Australia’s Largest Seniors’ Expo

Australia’s largest MP-organised seniors’ expo was held on the Gold Coast on July 19. More than ten thousand people visited Runaway Bay Sports Centre, which had become a temporary concert hall and the site of 120 stalls for seniors’ service providers and facilities.

The Hon MP Stuart Robert said he organised the expo to provide easy access to seniors’ services.

“This year it’s all about wellness: financial wellness, health and safety, spiritual wellness, mental wellness. We do it as a service. Because for most people, when they get later in years, it’s difficult to find access to all the services.

So we bring 120 service providers all into one room, so that everyone can go along at their pace in their time and get the information they need.”

 

Vision and hearing providers, financial advisors, nutrition products, women’s and men’s groups, and the over-65s community radio station 4CRB were some of the services present.

Sue and Wayne Taylor were waiting outside for coffees from the coffee van. They said the expo had made them aware of services they hadn’t known about.

“It’s quite informative, you know, letting you know about free yoga classes and health issues and support if you need support in the home down the track,” Sue said.

The program also included speakers, an indoor concert, a lucky door prize drawn by Mr Robert, and free morning tea and lunch.

Mr Robert encouraged more of such events across Australia.

“Every MP should do this, put on something like this, as it’s a key community outreach,” Mr Robert said.