Seniors get a taste of volunteering at inaugural expo

Forty-six exhibitors came together to showcase the work they do, and come face to face with seniors who had the chance to learn more about the organisations and ask any questions.

The event was just one on the NSW Seniors Festival calendar, with the festival running from February 12 to 23.

Seniors Festival committee member, John Hollis, described the day as "tremendous."

"We had 46 exhibitors, a good show of people coming in and out, having a look around, lots of involvement, it was great."

He said the expo was the idea of Combined Pensioners and Superannuants (CPSA) member, Brian Cowan.

"Most members of the CPSA are seniors and people who volunteer," he said adding volunteering plays an important role in the well being of many seniors.

"Volunteering is an important factor in maintaining physical and mental health and well being, and for many people gives a key purpose in life.

"Sometimes when people work all their lives, and they retire, they lose that purpose, and volunteering is the key to that," he said.

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He said the Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre "did all the hard yards in organising the event"

"We are delighted with the outcome. The day really has been tremendous," he said.

Mr Hollis said overall the seniors festival was a really good program.

"We'll be looking to do more as time goes on. We will debrief next month and think about the next festival, what we can add in to make it better.

"We're also looking at other regions, seeing what they have done as well," he said.

Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole also attended the expo and said he was impressed with what he saw.

"It's absolutely fantastic; 46 organisations under one roof. It's a small snapshot of all volunteer groups across the local community," he said.

Mr Toole said the day not only enabled potential volunteers top find out about various organisations, it was also an opportunity for the community to thank volunteers who work tirelessly, putting up their hand again and again, to make the community a better place to live in.

He also said there were many benefits to have so many organisations come together in the one place.

"Many people in the community access multiple volunteer services, and today there all here under one roof, which is great."

Bobby Bourke, mayor of Bathurst said the event was a great initiative of both council and the State Government, along with the CPSA and Bathurst Neighbourhood Centre, and congratulated organisers.