Sunbury Seniors was first established around 1963 definitely the heyday for senior citizens clubs! As many of you would be aware, senior citizens clubs have long been a cornerstone of community life, providing a space for older adults to socialize, engage in various activities and support one another. These clubs all embraced a similar mission …  to address the unique needs of retirees. Similarly to Sunbury Seniors some still do it very well by offering companionship and a sense of belonging. However, I would be telling fibs if I didn’t admit here that Sunbury Seniors along with many other senior citizens clubs in recent years have encountered several issues that has tarnished their image and led to a decline in popularity.

Today, senior citizens clubs are often perceived as old-fashioned and unappealing to the modern retiree. This image problem stems from the traditional activities often associated with senior citizens clubs, such as bingo and card games and carpet bowls, which may not resonate with today's more dynamic and diverse senior population.

Realistically, the interests and backgrounds of seniors have become increasingly varied. Today's retirees are more likely to seek activities that align with their personal preferences and lifestyles, which may not always be reflected in the offerings of a traditional senior citizens club. I would argue now that we’re definitely no longer “traditional” … LOL! I elaborate on this further down, so keep reading!

The emergence of alternative organizations in Sunbury, which I hasten to add is not a bad thing, such as Probus, U3A, the RSL, retirement villages, CWA, Rotary, church groups and neighbourhood houses, local Council and allied community health activities and a few more, has siphoned off and certainly reduced potential members.

The old and traditional model of Sunbury Seniors meant that it was operating on a limited budget for many years, relying heavily on volunteer efforts and donations. I have no doubt this financial constraint hindered the ability to offer diverse and higher quality programs, further diminishing its appeal.

Even pre-Covid, with a very diminished membership and the Club on the point of collapse, it was obvious there was an urgent need to address these challenges and revamp the image and appeal of Sunbury Seniors. So what have we been up to?

• We’ve modernised our activities and programs. We’re now including a wider variety of interests and hobbies including an arts and crafts group, a Texas Holdem card group, jigsaw puzzles, board games, regular guest speakers, running carpet bowls tournaments, providing a free monthly lunch and regular freshly brewed coffee and tea. We have recently attracted new younger members who are interested in classic cars.

• We’ve collaborated with other local organisations and businesses, government at all levels and health care providers to provide fresh and engaging content.

• We’ve enhanced our marketing and outreach. We’ve printed pamphlets, purchased signage, utilised social media [Facebook], local newspapers and local radio. We’ve created a website and distribute a quarterly Newsletter.  All this is so that the as many people as possible can help spread the word about the revamped Sunbury Seniors and its many benefits. But by far the most powerful source of our marketing has been word of mouth including personal testimonials and success stories.

• We’ve thought long and hard for “out of the box” solutions about how to attract volunteers and come up with some innovative results.

• We’ve worked on making Sunbury Seniors accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. This has been crucial and again, I am pleased to report that we are now offering transportation services and accommodating different needs to make Sunbury Seniors more welcoming, more culturally diverse and inclusive.

• Without funding, and limited volunteers, a not-for-profit organization will find it difficult to operate. To address this, we have pursued grants, sought funding and support from various local sources and engaged in fundraising initiatives.

• We’ve gone to great lengths to highlight the social and health benefits of participating in Sunbury Seniors’ activities. Promoting the positive impact on mental and physical well-being, as well as the opportunities for building lasting friendships and support networks, has helped shift perceptions and attracted new members.

• But by far the most exciting development is that our original Clubrooms, the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre in Oshanassy Street, Sunbury is being rebuilt. The support from Councillors of Hume City Council and our local State Member, Josh Bull MP has been instrumental in this transformative journey.  I have no doubt the new building will be a beacon of hope and togetherness for our senior community. This facility is poised to offer state-of-the-art amenities that cater specifically to the needs and interests of our members, from modern leisure spaces to accessibility features designed to ensure everyone feels comfortable and included. I need to add, Sunbury Seniors is dedicated to making this new centre not just a meeting place, but a second home for our seniors. With these developments, Sunbury Seniors is not just surviving but thriving, setting a benchmark for senior communities everywhere.

As I write this, I am pleased to report we have 52 active members whose ages range from 65 to 95!

By addressing these challenges, we have absolutely revitalised our image, thus expanding our membership. We are confident we have once again become a valuable community hub for older adults.

Why not give us a try? Feel free to drop in to our temporary home at Sunbury Community Centre, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury for that free freshly brewed no obligation cup of coffee or tea We’re open from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Mondays and Fridays. You may be presently surprised!

Warm regards

Louise Zambello
President

Playing Texas Holdem is a serious business!