Now re-emerging from a brief closure due to COVID orders Mosman Square Seniors Centre will mark a major milestone this August: a quarter of a century as an integral part of the Mosman community.
Officially opened on 26 August 1995, over the past 25 years the Centre has become a vital social hub for Mosman residents and visitors aged 55 and over, as well as their family members and carers. It now operates 36 different programs and services, with the assistance of almost 200 volunteers.
The Centre's usual programming includes a wide variety of activities that focus on fun, socialising, and health and wellness. They include special annual events, a community restaurant, art classes, exercise classes, technology workshops, dancing, walking groups, excursions and discussion groups. The Centre also coordinates and hosts a popular program for the annual NSW Seniors Festival.
In more recent years the Centre has been extensively renovated to further improve accessibility, amenities and audio-visual tools. Last year it was visited by almost 25,000 older residents, at an average of 2,000 per month. The transport service provided more than 5,000 trips, the community restaurant served almost 3,500 meals, and Mosman Meals delivered 13,800 meals.
During the height of New South Wales' COVID restrictions earlier this year the Centre was required to close to the public, although Council continued to deliver critical support services for elderly and more vulnerable isolated residents, including Community Transport, home-delivered Mosman Meals, and a Home Bound telephone support service.
The 25th anniversary comes just after the Centre has reopened its doors, and is progressively resuming programs and services, in accordance with public health orders.
Local residents and visitors have welcomed the Centre's reopening, and an initial Winter activity schedule that includes Tai Chi, art classes, Qi Gong, movie club, and discussion groups. In accordance with current health guidelines and the Centre's safety plan, numbers for activities are limited and pre-booking is essential. Interested visitors can call 9978 4128 to book for an activity.
