‘Talking about your generation’ documentary to conclude Seniors Month
Published on 22 October 2024
Northern Grampians Shire seniors will conclude a month of celebrations in their honour by watching a documentary that explores community themes while supporting connections across generations.
Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Thrive 50-plus Healthy Ageing Hubs and Northern Grampians Libraries teams will screen ‘Talking about your generation’ in St Arnaud and Stawell on October 31.
The community is invited to attend the screenings at Stawell or St Arnaud library branches from 10.30am to noon.
Council chief executive Brent McAlister said the documentary screenings, featuring shire residents, was a perfect way to end Seniors Month activities in the municipality.
Mr McAlister watched the documentary alongside Stawell Secondary College students and teachers last week.
“Everyone involved in this fantastic project deserves to be commended and if you haven’t seen it, I recommend you get along to Stawell or St Arnaud library on Thursday next week,” he said.
The documentary was funded by a VicHealth grant to elevate youth voices in the community, along with Western Victorian Primary Health Network money to explore the benefits of intergenerational work for older people in the shire.
“At first glance the goals and focus of these two grants seemed polar opposites - certainly opposite ends of the age spectrum,” Mr McAlister said.
“However, the more our project teams delved into the needs of the different generations, the more they discovered these objectives - and the means of achieving them – were, in fact, very similar.
“People at every stage of life deserve to have their voices heard and to feel valued. They deserve to live in a community where they feel included in everyday life.
“We all need connection to people and activities to thrive.”
Mr McAlister said the ‘Talking about your generation’ project provided opportunities for different generations to connect.
The documentary showcases stories and themes through an intergenerational lens, giving young people and older people a voice.
“It also provided the participants with an opportunity to get to know each other throughout the process,” Mr McAlister said.
“It enabled them to share knowledge, experiences, wisdom, new ideas and beliefs while challenging any age-related stereotypes.”
Mr McAlister thanked Stawell and St Arnaud secondary colleges for throwing their support behind the project.
“The documentary screenings are the final activity in an action-packed calendar put together by our Thrive 50-plus Healthy Ageing Hubs, Community Care and libraries teams,” he said.
“With live performances, active opportunities, digital learning classes – many of them free of charge – there was truly something for everyone.
“Our seniors are a vital and valued part of our shire and we have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate them and their contributions.”