Seniors' Information
Social Support and Recreation
Social Support and Recreation Access (SSARA) - for Seniors with support needs
The Social Support and Recreation Access (SSARA) worker assists residents of the City of Port Phillip who are over 55 years and have difficulty getting out to access and identify suitable activities.
She works collaboratively with you and your key support people to connect you with the activities you enjoy, enhance your independence and assist you to maintain or develop friendships and supports.
The SSARA worker also helps recreation providers modify their activities, or develop new ones which are more accessible and inclusive.
Up to date information on local activities is available, for example:
- A huge range of inclusive and accessible social and activity groups
- Exercise, health & wellbeing opportunities - including those suitable for frail older people or those with significant health or access issues
- Arts and performance groups - friendly low cost and fun
- Sports - including modified
- Music - workshops, choirs, concerts, gigs
- Adult learning opportunities - small groups and one on one
- Craft
- Special events
Residents of pension only supported residential services and recipients of City of Port Phillip’s Home and Community Care can access the service at any age.
For any queries or the SSARA service or to discuss your situation, arrange a home visit or to subscribe to our free bi-monthly newsletters contact the SSARA worker - Karen Watson on (03) 9209 6384.
Resources
Out & About Newsletter
Getting Out There Newsletter
Getting Out There Calendar (Print out on A3 paper, map goes on the back, fold to B6 (pocketsize) For free hardcopies ph: Karen Watson 9209 6384)
Map of City of Port Phillip with low cost activity venues
SSARA Fact sheet
Linking Neighbours Seniors Register and Friendly Neighbourhoods Project
The Linking Neighbours Project is a community safety and social inclusion project –a partnership between City of Port Phillip, Victoria Police St Kilda and a working group of local residents.
It combines a Seniors Register and a friendly neighbourhoods program, targeting people who are isolated, have support needs or are vulnerable in some way.
Residents can nominate to be on the Seniors Register, or to be a Linking Neighbour.
The Seniors Register is a database of details that can be accessed in an emergency. Once registered, the resident receives an ID card, a key ring and a fridge magnet with a number for calling in an emergency.
Linking Neighbours provide support to older people or people who have a disability living close by, (especially in times of a heatwave/emergency) or to the project itself. The Linking Neighbours role is flexible and dependent on what the resident is able to give and when/how they are able to give it.
The project progresses by neighbourhoods. Working groups of residents in each local ward meet to organise, fundraise for and facilitate free, inclusive and accessible events in their neighbourhoods. People on the Register and Linking Neighbours receive personalised letters advising them of “what’s on” and meet each other at these events.
For more information contact Michael Wood, (03 9209 6777 or Karen Watson (03) 9209 6384.
Linking Neighbours Community Register
The Community Register is for adults 18-55 who have a disability. (Residents over 55 with a disability please join the Seniors Register.)
The Community Register is a database of details that can be accessed in an emergency. Once registered, the resident receives an ID card, a key ring and a fridge magnet with an emergency number. They will also receive regular newsletters on low cost or free accessible activities both independent and supported by the Social Support and Recreation program and Joint Councils Access for All Abilities.
Those registered are welcome to call and receive advice about their specific interests and support needs. For more information contact Karen Watson (03) 9209 6384 or Michael Wood (03) 9209 6777.
Social Support Groups
Social Support provides recreational activities to residents of Port Phillip. A small contribution applies to assist with the cost of meals, transport and program activities. An assessment for program eligibility will then be conducted.
Social support groups consist of:
- Social groups for older people
- Arts, exercise and outdoor activities
- Social programs for those living in supported residential services
- Carer support groups and activities
Referrals may be made to the Social Support team leader or program development officer. To contact the program, telephone ASSIST on 9209 6777 or use eServices.
Cora Graves Community Centre
38 Blessington Street, St Kilda 3182
Telephone: (03) 9209 6738
Fax: (03) 9525 4763
Melways Ref. 58/B11
Hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
The Cora Graves Centre is located north of, and opposite to the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens, close to Barkly and Acland Street shops and transport. The centre is accessible to people with disabilities. Disabled parking is within walking distance of the Centre.
Public transport
- St Kilda Beach tram no's.16 and 96. Alight at the Terminus stop in Acland Street.
- Carnegie tram no. 67. Stop 32
- Glenferrie Road tram no. 69. Stop 32
- East Malvern tram no. 3. Stop 32
- St Kilda Community Bus stops 4 times a day in front of the Cora Graves Centre.
Social Support Brochure
For a full list of Social Support programs and activities, view the Social Support Brochure 2010.
Senior Citizens Clubs, Groups and Activities
Port Phillip Life Activities Club
Over 45? Too old for youth club but not yet ready for Senior Citizens? Why not join us?
For details, please visit: Port Phillip Life Activites Club
St Kilda & Elwood
Transport and assistance are also available for many activities by South Port Day Links (03) 9646 6362.
Betty Day Centre
67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Telephone: (03) 9209 6371,
Fax: (03) 9209 6717
Email: comfacil@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Melways Ref: 58/C9
Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00 pm
Public transport
- Tram routes no. 3, 67. Stop 33 St Kilda Road
- Tram routes no. 78, 79. Stop 27 Chapel Street
St Kilda Community Bus stops here six times daily (timetable available by ringing (03) 9209 6738). Limited street parking in Argyle Street. Extended parking in Bath Place behind the centre (accessed from Inkerman Street).
Activities program
- A three course meal comprising of soup, main course and dessert, is available weekdays between 12noon and 1pm at a cost of $7.25. Free tea and coffee is available all day.
- A TV and video are available as well as sound equipment for private listening and viewing.
| Day | Activity Details |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Polish Senior Club "Astry" 1.00pm - 4.00pm |
|
Wednesday |
Chair Based Gentle Exercise |
| Thursday |
Strength Training 11.00am - 12.00pm Cost $5.00, |
|
Friday |
Music & Singing morning 10.30am - 11.45am, Call: 9209 6716 or 9209 6738 |
Albert Park & Middle Park
Transport and assistance are also available for many activities by South Port Day Links (03) 9646 6362.
Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens Club
Address: 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Telephone: (03) 9699 4904
Learn For Yourself
Address: 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Telephone: (03) 9682 5390
U3A Port Phillip
Address: 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Telephone: (03) 96963495
E-mail : u3aportphillip@westnet.com.au
Website: U3A website
South Melbourne Gardening Club
3rd Wednesday evening of month at Mary Kehoe Community Centre
Call: (03) 96457490
| Day | Activity Details |
|---|---|
| Monday | Cards Solo 12.00pm - 3.00pm, call Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens (03) 9699 4904 |
| Tuesday | Cards Canasta, call Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens (03) 9699 4904 |
| Wednesday | Indoor bowls 1.30pm - 3.30pm, call Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens (03) 9699 4904 Gentle exercise 10.30am - 11.30am, call Learn for Yourself (03) 9682 5390 |
| Thursday | Bingo 1.00pm - 3.30pm, call Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens (03) 9699 4904 |
| Saturday | Cards Canasta, call Mary Kehoe Senior Citizens |
South Melbourne
Transport and assistance are also available for many activities by South Port Day Links (03) 9646 6362.
South Melbourne Senior Citizens Club
South Melbourne Trugo Club
Corner Park Street and Ferrars Place, South Melbourne.
Telephone: (03) 9699 9447 or 96905751
Melways Ref. 2J/B4
Public transport
- South Melbourne Beach tram no.1 & 2. Park Street stop (25 metres)
- St Kilda light rail no.96. Albert Park or South Melbourne stop (200 metres)
- St Kilda / South Melbourne Beach tram no.12. Stops 131, 132 on Albert Road (200 metres)
Activities and classes program at South Melbourne Community Centre
| Day | Activity Details |
|---|---|
| Monday | South Melbourne Greek Senior Citizens Club 1.00pm - 4:30pm Slimmers Group 6.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Tuesday | Tai Chi for Seniors 9.30am - 10.30am PMNH call (03) 96451476 Trugo 12.00pm - 4.00pm |
| Wednesday | Legacy Widows Monthly (2nd Wed. of Month) 10.00am - 12.00noon City of Voices Theatre group, rehearsal and workshop. 5.30pm - 7.30pm call (03) 9682 5390 |
| Thursday | Lemnian Greek Senior Citizen Centre 9.00am-12.30pm South Port Retired Persons Group 1.00pm - 4.00pm (pension week) "Golden Age" South Melbourne Russian Senior Citizens |
| Friday | Port Phillip Chinese Women's Assoc. - Lunch and Social Activities 10.30am - 2.00pm |
| Sunday | South Melb Greek Seniors Lunch, twice a month from 12.00pm to 4.00pm. |
Port Melbourne
Transport and assistance are also available for many activities by South Port Day Links 9646 6362.
Sandridge Senior Citizens and Trugo Club
1 Tucker Avenue, Garden City
Telephone: (03) 9209 6351
Fax: (03) 9646 0801
Melways Ref. 56/K2
Located in a leafy park, this one of three Trugo clubs located within the City of Port Phillip. Enquiries about Trugo, call: (03) 9646 6586 or (03) 96451085
Public transport
- Garden city bus (National Bus line)
- Port Melbourne tram 109, Graham Street stop
Plenty of parking available at the club.
Activity program
The club also hosts cards, Bingo and other special social events. Cards on Monday afternoon. Bingo on Tuesday afternoon. Trugo practice Wednesday and competition Thursday and play on other days.
Port Melbourne Senior Citizens and Trugo Club
219 Esplanade East,
Port Melbourne (Next to Edward's Reserve, between Liardet & Bridge Streets)
Telephone: (03) 9646 6584 or 9646 3689
Located on the edge of a park and playing fields and close to Bay Street shops, beach etc. The club meets daily for a range of activities including cards, bingo, pool table, Trugo and special events.
Public transport (National Bus)
- Garden City bus stop at Bridge Street or Liardet Street.
- St Kilda / Fishermans Bend bus (stop in Liardet Street)
Limited street parking in Esplanade East, other parking in Liardet Street.
Older Adult Fitness & Health Activities
- Improve muscular and bone strength
- General well-being
- Relax muscles
- Provide an opportunity for fun
- Improve mobility and balance
- Improve joint flexibility
Gentle Exercises Groups
Monday
- Sol Green Community Centre
Corner Montague & Coventry Streets,
South Melbourne
Time: 9:00am.
Telephone (03) PMNH 96451476
Tuesday
- Elwood Community Centre
63A Ormond Esplanade,
Elwood
Time: 9:15am.
Telephone: (03) PMNH 96451476 - Layfield Court
70 Victoria Avenue,
Albert Park
Time: 2:30pm
Telephone: (03) 9646 4413 - Tai Chi
South Melbourne
Time: 10:00am
Telephone: (03) PMNH 96451476
Wednesday
- Mary Kehoe Community Centre
Albert Park
Time: 10:30 am
Telephone (03) LFY 9682 5390 - Betty Day Community Centre
St Kilda
Time: 10:45am - Chair based
Telephone: (03) 92096738 or 92096716
Thursday
- Betty Day Community Centre
St Kilda
Time: 10:00am
Telephone: (03) 92096738 0r 92096716
Friday
- Liardet Community Centre
Crn Liardet and Nott St.
Port Melbourne
Time: 9:15am
Telephone: (03) PMNH 92096738 or 92096716 - South Melbourne Community Centre
Corner Park Street & Ferrars Place.
Time: 10:30am
Telephone: Learn for Yourself (03) 9682 5390
Inner South Community Health Services also offer classes. Telephone (03) 9690 9144 or (03) 9534 0981.
Water Exercises
St Kilda Swim Centre
97 Alma Road, St Kilda
Days: Tuesday and Friday
Time: 8:45am - 9:45am
Cost: $4.00
Telephone: (03) 9209 6716
Further Resources and Information
Office for Senior Victorians - http://www.seniors.vic.gov.au/
Committed to enhancing the quality of life of seniors by promoting positive ageing and encouraging the community to plan for an ageing population. Includes information on Recreation, Seniors Festival, Health, Services to Seniors and more.
Sport & Recreation Victoria - http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/sport/
A state government agency assisting sport, recreation and racing to enhance the lifestyle of all Victorians.
Seniors Information Victoria - http://www.cotavic.org.au/seniors
A free and confidential information and advisory service provided by Council on the Ageing (VIC) for older people, their relatives, friends and the wider community. Services include: housing options and choices including retirement villages, independent living units, hostels (low care facilities), supported residential services and nursing homes (high care facilities). Home based services and home maintenance, health and wellbeing, pensions and concessions, general information on legal and financial matters, lifelong learning opportunities, retirement, support services.
Life Activities Clubs Victoria - http://www.life.org.au/
If you are in the over 50s age group, this is the place to find information on developing and maintaining an active and enjoyable life style whether you are retired, nearing retirement or still in the work force.
Grassroots Networking Foundation - http://www.grassroots.org.au/
Provides affordable access to a full range of technology solutions that will encourage the development of an informed civil and democratic society. Many people do not have access to the tools that are essential to full participation in the information age. Koori's, the elderly, the financially disadvantaged, those with disabilities, and residents of some rural regions lack an affordable and accessible telecommunications services. Further, lack of access to affordable hardware, software and support is also an inhibitor to participation.
About Seniors - http://www.aboutseniors.com.au
Senior citizens, retirees, those about to retire, veterans, pensioners and carers will find this most comprehensive listing of information and links extremely valuable. Provided are links to Australian and State government departments, national and state associations, community service groups, aged care and retirement housing information, as well as to seniors lifestyle interests such as hobbies, sport, health, computing, finance and travel.
Contact Us or use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online or call Marg Moore directly (03) 9209 6223 for advice or referrals.
