It made me stop and think that when we’re out and about getting on with our busy lives, we take for granted community gems that are worth appreciating and using to enrich our lives.

I enjoyed watching some great swimming contests at the recent Twilight Meet at the Kempsey McElhone Memorial Pool.

While there a visitor from a neighbouring town – not realising who I was – praised our local pool for its fantastic facilities and surrounds.

I heard similar compliments made about Riverside Park and Kempsey Library for the quality of the services and amenities provided for residents and visitors to our valley to enjoy.

Being healthy is the first of the four goals set out in our Community Strategic Plan that we as a community want to achieve. It’s important for our personal and community health and well-being to take time to relax and socialise.

Our recreational reserves located near our spectacular beaches and hinterland, our four swimming pools and libraries, along with our parks and playgrounds are there for our residents to enjoy and connect with others in our community.

NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL

This year’s Seniors Festival theme – ‘Let’s do more together’ – supports our goals of socialising and connecting with others to stay healthy, especially as we grow older.

Council has fun activities planned for the Seniors Festival being held over the next two weeks. Seniors can come along to the Kempsey Library to brush up on your computer skills or take a yoga class, or if you’re feeling creative, join the ‘Dear Doilies’ stencil art workshops being hosted by artist, Lucy Pascale.

The Seniors Festival is a time to show our appreciation for what seniors contribute to our lives and our community.

It is also an opportunity to encourage all seniors to be active, independent and healthy by spending time with others.