Expo celebrates active seniors

Hundreds of seniors gathered at Mike Barnett Sports Complex last Friday as the City of Rockingham hosted the eighth annual Seniors and Carers Expo.

The event, which was officially opened by Premier Mark McGowan, featured more than 140 stalls as visitors were able to gather information on a number of community services, programs and activities available to them.

During the opening, Mr McGowan spoke fondly of the contribution his own parents had made to his life and the community and also encouraged local seniors to enjoy life in their later years as much as possible.

Meanwhile, Mayor Barry Sammels said about 16 per cent of the City’s population were seniors, with the figure expected to grow to 21 per cent over the next 20 years.

“Seniors are a large and integral part of our community, and the contributions they make are highly valued,” Mr Sammels said.

“The International Day of Older Persons is a great opportunity for the wider community to reflect on these contributions and to celebrate older people.

“The Seniors and Carers Expo has grown each year to become one of the largest events of its kind in Western Australia.”

The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated each year in October. The City’s Seniors and Carers Expo was held in partnership with Care Options, Community First and Volunteer Taskforce.