Central Coast Magazines Home and Lifestyle Winter 2024

P eninsula seniors keen to extend their social circle and enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities and meet likeminded people are encouraged to come and join in at Ettalong 50 Plus Leisure and Learning Centre. Previously the Senior Citizens Centre, the Ettalong 50 Plus is now run by a dedicated team of skilled volunteers who co-ordinate a broad and diverse range of activities from Bootscooting, Bridge, Yoga, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, and everything in between. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP encourages locals to capitalise on the camaraderie and connection of community-based clubs. “Community clubs like Ettalong 50 Plus are safe, welcoming destinations run by older members of the community, for the benefit of older members of the community. They are places where people from all walks of life can come together, build a network of friendship, and enjoy relaxed get-togethers with like-minded people. Centre President John Gibbins said, “The Centre is open for everything from cards, to Clubbersize and even a light-hearted community choir. Operating inside this large building Ettalong 50 Plus houses numerous comfortable, practical spaces featuring a calm library space, computer room, indoor bowling area, large dining room with a commercial-grade kitchen and a dance hall. “We’re a not-for-profit that will broaden friendships and open peoples’ eyes to activities they may not have tried,” says Mr Gibbins. “Nothing beats being in the company of like-minded individuals.” Lovely for the lungs - Highlighting the community choir that meets on a Friday at 12:30pm, Mr Gibbins says: “Our community choir gives people a chance to open the lungs, lower stress, have a laugh and heighten joy. Singing can even help lower blood pressure and improve respiratory function!” ‘Jean’, who was attending the ‘women’s shed’ (an art and craft group) Ettalong 50 Plus offers a dynamic activity roster

on Thursday morning at time of writing, was knitting a blanket for her brother. She became an Ettalong 50 Plus member five years ago for social connection. “I moved up here from Sydney some years ago and I didn’t know a soul. I needed to meet people. The best aspect of joining Ettalong 50 Plus is the friendships I’ve made, with craft coming in a close second. Members are so welcoming and friendly.” Nicki O’Connor, who joined Ettalong 50 Plus in 2000, has enjoyed being a convenor of a raft of club activities including playing cards, quilting and patchwork. “I love teaching painting, card making, origami, simple jewellery, like bracelets and earrings. We do a lot of charity work too – making blankets for WeCare Connect – it’s amazing what you can make from a few scraps of wool… we upcycle Christmas cards too – in fact we produced 368 for nursing homes last Christmas…” The Centre is always on the lookout for motivated, skilled individuals with spare hours each week to fill a range of roles. Adds Mr Gibbins: “We are always on the hunt for volunteers – whether that’s to conduct an event, help with catering, design flyers to help promote the centre, or even look after our Facebook.” Bring along the gentlemen! ‘Vicki’ is a big fan of the Monday fitness class. “I finally got my husband to come along to the Monday class! He’s one of 3 gentlemen in a group of about thirty women! It’s a fabulous class, with exercise stations set up around the hall and there are stretches performed at the end. It’s wonderful hearing him say “‘I can do this! I’m really liking this!’” Dynamic activity roster - Another class is Tech Savvy Seniors, a NSW Government initiative in partnership with Telstra that provides hands on help with technology skills. With the rise of digital, basic computer skills can help older members of the community navigate online activities with greater ease, confidence and of course safety. “Even if you’re a little restless, wanting to learn a new skill, or simply polish up and old one, Ettalong 50 Plus will roll out the welcome mat for anyone aged fifty-plus.” Leatherwork , held on Wednesdays from 9:00am – 12:00 midday, gives members the opportunity to get their hands on many kinds of leatherworking tools and techniques to handle leather materials. Members could make a wallet, a belt, a key chain or perhaps something decorative. Memberships - $15 annually , with selected activities costing $3 each. Interested locals can find out more by posting a message on the website, ettalong50plus.org.au, or by dropping in for a visit at the corner of Broken Bay Road and Karingi Street, Ettalong Beach. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Ettalong 50 Plus.

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10 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Winter 2024