The power of staying connected this Seniors Month
Published 01 October 2026
- October 1 marks the beginning of Queensland Seniors Month.
- Seniors Month celebrates the contribution older adults make to our community.
- Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a great opportunity to take the time to connect with an older person and hear their story.
For Moreton Bay volunteers Ian Hunter and Michelle Whitfield, getting older hasn't meant stepping away from their communities. Instead, they’re using decades of experience to connect with the next generation and share their knowledge.
As Queensland Seniors Month celebrates the contribution older people make to their communities, the two volunteers said giving their time has brought them connection, purpose and a sense of belonging.
For Kumbartcho Sanctuary volunteer Ian, it’s about more than giving back.
The 73-year-old has given his time to the sanctuary for three years and said he first discovered it when he and his wife visited the nursery looking for plants.
“When we saw what they were doing and how they worked with young people and visitors, we thought, ‘Wow, that’s great. Something I’d be interested in’,” Ian said.
"I have great fun with the volunteers that are here, and I have great fun working with the older people, the young ones and their parents who visit.”
A retired teacher of more than 35 years, Ian said volunteering had also given him an opportunity to continue using the skills he developed throughout his career.
"The good thing about here is I'm still using some of those skills that I learned as an educator, working with others and connecting with them.”
Osprey House Environmental Centre volunteer Michelle has lived in the City of Moreton Bay her whole life and said getting older had given her the opportunity to pass her knowledge on to others.
“It's just nice to share the knowledge, particularly with the children. They're like little sponges. They really want to know everything about anything,” she said.
“It's such a privilege to be able to answer their questions and give them that bit of encouragement to keep going.”
While both volunteers enjoy sharing their knowledge with younger generations, they said staying connected was just as important for seniors.
“Connection with other seniors is very valuable because you're with people who are on the same journey, who are able to understand and support each other in the ups and downs of life at our age,” Ian said.
“One of the challenges of aging for some may be loneliness and losing your connections with other people. Being at Kumbartcho has taught me that taking small steps each day to stay connected with others and with nature is the best medicine.”
Michelle said staying involved in the community was important at every stage of life.
"Too often people sort of live in their own little bubble, and really, community is what it's all about, keeping an eye out for each other,” she said.
“Connect with people and connect with nature.”
City of Moreton Bay libraries and museums are helping seniors stay active through a range of workshops and classes designed to foster social connection and community participation.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the activities were designed to bring older residents together in a fun and welcoming environment.
“During Seniors Month, our museums and libraries are offering a range of activities designed to support wellbeing and help older adults stay active and engaged in our community,” he said.
“Our senior community contributes so much through volunteering, mentoring and sharing their life experience. We can all learn from their wisdom, and I encourage everyone to take the time to connect with an older person and hear their story.”
Find Seniors Month activities offered by City of Moreton Bay.
For more information on City of Moreton Bay volunteer opportunities, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Council/Volunteers.