Seniors' and recreation programs
Brisbane City Council encourages seniors to try new activities or master familiar ones with seniors' programs.
- Growing older doesn’t mean that you have to sit on the sidelines. Head out for a Growing Older and Living Dangerously (GOLD) activity, learn something new and make some new friends
- Council recognises the important role that grandparents play in most children’s lives so we’ve included Gold’n’Kids for kids aged four years and over, and their grandparents to enjoy together. Look for the activities labelled GnK
- The 50 Plus Centre is open to south east Queensland residents over 50 years of age, pensioners and benefit receivers (excluding unemployment benefits). Events are held in the Sherwood Room, City Hall, King George Square, between Adelaide and Ann Streets in Brisbane City. There are a range of classes and social activities to suit everyone.
Related activites
- If you’re longing to stretch your legs, slip into your sneakers and stride through the suburbs safely, Council’s Gonewalking program is for you. With more than 80 free walks being held across the suburbs of Brisbane every week, you can enjoy getting into shape while meeting new friends
- Every week, at more than 50 local parks across Brisbane, residents are enjoying mostly free activities as part of Council’s Active Parks program. The activities encourage improved well being, better health, personal interaction and enhanced skills
Library services for seniors
Council's libraries provide quiet reading spaces and lounge areas.
Large print books and audio books on cassette and CD-ROM are available. There are collections about topics of interest to seniors, including retirement and financial planning, gardening, and fiction titles by popular authors.
Council libraries offer seniors the opportunity to:
- sign up for free internet training courses
- join a book club or book talk
- take part in a senior club
- become a member of a writing club
- enjoy informational talks and entertainment, especially for seniors
- use the online catalogue - eLibCat - to look up titles and subjects of interest, place holds, locate items, and find out what's on and what's new
- gain new skills using eLibCat's online tutorials
Library catalogue and events
Waste collection (rubbish bins)
Find out how to organise an in-home bin collection service for people with special needs. To arrange an application phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Good Neighbour Clean Up Project
The Good Neighbour Clean-Up Project is to provide a voluntary refuse transport service for those who are disadvantaged in the community. The target group consists of those who, due to disability or frail age, have no access to transporting rubbish that is over and above normal wheelie bin service, to Council tips/transfer stations. For more information or to register phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Rates remissions (discounts)
A rates remission is available for owner occupiers and pensioners. A pensioner must hold a current Queensland Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, a Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card or a Veteran Affairs Gold Card to qualify for a pensioner remission.
Dog registration rebates
You are entitled to a rebate on your dog registration if:
- the dog is desexed
- you hold a current Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
- you hold a Veterans' Affairs Repatriation Health Card (for all conditions)
- you are a current member of either the Canine Control Council of Queensland or the Greyhound Racing Control Board of Queensland
Immunisation
Brisbane City Council provides pneumococcal and influenza immunisation for seniors at City Hall during the flu season.
Senior Superstar
The search is on yet again to discover the wealth of talent Brisbane seniors have to offer.
All performers are welcome, including:
- singers
- dancers
- musicians
- magicians
- variety acts
If you think you've got what it takes and are over 50, get your act together and register now. Auditions run from 7 May to 3 August 2008.
Pick up a registration form from Council libraries, participating clubs or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Seniors' week
Activities are held across Brisbane during seniors' week for all generations to enjoy together. Seniors' week usually occcurs in August of each year. Information about Council events will be available closer to the time by phoning 07 3403 8888. Information about the State Government senior's week 
events can can be obtained by phoning the Seniors Enquiry Line on 3224 2625 or 1300 132 654.
Seniors' Advocacy, Information and Legal Service
If you're over the age of 60 and experiencing, or at risk of, domestic (non-spousal) or family violence, contact the Seniors' Advocacy, Information and Legal Service . It is a legal and social work initiative of Caxton Legal Centre.
The service provides:
- advice and information on how to respond to abuse, such as intimidation and harassment
- assistance in planning to prevent abuse
- limited counselling and legal representation
Transport
- Council Cab service - organises shared taxis, at scheduled times, for residents who find it difficult to get to their local shops
- Discount Travel is offered to those who hold a Council issued Senior Citizen Bus Permit, Queensland Seniors Card Pension Concession Card (PCC) or Gold Treatment Entitlement Card - Entitlement
Other Seniors information and services
- Drought fact sheets and download Safe gardening tips - for information on safe gardening and water restrictions
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Brisbane Seniors Online website . Brisbane Seniors Online (BSOL) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation set up to help the over fifties navigate the maze of computers and the internet. Their mission is to provide seniors of the Greater Brisbane Area with computer literacy and support whilst promoting social and recreational activities
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Seniors Enquiry Line . Seniors Enquiry Line is a statewide information and referral service. For the cost of a local call, Seniors Enquiry Line gives Queensland seniors, their family, friends, grandparents and carers access to information on topic of interest to seniors
