Darwin Seniors Expo

EACH YEAR, THE Council of the Aging NT (COTA) Darwin Seniors Expo brings thousands of community members together to have a yarn and support one another in navigating one of life’s most important stages.

^{By Jenna Hoare}

Heading into its ninth year, the Seniors Expo has grown from around 25 exhibitors to more than 100 local organisations, businesses and service providers giving face-to-face advice to the community.

COTA CEO Sue Shearer says the day is much more than an expo, having evolved as the perfect morning for seniors to socialise alongside an event that is for anyone at any stage in their lives seeking individual or family support in aged services.

“You’re never too young or too old to prepare for your advancing years. It’s amazing how people get to 70 or 80 and think, ‘oh gosh, I should do this’. Besides seeing what’s available in the Expo’s health area, in the activity area and many other areas, it’s a really good way to relax and catch up in a very safe environment,” she says.

“There [are] private booths for each stallholder, with seating available for people as they make their way through the Expo.”

Attendees are treated to morning tea with barista coffee, and Bunnings offers a free sausage sizzle on the day.

“There's a lot on offer for younger people who have yet to start thinking about a personal plan, or have parents or grandparents to think about,” Shearer says.

“If you have a family member who lives alone, they can get a medical alarm, and we have personal safety alarms available, too. We also have activities to help with mobility. We offer Tai Chi, armchair aerobics, and Pilates to keep seniors moving.”

You may be in the early stages of navigating the aged care system and need advice on where to start or find that you’re ready to register with a service provider. While the Expo is created for seniors in mind and is highly accessible, Shearer says everyone can benefit from attending, with around 3,000 people making their way through the doors last year.

"If you want to park downstairs, there’s a lift to bring you up. People with walkers and wheelchairs can go straight out to the terrace, sit down, have morning tea, or wander around.”

So, take your fam and friends or head along solo for a social cuppa at this year’s Darwin Seniors Expo.

WHEN SAT 29 JUN | 10AM-2PM 
AT SITZLER NETBALL CENTRE 
COST FREE 
INFO cotant.org.au