About Us

Overview

Ipswich 60 and Better celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023! The program is funded by the Queensland Government. 60 and Better programs can be found in 22 other locations throughout Queensland from various Brisbane suburbs in the South to Thursday Island in the North and all the way to Charleville in the West. The program works well because it gives older people choices and opportunities to work together to improve their own health and the health of others.

The organisation is run BY older people FOR older people. The management team consists of eleven members from the Ipswich community. Our current president is Irene Strong.

Our Program Coordinator position is shared by Kerri Ann Lynch (10 hours) and Anne Bertram (10 hours).  Kerri’s and Anne’s experience, knowledge and skills go way beyond the call of duty.  Lea Ford is the Office Assistant supporting them in their roles and also bringing much expertise and skill to this role.

Did you know that our office is now located at Riverview and District Community Centre, 138 Old Ipswich Rd, Riverview,  it’s our new home and we look forward to you visiting us there.

What is it?

60 and Better is a healthy ageing program based on a philosophy of community development, which includes the principles of access, equity, rights and participation. This means working with communities, in this case older members of the community, to help them identify their physical, social and emotional health needs. It encourages community ownership of the program, with priorities for action determined by the program’s participants. The focus of the program is that it is a program run BY older people FOR older people. In May 1998, the organization became incorporated.

Mission Statement:

“To enable older people at a local Community level to participate in decisions and activities which affect their health and well-being. Ipswich endeavours to promote healthy activities for older people and encourage positive community attitudes to ageing in the Ipswich area.”

Management:

Ipswich 60 and Better Program Inc. is managed by a committee made up of eleven older people from the Ipswich community. The committee meet monthly to discuss arising concerns, policies, make organisational decisions, welcome new members and consider finances, to name a few of their duties. A general meeting is usually held in February and August (AGM) – at these meetings a guest speaker is always invited – we’ve had historians, authors, and members of parliament, among others, come and speak with us. This meeting is held to encourage people’s participation in the program. We have social gatherings throughout the year for members to meet and greet each other. Part-time coordinators and a part-time office assistant are employed by the management committee.

The much revered Doug O’Connor was our first President, a post he admirably filled for a decade before retiring. Arthur Longston was our 2nd President who served us well for a further two years. Following on from Arthur, Ethel Llewellyn held the President’s position for 13 years leading the organisation from strength to strength. A life membership was awarded to Ethel in February 2020 for her exceptional service.  From 2019 to 2021 Bob Massey was President, and from September 2021 this role was held by Graeme Ault until his resignation in March 2022. Roslyn Newsham was the interim President from March to September 2022. Irene Strong is the current President, elected at the AGM held on the 19th of September 2022 and renominated 4th September 2023.

When and Where?

The office of 60 and Better is located at 138  Old Ipswich Rd, Riverview, at the Riverview and District Community Centre.  Please call before attending to make sure Staff are available.

Office Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 12 noon Wednesday and if there is a volunteer available, Friday from 9 to 2.30pm. Unfortunately there are times when the office can not be attended so it is always good to telephone first.

Membership:

People 50 years of age and older are invited to become members of the program. Anyone can participate in the 60 and Better activities however, people involved in the program are encouraged to become members. Membership is $20 (including GST) and entitles the person to vote on organisational matters. Members also receive in the mail each month, a copy of our newsletter, the Community News and Views.

If you wish to become a member a membership form is to be completed and returned to the 60 and Better office. Contact us via phone, email or in person to acquire forms.

Newsletter:

Newsletters are available at some pick up points but can also be viewed on this website or Facebook.

An informative monthly newsletter is published. Members will have a newsletter mailed to them or pick one up from the various vantage points around Ipswich eg:  Friendly Care, Heritage Bank – Ipswich and Booval branch, Tourist Information Centre, McMahon’s Swim Factory. Newsletters are also available in enlarged print. Newsletters are no longer available in an audio format (CD).

All we need now is YOU!  

Simply phone us or apply online today to become a member. All your new friends are waiting to meet you!