October 13th, 2021Ageing (Dis)gracefully at Hepburn House

THE Convent Gallery is proving a popular meeting place for Hepburn House’s LGBTIQ initiative Ageing (Dis)gracefully.
It all started when Hepburn House’s general manager Dianne Jones applied for a state government grant after the aged care facility’s LGBTIQ committee realised there was a need for more social interaction in the community.
Convenor is Carmel Dennehy-Yardy, a former teacher who has worked in the mainstream system along with in a youth centre in Maribyrnong, who moved to the region with her husband three years ago.

“Ageing (Dis)gracefully is designed for the elders (and not so elderly!) of the community, who are perhaps feeling isolated, especially with Covid,” she said. “We are meeting regularly on Thursday mornings at the Convent Gallery, thanks to the wonderful Tina, and have also already held a few outings to places like Castlemaine. It’s all about being social and having fun.”

Glenlyon resident Max Primmer, who has become a bit of a poster boy for the program, said other outings were being planned as soon as lockdown ended with trips to Kyneton, Castlemaine and Tylden all on the agenda.
“It is really important for people to be able to mark their calendars with things to do. And it is just an outlet for people to talk to like-minded people, maybe make friends and seeing people outside of this group as well.
“We are really thrilled we got the funding and we hope we can show how popular it is and get some future funding as well.”
For anyone keen to take part, call Carmel on 0456 889 431.
And while Covid limits are currently 10 people indoors, no-one will be turned away, with another sitting or venue arranged if necessary.
Hepburn House acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

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