Queensland Seniors

🌟Meet Bruce: a true community hero! 🌟

At 84 years young, Bruce Ferguson is making an extraordinary impact in the Port Douglas community!

Since 2022, Bruce has recycled over 320,000 bottles and cans, raising over $32,000 for the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.

Thanks to Bruce’s hard work and dedication, the funds have supported:
✅ workshop upgrades
✅ installation of shade sails
✅ community programs
✅ food relief initiatives.

Bruce is a shining example of healthy ageing - staying active, connected and purposeful. He’s proof that giving back to others has no age limit!



[Image description: A photograph of an older man wearing a short sleeved singlet with short white hair smiling at the camera].

Volunteer Spotlight
At 84 years old, Bruce Ferguson continues to make an incredible difference in the Douglas community.

Since late 2022, Bruce has personally collected and recycled more than 320,000 bottles and cans, raising over $32,000 for Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre

From funding workshop upgrades and shade sails to supporting community programs and food relief initiatives, Bruce’s dedication has had a lasting impact on the Centre and the wider community.

Bruce is a wonderful example of healthy ageing in action through staying active, connected and giving back to others. His generosity, humour and community spirit continue to inspire everyone around him.
Thank you, Bruce, for everything you do. Learn more about the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre and Bruce on our website: https://cotaqld.pulse.ly/cstceps6fq

🌈 Celebrate International Pride Month! 🌈

June is a time to honour and celebrate the rich diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. International Pride Month commemorates the courage of those who fought for equality, inspired by the historic Stonewall Uprising of 1969.

This month, let’s come together to:
✨ advocate for LGBTQIA+ communities
✨ reflect on the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people to Queensland
✨ celebrate diversity and foster inclusivity for all.

🎉 Join the festivities happening across Queensland! From Brisbane to regional areas, there’s something for everyone.

🌐 Find events near you 👉 https://australianpridenetwork.com.au/lgbtiq-festivals/queensland



📷 Image credit: Australian Pride Network

[Image description: A large group of people wearing colourful clothes and cheering with the pride flag displayed in front of the group.]

Queensland Moreton Bay PrideFest: April 2027 (date to be confirmed) Welcome to Moreton Bay’s biggest LGBTIQAP+ celebration boasting a star-studded line-up. Pine Rivers Park will come alive with rainbow flags, glitter, and all things fabulous. More details

🌟Meet Maria and Irene🌟

These incredible sisters have dedicated nearly 100 years combined to helping their communities navigate the paperwork of everyday life.

Maria began her journey as a Justice of the Peace (JP) in the late 1950s, serving in New South Wales before continuing her work in Queensland from 1980. Today, she serves as a Commissioner for Declarations. Her sister, Irene, also made a lasting impact, serving as a JP in Brisbane for over 50 years.

Maria continues to support her local Greek commmunity in Brisbane, helping elderly residents understand forms, witness documents, and connect with the services they need.

💡Interested in finding or becoming a Justice of the Peace in your community? Learn more here https://www.qld.gov.au/law/legal-mediation-and-justice-of-the-peace/justice-of-the-peace

[Image description: A photograph of two older women smiling and looking at the camera is on the right side of a blue tile. The tile reads 'It's Law Week, 18-24 May 2026. Meet the people powering Justice. The Queensland Government logo is also on the bottom of the image].

Meet Maria and Irene - two sisters who have spent close to 100 years between them helping their communities navigate the paperwork of everyday life.

Maria has been a Justice of the Peace, and now a Commissioner for Declarations, since the late 1950s - first in New South Wales, then in Queensland from 1980. Her sister Irene served as a JP for more than 50 years in Brisbane.

Their father was a JP before them.

"He was a very community-minded person, and it was just a natural progression that we would do that too," Maria says.

Today, Maria continues to support her local Greek community in Brisbane - helping elderly residents understand forms, witness documents, and point them in the right direction for the services they need.

This Queensland Law Week, we're celebrating the people powering justice across our state.

Comment 'LAWWEEK26' 👇 and we'll send you the link to Maria and Irene's full story - plus more from our Law Week series.

Who invented the sausage sizzle, Australia or New Zealand?

The thin sausage wrapped in a slice of white bread with cooked onions on top is a long cherished part of Australia’s culture, but its origins may be from the land of the long white cloud.

A New Zealand publication has argued the nation not only held the world’s first sausage sizzle but also invented the humble snack despite Australian claims.

What do you think? Did Australia come up with the sausage sizzle or was it our neighbours across the ditch? Share your thoughts below. 👇

While this certainly won’t be the last time Australia and New Zealand squabble over a basic dish, *cough* lamingtons, pavlovas and flat whites, *cough* having these healthy debates keeps shared food heritage alive.

Read more about the humble sausage sizzle's origins 👉 https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/may/20/which-country-invented-sausage-sizzle-australia-new-zealand



[Image description: A hand is holding a sausage in a slice of white bread with tomato sauce being squeezed from a red bottle onto the sausage. The image is set against a blue background with white text asking 'Which country invented the sausage sizzle?' in the top left and 'Australia or New Zealand?' in the bottom right.]

Lawns can be a lot of work and not everybody's idea of a visually appealing backyard.

Many of us are looking to create a native garden as a lower maintenance, more sustainable and often cheaper alternative.

🌐 If you’re thinking about removing the lawn you've got and creating a native oasis instead, read the full story at 👉 https://ow.ly/nNsh50Z3HAx

[Image description: A close-up of a garden with the ABC News logo in the top-left corner.]

How to kill off your lawn and plant a native garden instead Many of us are looking to create a native garden as a lower maintenance, more sustainable and often cheaper alternative.

Are you planning an overseas trip soon? 🧳✈️

Travelling with medication and medical devices overseas can be difficult. Some medication could be considered illegal in your destination. 💊

If you're taking medication with you, confirm before you fly out that it's legal in your destination or if any rules or restrictions apply.

Find out more 👉 https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/medications

[Image description: An open suitcase containing different types of tablet blister packs is shown in the background while white text over it reads 'Commonly restricted drugs include: amphetamines, such as ADHD medications, medical marijuana/cannabis, opioid-based painkillers, such as codeine, medication containing pseudoephedrine, such and cold and flu tablets, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications.' At the bottom right, the Smartraveller's logo appears.]

Do you know if your medication will cause you trouble when travelling overseas? Some common medicines may be considered illegal or a controlled substance.

If you're taking medication with you, confirm it's legal in your destination or if any rules or restrictions apply. Read more at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/medications

Celebrate QLD Day on 6 June 2026!

It’s a day of state pride — our chance to celebrate the unique people, places, and things that make Queensland what it is today.

QLD Day commemorates the historic moment on 6 June 1859 when our great state started to chart its own course away from NSW by becoming an independent colony.

This QLD Day we’re shouting out the best of our state.

From burgers to beaches, cafes to campsites, vote for your favourite across 15 categories — bakeries, butchers, hairdressers, florists, camping spots and more.

🌐 For more information or to vote, visit 👉 https://qldday.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

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Queensland Day 2026 On June 6th, we celebrate Queensland Day by shining a light on the everyday heroes who make our state great.

Adults aged 65 years and over are at higher risk of serious flu illness and hospitalisation.

An annual flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, and protects the people around you.

The flu vaccine is free for all Queenslanders.

You can get vaccinated through your GP, pharmacy, or vaccination provider.

Let’s protect what matters. Search ‘flu facts Qld’ or visit www.vaccinate.initiatives.qld.gov.au/what-to-vaccinate-against/influenza to find out more.

[Image description: On the left of the image is a bright blue background with white text that says 'Get your free flu vaccine today' followed by smaller text that reads 'The flu vaccine helps protect you from serious illness.' On the right side, there is a photo of an older woman wearing glasses and smiling while a young child hugs her from behind. The woman has a blue bandaid on her arm. The Delivering for Queensland and Queensland Government logos appear at the bottom of the image.]

🍲 Sunday Share: winter warmers edition ❄️

Nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty meal on a chilly winter night! What’s your go-to recipe when the temperature drops?

Is it a dish you loved as a child and still make today? Or maybe it’s a new favourite that’s become a winter staple.

From classic pot pies to slow-cooked casseroles, hearty soups, or a creamy potato bake, we’d love to hear what’s cooking in your kitchen this season.

Share your nostalgic favourites or your best winter warmers with us!

Need some inspiration? Check out these winter dinner ideas from Women’s Weekly for some great recipes to get you started: www.womensweeklyfood.com.au/dinner/winter-dinner-recipes-1-31672/

Let’s turn up the heat in the kitchen and inspire each other with some delicious ideas. 🔥


[Image description: A photograph of a beef curry, rice and red hot chilli on a plate. A gold spoon sits to the right of the plate.]

50 warming dinner ideas for winter Curries, stews, soups and more!