Kiama’s Seniors Festival is back from 2–15 March, and behind the scenes is a whole lot of community effort.

“At Kiama Council, we’re really honoured to celebrate our seniors,” said Community Development Coordinator Lance Barrie. 

“We’ve run the Seniors Festival for many, many years now and always look forward to putting on events, activities, workshops and information sessions that promote wellbeing and connecting in community.”

This year’s theme, Live life in colour, encourages seniors to stay creative, connected and active – celebrating the experiences that have shaped them and the adventures still ahead.

The program is a collaboration between Council’s libraries, cultural development, community development and the Kiama Leisure Centre – along with a long list of local groups.

A highlight this year is the free live music and barbecue in Hindmarsh Park on 6 March, featuring the Alchemy Choir, Kiama Sing Australia and the Blowhole Buskers, with Rotary providing the barbecue.

 “Come down to Hindmarsh Park, listen to some great music from local groups, enjoy the barbecue, and have a chat with friends and neighbours” Barrie said. No bookings required.

Creative workshops are also expected to fill quickly.

“Our art workshops are really popular amongst seniors – they often sell out,” he said. 

Sketching in Nature, seascape painting and mixed media sessions all feature, alongside Yoga in the Park, tech help at the library and other activities designed to get people “out and about and really connecting with others.”

Barrie said the festival is also about recognising the role older residents play in Kiama’s cultural life.

 “We’re fortunate here to have a really high volunteer rate and lots of community groups we enjoy working with.

"It’s a good opportunity to acknowledge their really important contribution.”

Most events require registration via Council’s website, and in recent years many have booked out – so organisers are encouraging people to get in early!

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest celebration of older people in the Southern Hemisphere, recognising the contributions of people aged 60 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal people and those with a lifelong disability). 

Grab a brush, yoga mat, or just a coffee and celebrate seniors as a reminder of just how much they keep the South Coast’s spirit alive. 

And if you think a local senior deserves extra recognition, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney is on the lookout for the unsung heroes of the community - who volunteer, lead, mentor, or just quietly make life better for everyone around them.

Categories cover everything from leadership and volunteering to sports, arts, heritage, community health and wellbeing, and enriching the lives of other older residents.

“Our seniors touch lives in ways big and small," McInerney said.

"They don’t always seek the spotlight, so I’m asking friends, family, and neighbours to sing their praises. If someone you know has made a lasting impact, nominate them - let’s celebrate their contribution.”

Nominations are open for the NSW Seniors Festival Local Senior of the Year Awards and close at midday next Friday. Email kiama@parliament.nsw.gov.au for a nomination form.