Have a Go Day
For the past few years I’ve been coming to Perth in November for our Village Summit event. Each year, I have our local network of Village Professionals say to me ‘you must come to Have a Go Day.’
In 2024, I am pleased to say I made it!
Have a Go Day, is annual event held in Burswood Park that gets Western Australia’s seniors out for a day of free activities, socialising and health advice.
Part of Seniors Week in Perth, this year marked its 32nd year of bringing together tens of thousands of seniors from various backgrounds, all eager to engage with activities and resources that promote well-being, active lifestyles, and social connectivity.
The day did not disappoint. It was great to see the weaving together a diverse tapestry of entertainment, workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals.
There were more than 200 stalls on display, and a number of sector friends and colleagues in attendance. I was able to catch up with Matt Southgate, Swancare, Tracy, Juniper and Ron and Hank from WARA while visiting the event. They were so appreciative of the amount of visitors they had seen during the day and the beautiful weather.
Other stall holders were the likes of Amana Living, Baptistcare, unicare and plenty more.
Throughout the day, I had the chance to observe, and even participate in, activities designed to appeal to every interest. There were tai chi demonstrations, which drew a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers who eventually joined in, moving gracefully in synchrony. Prostate cancer had men doing exercises. These activities highlighted the importance of movement and the sheer joy of dance as a means of staying active and socially connected.
One of the aspects of Have a Go Day 2024 was the diversity of attendees. Conversations flowed easily as people mingled and swapped stories. I met a few individuals who shared tales of their life experiences, the new skills they had picked up in retirement, and their aspirations for further learning and community involvement. Their enthusiasm was infectious, a reminder of the power of shared interests in fostering connection.
There were moments of laughter as attendees competed in friendly lawn games and challenges. The stalls offering refreshments ensured that participants could savour light snacks, hydrating in between activities and pausing to take in the lively ambiance.
Attending Have a Go Day in 2024 was not just a personal experience; it was a reminder of the vibrant fabric of the senior community in Perth and beyond. The event reinforced the importance of creating spaces where seniors can explore new opportunities, maintain their independence, and enhance their quality of life through simple yet powerful interactions.
It’s a celebration that underscores how life remains full of possibility, whether one is exploring tai chi for the first time, learning about emerging tech, or simply sharing a smile with a fellow participant. This day truly exemplified what it means to stay connected, active, and ready to ‘have a go’.
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