Seniors celebrate life and travel free during BankWest Seniors Week

13/10/06
Seniors throughout Western Australia are being urged to have a go, get active and celebrate life as BankWest Seniors Week celebrates its 21st birthday with more than 200 community events State-wide.
Organised by the Office for Seniors' Interests and Volunteering, BankWest Seniors Week, which runs from October 22-29, is an annual celebration of active ageing and is keenly anticipated by seniors around WA.
In addition to the many and varied community events taking place throughout the State, OSIV has organised a bumper program of major events designed to celebrate ageing and reflect the enormous involvement that older people have in all facets of WA life.
Seniors' Minister David Templeman urged seniors to attend as many events as they could by taking advantage of free travel for holders of WA Seniors SmartRiders during Seniors Week on all Transperth bus, train and ferry services in the metropolitan area, and all regional bus services in Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland during BankWest Seniors Week.
Mr Templeman said in the 21 years since BankWest Seniors Week began, there had been a considerable shift in the lifestyles of seniors which had challenged common stereotypes on ageing.
"Older people are now leading increasingly active, healthy lifestyles," he said.
"They are far more involved in their local communities through voluntary work, social, recreational and educational activities, and in many cases they are choosing to remain longer in the workforce.
"I am delighted to see so many organisations and community groups in WA embracing this 21st anniversary of BankWest Seniors Week. It promises to be a week to remember."
Throughout the week, seniors could explore the many exciting landmarks, eateries and picturesque sights of Perth and Fremantle through the 'Seniors in the City CAT Trails' which utilised Transperth's free CAT bus service.
Many businesses and organisations along the routes would be offering free tours and holding special activities.
Older people could also enjoy a cuppa, a biscuit and the magnificent view from Level 46 of the BankWest Tower, which was normally closed to the public, daily from 10am-3pm.
The South West Seniors Expo would be held in the South West Sports Centre at Hay Park, Bunbury on October 22-23.
The APIA Great Walk would take in the idyllic route from Point Walter to Fremantle at 10am on October 24, and Burswood Park would host the 15th Have-a-Go Day, organised by the Seniors Recreation Council, on October 25.
This would include a mass laughter workshop, 'The Big Giggle' at 9.50am and all seniors are encouraged to attend as laughter was accepted as playing a vital role in alleviating depression.
Also on October 25, Kalamunda would host its annual Seniors' Expo, and Fremantle Town Hall would host a tea dance on the afternoon of October 27.
In an added bonus for holders of a WA Seniors SmartRider, they would be able to travel absolutely free on all Transperth bus, train and ferry services in the metropolitan area, and all regional bus services in Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland during BankWest Seniors Week.
"For seniors in the metropolitan area, just remember to tag on at the beginning of your journey and tag off at the end, and you can enjoy the benefits of free travel for the entire week," Mr Templeman said.
"In the country, just show the driver the Seniors Card side of your Seniors SmartRider.
"So why not use your Seniors SmartRider to attend as many BankWest Seniors Week events as you can, and make this 21st anniversary one to remember?"
Copies of the BankWest Seniors Week events guide will be available in all BankWest outlets in the week prior to Seniors Week, and can also be obtained by logging on to http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
BankWest Seniors Week is an initiative of the Office for Seniors' Interests and Volunteering and proudly sponsored by BankWest, Skywest, The Senior, Have-a-Go News, Woolworths, Channel 7, 882 6PR, The Sunday Times, St Louis Estate Claremont Continuing Health Care, Council on the Ageing Western Australia.
Minister's office - 9220 5050