Seniors Festival 2026 – wildlife friendly gardens, travel photography, Crows Nest history and more

Forget about the stresses of daily life and join us for a fun, relaxing and therapeutic morning of knitting. Enjoy catching up over a complementary cup of tea or coffee, sharing news and stories, gossiping and yes, we get some knitting in as well. Wool and needles are provided, or you are welcome to bring your own. If you don’t know how to knit, we’ll get you started.

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Indoor bowling at the Crows Nest Centre is a relaxing and social activity that can be played all year round. It doesn’t matter whether you have experience or not. We welcome anyone keen to join us for a bit of fun, socialising and the opportunity to exercise the body and mind. Enjoy a complementary cuppa, a chat and some light exercise.

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Discover how staying active can help maintain strong bones, muscles and balance as we age. Learn some simple, safe exercises that reduce the risk of falls and make everyday activities easier. Presented by Andrew Fisher, a Master Personal Trainer (level 3) with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

Improve your strength, balance and co-ordination, increase mobility and reduce your risk of falls. Standing, seated and floor bodyweight movements with resistance band, dumbbell, med ball and kettlebell work for strength and mobility. Facilitated by Andrew Fisher, a Master Personal Trainer (level 3) with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

What’s in the news is a lively discussion about topical news stories. From the middle east to the rise of artificial intelligence to the mushroom murder trial, nothing is off the table.

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The suburb of Crows Nest takes its name from the cottage/farm established by Edward Wollstonecraft in 1821. In recent times however, the pressure of transport and housing development is dramatically changing the suburb. North Sydney Council historian Dr Ian Hoskins explores the history of Crows Nest from pre-colonial times to the present.

Stack your tiles! Come and play mahjong – the Chinese game of skill, strategy, calculation and luck. Developed by the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), mahjong has become increasingly popular in Australia and world-wide since the early 20^th century.

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Have you ever played canasta? It’s a versatile, social and fun card game, typically played in small groups. Whether you have played before or are new to the game, come and deal yourself in.

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Discover how bushland regeneration helps restore habitats and how you can create your own wildlife-friendly garden, with free support from North Sydney Council’s Native Havens Program. Find out what animals’ citizen scientists have recorded in the local area and learn how you can support the natural environment through volunteering. Hear from local experts – North Sydney Council Bushland Officers Karina Hanemann and Andrew Scott.

Join us for a lively Double Jeopardy games morning filled with fun trivia, friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Test your knowledge, connect with others and enjoy an engaging social activity.

Practised in China for over 2000 years, Qigong is a gentle yet effective exercise that supports the body’s natural energy (Qi). Learn slow, controlled movements that can improve circulation, balance, strength and mental clarity, as well as help reduce stress. Presented by Blaise Beach, a highly experienced instructor with over 35 years experience in martial arts and internal energy practices.

Improve your balance, increase your strength and reduce your risk of falls. It doesn’t matter if you are unfit, or you have never done an exercise class before. Exercises will be progressive and supported if you have reduced mobility and stability. Facilitated by Andrew Fisher, a Master Personal Trainer (level 3) with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

Find out about dementia, how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease and the lifestyle factors that may influence our risk. Learn what we can do to support brain health, based on current research into ageing, cognition and social connection. Presented by Dr Nikki-Anne Wilson, lecturer at the UNSW School of Psychology and Research Fellow in the Australian Ageing Futures Institute. Dr Wilson’s work aims to improve our understanding of how social interaction supports brain health.

Join Alfonso Calero, an accomplished professional photographer, for a visual journey through the Philippines. Through captivating stories and breathtaking photographs, Alfonso brings the country’s landscapes, culture and everyday living to life. A relaxed and inspiring session celebrating travel, storytelling and the power of photography. Alfonso specialises in people and places with a strong focus on landscapes in rural areas, street portraits and night scapes in urban areas.

Join us for a fun and nostalgic celebration featuring a live DJ, retro decorations and vibrant lighting, bringing back the sounds of 70s. Enjoy great music, social connection and a lively atmosphere as our finale to this year’s Seniors Festival. Along with the music and dancing, we’re offering a delicious lunch, with the opportunity and encouragement to work off those extra calories on the dance floor.