More than 100 people attend Loddon Shire’s Seniors Festival Gala Day
Published on 16 October 2023
Perfect weather provided the ideal backdrop for Loddon Shire’s annual Victorian Seniors Festival Gala Day last week, with more than 100 seniors attending a luncheon and concert at Boort Memorial Hall.
Featuring the music and voice of the talented Lonnie Lee, the Festival Gala Day, held on 10 October, also saw volunteers discuss the Red Cross Emergency RediPlan with the audience.
Council’s Director Community Wellbeing Wendy Gladman said the award-winning and internationally recognised disaster preparedness guide is designed to help people and households prepare for emergencies.
“The RediPlan activity at the Seniors Festival Gala Day is part of Council’s community recovery program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments,” Mrs Gladman said.
“Our seniors at the gala day appreciated the information provided and the opportunity to take a RediPlan booklet home and prepare for any future emergency that may occur.
“As emphasised by Red Cross on the day, emergencies don’t just include major natural disasters like fires or floods,” Mrs Gladman added.
“A fall in the home resulting in an unexpected hospital stay, a car accident, or serious illness can also cause significant disruption and add stress to your life.”
According to the Red Cross, one in three Australians will experience an emergency or the threat of an emergency in their lifetime. More than one in five families will be impacted by an insurable event in their working lives.
Additionally, 65 per cent of people will experience a traumatic event in their lifetimes (vehicle accident, violent assault, workplace accident).
After an emergency, more than 80 per cent of people affected will recover well without prolonged distress and without the event significantly impacting their mental health.
Community members who would like a copy of the RediPlan booklet can call Council’s Flood Recovery Team on 5494 1200.
Copies are also available from the Red Cross website.