A lightbulb moment
Boronia resident Marie Everett’s biography details some of the diverse skills she learnt over the years.
They include mustering stock and shearing sheep, harvesting wheat and hay, driving buses and semis, working in operating theatres, playing bagpipes, learning to ride a motorbike at 58 and that "new techno stuff called computers".
The former Naval Petty Officer and registered nurse has experienced a rich and varied life, which led her to start recording her own story.
"I decided I’d sit down and write my biography and I found it extremely therapeutic," Marie says. "It’s really lovely going back over your memories and photos. That was what got me into writing biographies for others. When you start going, it just starts flooding back."
In retirement, she became a biography volunteer with Eastern Palliative Care, writing the life stories of patients for about eight years.
At 77, Marie’s quest for something new led her to join the Knox Bright Ideas Network, which brings together residents, community groups, local businesses and Council officers to provide a voice for those aged over 55.
She learnt of the network through a guest speaker presenting to the Knox and District Over 50s social club of about 160 members.
"A speaker from the Bright Ideas Network came out to our social club and I thought, great, Council’s onto something here," Marie says.
"I was on a fact-finding mission when I joined because I wanted to see what is out there, what is available for people. It’s amazing how many people don’t know what Knox has got going for the senior age group. I just think there’s so much that’s being done for the over 50 age group and it’s great."
More than 31% of our city’s population is made up of people over the age of 55.
Since 2016, the network has provided an opportunity for over 55s to meet, share ideas, and work on events, projects and issues that are important. It has provided input to strategic documents and delivered several community projects, including exhibitions about active ageing and housing, and an ongoing photographic display.
Residents, community groups and local businesses who support older people are welcome to attend the network’s monthly meetings.
Council is committed to supporting over 55s to remain active and socially connected by offering a mix of activities, workshops and events throughout the year.
The Knox Over 55s Zest4Life program, offers a range of free and low-cost events and activities to support people to remain active and socially connected within Knox. Activities include music, entertainment, lunches, gardening, bus outings, information sessions, exercise classes, author talks and trivia events.
For details about Bright Ideas Network, Zest4Life programs or other active ageing information, call our Program Lead Social Connections on 9298 8828 or email [email protected].
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