

    2022

    Paddy Lyden

    Phyllis Kerr

    2023

    Henry Bath

    Phyllis Hopf

     

  • An ageing in place project was commenced by Gympie Regional Council in August 2020.  

    The project purpose was to investigate Ageing in Place services and infrastructure in the Gympie region with an initial focus on the Western area.  

    Ageing in place has been defined as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or level of capacity. Ageing in the right place extends this concept to the ability to live in the place with the closest fit with the person’s needs and preferences – which may or may not be one’s own home” (World Health Organisation. 2015. World report on ageing and health) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565042

    The Final Report culminating from this project was presented to Gympie Regional Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 28 June 2022.  Councillors unanimously endorsed the twenty-five (25) recommendations for Council Action. Council officers are delivering the actions subject to Council approval of required resourcing.

    Click on the following link to read the final report.

    Final Report - Investigation of Ageing in Place Services and Infrastructure in the Gympie Region

    On June 26, 2024, at the Gympie Regional Council's Ordinary Meeting, the Ageing in Place Implementation Progress Report was presented.

    Click on the link to read the progress report. 

    Ageing in Place - Implementation Progress Report

     

  • My Aged Care is an Australian Government initiative that provides information and support to help seniors understand, access, and navigate the aged care system.

    My Aged Care can help seniors access a range of services at home, which can improve wellbeing and help maintain independence. Services may include:

    • transport
    • nursing, physiotherapy, and other care
    • meals
    • household jobs like cleaning or gardening
    • home modifications such as handrails or ramps
    • social activities

    My Aged Care can also assist with access to short-term care in situations such as recovery from an accident or illness, other setbacks, or if carers or respite workers need a break.

    To find out more, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 between 8am – 8pm weekdays, or 10am -2pm Saturdays. Staff will ask questions over the phone to help work out your needs and care arrangements. Have your Medicare Card handy when you call.

    For more information, visit: myagedcare.gov.au

  • Holders of a current Queensland Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Card (all conditions) may be eligible for a pensioner discount on council rates if the property is their principal place of residence. Eligible pensioners will need to complete the Pension Subsidy Form and lodge it in person at one of council’s customer service points. Remember to bring any relevant concession cards when lodging forms. More information can be found here.

  • Gympie libraries offer a range of classes and services to assist seniors and members of the community.

    Home Library Services

    The home library service is for locals who are not able to visit the library in person. This might be because they are older, frail or have a disability. Residents within Gympie or Southside, or who live in an aged care facility in Gympie, can apply for this service. To apply, please phone 07 5481 0859 or email: library@gympie.qld.gov.au to be enrolled in the program.

    Library Programs

    Libraries in the region offer a range of classes that may assist seniors, as well as other members of the community. Please see the website at library.gympie.qld.gov.au, or contact 07 5481 0859 for more information.

    Topics include:

    • Tech Help – sessions include help with iPhones, iPads, android devices, safety on the internet and so much more. You can also book a one-on-one half hour session with a friend library staff member.
    • Social Groups – sessions include Monday Craft Group, Tuesday Trivia and Writing Fridays.
    • English Conversation at Gympie Library.
    • Talks and Workshops – sessions include Arm Chair Travellers, Last Friday Social Club and Monthly Local History Talks.

    Book clubs

    There are more than 25 active reading groups and book clubs accessing the multiple book-set collections of Gympie Regional Libraries. If you’re an avid reader and would like to discuss the work of great authors with other book lovers, find out more about book clubs in your area, or even start your own, contact your nearest library branch today.

  • The following free or low-cost programs available in the region can assist with health and wellbeing.

  • Queensland Seniors Month is in October each year and provides opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and abilities to come together and connect, celebrating the essential roles older people play in our communities. Read more about Seniors Month and how to become involved at qldseniorsmonth.org.au.

    Each October, we invite you to join us in celebrating Queensland Seniors Month in the Gympie region.

In this section