Seniors Festival

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Bellingen Shire's Seniors Festival runs as part of the NSW Seniors Festival, which is the largest celebration of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The festival celebrates the role and contributions of older adults to our local communities.

The 2025 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 3-16 March 2025. This years' theme is Time to shine!

Bellingen Shire Council in collaboration with various community groups and organisations is proud to bring together a fantastic line-up of events that celebrate and support the ageing members of our community who are 60 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and people over 50 with a lifelong disability. Carers of seniors are encouraged to attend and take part in the celebrations.

For Community Transport contact Community Transport Company (CTC) - 1300 812 504 

For Seniors Festival programs outside the Bellingen Shire are you can visit the NSW Seniors Festival website

All events listed in this program are FREE

2025 Calendar of Events - by activity

Bellingen Memorial Hall Tour & Service Stall morning

Memorial Hall Tour 

Join us for a guided tour of the Bellingen Memorial Hall and learn about it's past and present.

Thursday 6 March 
 10:00am-1:00pm

Service Stalls

Browse a variety of service stalls, where local groups and organisations will share valuable resources and opportunities. Chat face to face with service providers including those from: Harbour at Home, Carers NSW, Services Australia, Service NSW, Home Instead, Department of Health and Aged Care, Community Transport, EACH Carefinder Program, Mission Australia, Dementia Australia, Lifetime Connect, SES, Mid North Coast Legal, Rural Assistance Authority and more...

Morning tea

Plus, enjoy a free morning tea from the renowned Peaches Patisserie—a perfect chance to relax, connect, and chat with fellow community members.

Bookings Essential: 6655 7300

 

Aqua Aerobics

Come and try a free aqua-aerobics class at either Bellingen or Dorrigo Swim Centre. All you need to do is show your Seniors card.

Low-impact, high-energy, and loads of fun, aqua aerobics is great for fitness, flexibility, and joint health...all while being gentle on your body.

  • Boost strength & endurance
  • Reduce stress on joints
  • Improve balance & coordination
  • Boost mood and relieve stress

Bellingen Swim Centre: 6655-1688

  • Monday 3 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Thursday 6 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Saturday 8 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Monday 10 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Thursday 13 March: 9:30am-10:30am
  • Saturday 15 March: 9:30am -10:30am

Dorrigo Swim Centre: 6657-2578

  • Wednesday 5 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Wednesday 12 March: 9:30am - 10:30am

Palliative Care Talk

Are you keen to learn more about advance care planning, services and community supports available in relation to ageing, loss, dying and grief?

Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, and Mid North Coast Local Health District.

You’ll gain the knowledge and tools in a safe environment to make informed decisions and access the care you need to:

  • Navigate end-of-life matters
  • Understand what palliative care is and how to access
  • Explore the local support services available to you and your loved ones
  • Learn how to start your Advance Care Plan

Thursday 6 March

Bellingen Memorial Hall 12:30pm-2pm

FREE! Complimentary light lunch will be served

To register, click here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-conversations-bellingen or phone the Community Partnerships Team on 6655 7300

More information: https://palliativecarensw.org.au/community-conversations/

Movement at Mylestom

Loosen up those joints and relax your mind and body. This gentle movement class will help improve, strength, balance, and overall wellbeing in a fun and supportive environment.

Designed for all levels.

  • Tuesday 4 March - 10am - 11am
  • Tuesday 11 March - 10am - 11am

Arrive 15 minutes early to have a chat and settle in.

Mylestom Hall, 18-20 River St, Mylestom

Bookings - Contact Council's Community Partnerships Team on 6655 7300

Lunch at the Bellingen Showgrounds - Lions Club

Come and enjoy an afternoon with friends and neighbours. The Lions Club is hosting a free lunch at the Bellingen Showgrounds.

  • Date: Sunday 9 March 
  • Venue: Bellingen Showgrounds - 36 Hammond St, Bellingen.
  • Time: 11:30am

For more info contact John Malloy: 0428 166 281

Walking Tour - Urunga township

Step back in time and explore the rich history of Urunga during a 1-hour guided heritage walking tour. Learn about the local history of early Urunga township. Its a gentle walk around town with some steps to Flagstaff Hill.

Walking shoes a must. Bring water.

Meet at the Urunga Museum - 33 Morgo Street, Urunga

  • Friday 7 March - 4pm start
  • Friday 14 March - 4pm start

For more information and Bookings call 0418 415 032

Tech Help Sessions

Need help with your computer, tablet or phone? Drop into one of our Tech Help Sessions at the Library. The friendly staff will be able to answer all of those questions!

  • Bellingen Library: Thursday 6 March - 10am-11:30am 
  • Urunga Library: Wednesday 12 March - 10am-11:30am
  • Dorrigo Library: Thursday 13 March - 10am-11:30am

For more info contact your local library!

  • Bellingen Library: 6655 1744
  • Urunga Library: 6655 6444
  • Dorrigo Library: 6657 2234

Vintage Film Club screenings

Bring your friends and get lost in film. Connect with like-minded movie goers and sit back, relax. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. 

Dorrigo Library - Friday 7 March
2:00pm
Screening "Lucky Grandma"

A darkly funny crime drama starring Tsai Chin as a tough, chain-smoking Chinatown grandma who gets caught up in a wild underworld adventure. With sharp humour and heart, this film is a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss.

Bookings: 6657 2234

Bellingen Library - Friday 14 March
2:00pm
Screening "Mary Shelley"

A captivating biopic about the woman behind Frankenstein. Follow Mary Shelley’s journey of love, loss, and literary rebellion as she creates one of the most iconic horror novels of all time. Starring Elle Fanning, this film is a must-watch for history and literature lovers.

Bookings:  6655 1744

Water Treatment Plant Tour

Ever wondered where your water comes from? Join us for a guided tour of the local Dorrigo water treatment plant and see the process in action. Learn about the journey of water, ask questions, and gain a new appreciation for this essential service.

  • Date: Thursday 13 March
  • Time: 10am
  • Meeting Point: Casaurina Street, Dorrigo – meet at the Reserve

Wear comfortable shoes. This tour is not fully accessible and requires some stepping.

Bookings - Contact Council's Community Partnerships Team on 6655 7300

Stretch & Balance Classes - 8 week program

Enjoy fun and simple group exercises run by the DMPS Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist.

This is an 8 week program. Classes begin Tuesday 18 February 2025

Weekly sessions include information regarding falls prevention and general wellbeing. Morning tea break provided.

Who can join? Anyone who has had a fall in the past or is concerned about having a fall.

  • Where: Dorrigo Community Hall 36 Hickory St, Dorrigo
  • Time: Every Tuesday 10:30am-12:30pm

More info or to join call the Dorrigo Multipurpose Service Reception on 6692 7700

Creative Connections Presentation

Dorrigo U3A and Dorrigo Support Centre bring to you a fascinating presentation on Creative Connections with Amy Doyle - Art Therapist, Meditation Teacher, and Trauma Processing Practitioner.

This talk will explore the principles of Creative Expression and discuss the benefits. Amy will demonstrate creative expression activities including how every day household items can be used creatively. She will also discuss the practice of mindfulness to promote relaxation.

  • Date: Thursday 13 March
  • Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
  • Venue: Hickory House Dorrigo Support Centre - 50 Hickory St, Dorrigo

Creative Connections presentation: 10:30am-11:30am

Complementary lunch donated by U3A and the Dorrigo Support Centre: 11:30am-1pm

Bookings: Contact 6657 2896

 

2025 Calendar of Events - by location

Bellingen

Memorial Hall Tour and Services Expo morning tea

Thursday 6 March @ 10am-1pm

Bookings: 6655 7300

Palliative Care Talk

Join a free Community Conversation led by Palliative Care NSW in partnership with Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, and Mid North Coast Local Health District.

Thursday 6 March

Bellingen Memorial Hall 12:30pm-2pm

FREE! Complimentary light lunch will be served

To register, click here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-conversations-bellingen or phone the Community Partnerships Team on 6655 7300

More information: https://palliativecarensw.org.au/community-conversations/

Aqua aerobics at the Bellingen Swim Centre

  • Monday 3 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Thursday 6 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Saturday 8 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Monday 10 March: 9:30am -10:30am
  • Thursday 13 March: 9:30am-10:30am
  • Saturday 15 March: 9:30am -10:30am  

Contact the Bellingen Swim Centre for bookings or more information: 6655 1688

You must show a valid Pension card to gain free entry.

Free Lunch @ Bellingen Showgrounds

Come and enjoy lunch courtesy of the Bellingen LIONS Club.

  • Date: Sunday 9 March
  • Time: 11:30am - 1pm
  • Venue: Bellingen Showgrounds - 36 Hammond St, Bellingen

Bookings: Contact John on 0428 166 281

Vintage Film Club - Bellingen Library

Screening "Mary Shelley"

Friday 14 March @ 2pm

Bellingen Library- 33 Hyde St, Bellingen - 6655 1744

Tech Help at Bellingen Library

Wednesday 6 March 10am - 11:30am

Bookings: 6655 1744

 

Dorrigo

Aqua-aerobics

Wednesday 5 & 12 March

Contact the Dorrigo Swim Centre to make a booking or for more information 6657 2578

Vintage Film Club - Dorrigo Library

Screening "Lucky Grandma": 

Friday 7 March @ 2pm

Contact Dorrigo Library - Pine St, Dorrigo 6657 2234

Creative Connections presentation

  • Thursday 13 March
  • Hickory House - Dorrigo Support Centre - 50 Hickory St, Dorrigo

10:00am - 11:30am Presentation

11:30am-1pm - complimentary lunch

Bookings Contact: 6657 2896

Strength & Balance Classes 

8 Week Program for falls prevention. Every Tuesday beginning 18 February 2025.

Dorrigo Community Hall: 10:30am-12:30pm

Call the Dorrigo Health Campus 6692 7700

Water Treatment Plant Tour

Go behind the scenes of our Shires water treatment plant in Dorrigo. Find you where your water comes from!

  • Date: Thursday 13 March 2025
  • Time: 10am - 12noon
  • Meeting place: Casuarine St, Reserve.

Bookings contact: 6655 7300

 

Urunga

Heritage Walks 

1- hour guided tour of Urunga township. 

  • Friday 7
  • Friday 14 March at
  • Time: 4pm start (meet at 3:45pm)

Meeting place: Urunga Museum 33 Morgo St, Urunga

Bookings: 0418 415 032

Tech Help at Urunga Library

Tuesday 12 March 10am-11:30am

Contact: 6655 6444

Mylestom

Movement @ Mylestom

Loosen up those joints and relax your mind and body. This gentle movement class will help improve, strength, balance, and overall wellbeing in a fun and supportive environment.

Designed for all levels.

  • Tuesday 4 March - 10am - 11am
  • Tuesday 11 March - 10am - 11am

Arrive 15 minutes early to have a chat and settle in.

Mylestom Hall, 18-20 River St, Mylestom

Bookings - Contact Council's Community Partnerships Team on 6655 7300