Communities across the New England region are preparing to celebrate the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, embracing this year’s vibrant theme, “Live Life in Colour.” From art exhibitions and concerts to community awards and shared meals, the fortnight-long program highlights the invaluable contribution seniors make to regional life, while encouraging connection, creativity and wellbeing.
Creative connections at NERAM
In Armidale, the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) will host a dynamic Seniors Festival program from 2–5 March, followed by special events later in the month.
Festivities begin on Tuesday 3 March with Art, Reminiscence and Travel (10am–12pm), a reflective and creative session designed to spark memories and conversation. On Wednesday 4 March, music takes centre stage with the ever-popular Rusty Singers sing-along concert (10am–11am), followed by an afternoon In Conversation event with Margaret Bain exploring A Portrait of Howard Hinton.
Thursday 5 March offers a lively mix of hands-on and thought-provoking experiences, including Strum & Sing-a-long with Maissel from Chilli Jam, a Museum of Printing Tour & Postcard Printing session, and an evening Director’s Talk titled Intimate Connections. Behind-the-scenes Storeroom Tours with the Director and a graceful Silver Swans Ballet Workshop round out the week on Friday 6 March.
The celebrations continue on 14–15 March with NERAMble – Art in the Garden, inviting visitors to wander through art-filled outdoor spaces in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Moree Plains honours its seniors
Further north-west, Moree Plains Shire Council, in partnership with the Moree Seniors Week Committee, is calling for nominations for the 2026 Moree Plains Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
Mayor Susannah Pearse said the 2026 theme, Live Life in Colour, beautifully reflects the energy and contribution of older residents.
“Being named Senior Citizen of the Year is a special honour, one that recognises a lifetime of service and selflessness,” Cr Pearse said.
Nominations are open until 5pm on Friday 6 March 2026, with community members encouraged to recognise seniors aged 60 years or over who have made a meaningful difference through volunteering, service or other inspiring acts. Forms are available online or via the Moree Community Library.
The Moree Seniors Festival runs from 9–14 March, offering a full calendar of events including:
- 9 March: Morning Tea and Bingo at Pius X
- 10 March: Morning Tea and a screening of The Thursday Murder Club at Moree Community Library
- 11 March: A two-course luncheon with entertainment by Keith Potger tribute act and the official Senior Citizen of the Year announcement at Moree & District Services Club
- 12 March: Social Bowls at Moree & District Services Club
- 13 March: Bingo and Lunch at Moree Care
- 14 March: A community lunch with entertainment by the Moree Ukulele Band
Residents can attend one event or enjoy the entire week, with bookings available through local organisers. For more information or to secure your spot, contact Lorraine on 0477 020 895
Golden Years in Guyra
In Guyra, Armidale Regional Council has secured a $4,500 grant through the NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026 to host the Golden Years Gathering: A Guyra Seniors Music, Meal, and Memories Celebration.
To be held at Guyra Bowling Club, the free event will feature a two-course hot meal, drinks and live musical entertainment with old-time tunes, creating a welcoming space for seniors to share stories, build friendships and celebrate community spirit.
Mayor Sam Coupland described the grant as a fantastic boost for the region, noting the importance of inclusion and connection for older residents.
Re-Wired in Glen Innes
The festival launches in Glen Innes with the RE-WIRED Launch & Engagement Day on Monday 2 March at the Australian Standing Stones in Centennial Parklands.
Seniors are invited to enjoy gentle all-abilities yoga, live music, a shared morning tea, and a First Nations weaving and yarning circle celebrating creativity and cultural exchange. The free, drop-in event sets the tone for two weeks of activities hosted by the Glen Innes Highlands Hub and Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library.
Tenterfield’s Community Groups Bring Seniors Week to Life
In Tenterfield, community spirit will shine throughout the week thanks to the combined efforts of Tenterfield Lions, Rotary, CWA and the Tenterfield Shire Council Public Library.
Festivities include:
- 2 March at the historic School of Arts Cinema with Laughter is the Best Medicine, featuring a 9.30am morning tea followed by a 10am film screening.
- 6 March, a special Men’s Day Out will include morning tea at the Men’s Shed before a bus trip to the Emmaville Mining Museum, with lunch at the Emmaville Panther Pub.
- 8 March, guests can enjoy light refreshments at the Tenterfield Library from 3pm before a 4–6pm Keith Potger tribute concert celebrating 60 years of The Seekers.
- 10 March at Tenterfield Golf Club with morning tea at 10am, bingo at 10.30am and lunch at 12pm.
For more information, contact Frances (Rotary) on 0427 319 190, Chrissy (CWA) on 0418 251 254 or Jenny (Lions) on 0439 537 276.
Across the region, Seniors Week 2026 promises a rich and colourful program reflecting the diversity, experience and vitality of the region’s older residents.
Whether through art, music, storytelling, movement or community recognition, the message is clear: New England’s seniors are not only valued, they are at the very heart of community life.
For full program details, visit the NSW Seniors Festival website or contact your local council or community venue.
Advertising with New England Times is a cost effective and reliable way to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.