The NSW Seniors Festival kicked off this week and Central Coast Council will celebrate with more than 80 events across the region until 15 April.

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary, the NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event for seniors in the southern hemisphere and is now a two week long celebration.

It is significant here on the Coast with more than 27 per cent of the Coast’s population aged over 60 years – well above the NSW State average of 22 per cent.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Festival celebrates seniors and their significant contribution to the community as workers, volunteers, neighbours, friends, parents and grandparents.

“The Festival provides local seniors with a great opportunity to get together, make new friends, learn a new skill or try something different,” Ms Vaughan said.

“We have put together a fun, active and creative calendar that features a wide range of events for people to choose from,” Ms Vaughan said.

“The Festival also gives us a chance to highlight the wide range of programs run at our 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres and Seniors Centres for our ageing community.”

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Festival is a great way to celebrate the contribution local seniors make to their families and community on the Central Coast.

“Older people play a vital role in our community and it’s important they feel valued, safe and are able to actively participate in their community,” Mayor Smith said.

“With a growing ageing population, it’s important we ensure older people living on the Central Coast have a good quality of life and our community is inclusive, age friendly and promotes independence and dignity for people of all ages.

“This is your time to shine as a senior citizen on the Central Coast – have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment.

“Get out there and try something new, show off your skills doing something you love and spend time with friends, new or old – there’s something for everyone!”

Check out the full program for the NSW Seniors Festival at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/seniors or pick up a copy from your local library or 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres and Seniors Centres.