General News
25 April, 2023
Seminar a first for all our seniors
Making life easier for seniors and their families is the purpose of a seminar planned for Horsham. Managing the Twilight Years, the initiative of Horsham Combined Probus Club, is a day event planned for over 55s on Wednesday May 10. The seminar is...
Making life easier for seniors and their families is the purpose of a seminar planned for Horsham.
Managing the Twilight Years, the initiative of Horsham Combined Probus Club, is a day event planned for over 55s on Wednesday May 10.
The seminar is open to people across the region with the speaker list including a former lawyer, an accountant, Grampians Health staff, Centrelink’s regional community engagement officer, undertaker Trevor Bysouth and a minister.
Topics for the day includes financing the next stage of life, moving dwellings, legal issues, Centrelink’s many programs, legal information needed before a funeral, manoeuvring financial arrangements, setting up Powers of Attorney and many other topics.
The committee believed this was the first time an event had attempted to tackle such a wide range of issues faced by ageing people.
Horsham Rural City Council has given $500 towards costs for the day.
A committee, led by Faye Smith, is organising the event, to be in Horsham Church of Christ from 9.30am to 3pm.
Mrs Smith said older people faced many issues as the years passed and as their circumstances altered.
“Often change happens suddenly, unexpectedly and can often be overwhelming,” she said.
“We feel this day will have inestimable value for those who attend.
“Too often we hear from people about serious issues they’ve faced and the trauma they’ve gone through after a death, serious illness or change of circumstances over which they have no control.
"We’re trying to make life easier for them – and their family."
Mrs Smith said the cost was just $5, which covered morning tea and lunch. because organisers did not want cost to deter people from attending.
"Each speaker will have half an hour, including a short question time," she said.
"This will keep the day flowing and interesting."
Leigh Hinch from Network Mobility will have furniture, aids and other items on show and for sale in the large foyer area.
Mrs Smith said it would also be a social occasion and allow exhibitors opportunity to showcase Wimmera organisations geared to older people.
There would also be opportunity for people to have private sessions with presenters.
"The venue has excellent facilities, is being offered to us at no cost by the church, has ample parking and excellent facilities for the disabled," she said.
"It also has equipment for the hearing impaired."
Mrs Smith urged people to register as soon as possible and before May 3 for catering purposes, by phoning or texting Mrs Smith on 0427 821 510, emailfayealisonsmith@gmail.com,or call Catherine Sellers on0417 339 219 or email persoos@gmail.com