Village Hub members Barry Watkins, Jackie Hinds and Robert Nelson are encouraging people to join a social cycling group.
Camera IconVillage Hub members Barry Watkins, Jackie Hinds and Robert Nelson are encouraging people to join a social cycling group. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey.

Victoria Park Village Hub keeping older residents connected, active

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

CONNECT Victoria Park is expanding its services to help people aged over 55 live healthy and active lives.

The Town of Victoria Park voted last year to give the organisation $50,000 of funding between 2018 and 2020 to create a Village Hub.

The concept comes from Beacon Hill, close to Boston in the US, where a small group of older adults got together in the late 1990s to discuss ways to keep living in the area they loved as they got older and needed more support for daily tasks.

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Among the services is a social cycling group created by Village Hub member Robert Nelson, which runs on Mondays at 10am.

Mr Nelson said people were invited to hop on their bikes, cycle around the area and enjoy some company, a chat and a cuppa.

“The idea is not to race or push ourselves, just to keep moving, enjoy the great outdoors and meet each other on a regular basis,” he said.

In addition to the cycling group, members have access to physical activities such as Ballroom Fit, Tai Chi and weekly gardening and walking groups.

The Village Hub is also promoting monthly information sessions to help members in their wellness journey, including sessions on about improving sleep on June 7 and assistive technology on July 12.

In partnership with East Victoria Park’s PDC Medical Centre, the Hub organised a free flu vaccine clinic in early May to get members protected before the winter season.

Call 9361 2904, email village@connectvictoriapark.org for more information about the services.

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