‘Hello Hornsby’ − a campaign for the ages!

Titled ‘Hello Hornsby: Connecting Seniors in Hornsby Shire’, the program will present a series of regular events (with an emphasis on recreation, education and wellbeing), held in different locations across Hornsby Shire.

“The aim is to encourage people of all backgrounds to step outside their door − and their comfort zones − by trying something new,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.

“The hope is to reduce social isolation in our seniors especially, by providing a wide variety of safe, inclusive opportunities to get to know other seniors, their neighbours and our wider community.”

“Hello Hornsby will be a regular program, free of charge and open to all seniors over the age of 60 in Hornsby Shire.

“The campaign will kick off with a special International Women’s Day event, held at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre in Hornsby on Tuesday, 8 March 2022 from 10:30am to 12pm, featuring social historian Penny Becchio and prize-winning artist Rona Sissons as guest presenters.

“We will also host a series of Coffee Mornings in various locations throughout Hornsby Shire in which seniors will be encouraged to have a cuppa, a casual chat, and to share their ideas about the various sessions we plan to run throughout this project.”

“Council staff will use our seniors’ feedback from the Coffee Mornings to guide our program of events of the coming months.”

Events already being planned include:

• The Riverboat Postman Tour – a free three-hour trip along the beautiful Hawkesbury River, starting at the delightful village of Brooklyn. Includes a morning tea and ploughman’s lunch. When: Friday 25 March, 10am – 1pm. Bookings required.
• Aqua Fun aqua fitness classes at Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre. When: Friday 25, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 March, and Friday 1 April.
• The ‘Alone, Together’ Senior Photography Exhibition at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre in Hornsby. When: opening night, Friday 25 March, 6 – 8pm.

“I’m confident that by drawing on the ideas of our seniors, many more engaging, fun events will be announced soon,” said Mayor Ruddock.

‘Hello Hornsby’ is supported by the NSW Government’s ‘Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant Program’.

“Even without the challenges of COVID-19 – no one likes to be alone or feel disconnected from their community, especially not our seniors,” Member for Hornsby Matt Kean MP said.

“This funding is about helping create environments where people can come together, meet new people and, above all, enjoy themselves in a social environment.

“These programs are helping us achieve exactly that, whether it be helping seniors learn a new skill, connect with like-minded people or even rekindle their passion for a previous hobby,” he said.

‘Hello Hornsby’ will also support the work of ‘Dom’s Place’, a new initiative of Catholic Care. ‘Dom's Place’ will operate as a 'one-stop-shop,' an inclusive space where homeless people can feel safe and connected within the community.

“It will be a place to get a meal, wash your clothes and chat with a social worker to address housing needs.

“Or a vulnerable young person could come and play a game of pool with their friends,” said Mayor Ruddock.

“‘Hello Hornsby is about bringing people together, sharing insights, wisdom and experience, building empathy and compassion. In other words, it’s about growing our vibrant community.”

For details, go to https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/hellohornsby