By SIOWN’s Julie McDonald
The South Illawarra Older Women’s Network (SIOWN) promotes the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women. Established in early 2024, this exciting initiative for the Kiama, Shellharbour and Berry districts brings older women together to share experiences, forge new friendships, support each other and the wider community, and learn from guest speakers.
Here is what one woman said about her reasons for joining SIOWN: “I’m interested to learn new things, and engage with speakers on interesting topics, and to catch up and meet new women over afternoon tea. I’m interested in healthy ageing, wellness, various other talks and activities.”
So far, our members have enjoyed presentations from several inspiring women. Topics have included homelessness and local initiatives such as Kiama’s Homestead of Hope; staying safe online; and exercise and wellbeing.
For the September and October meetings, we will be learning more about dementia: a carer-led peer-support model, offered by Illawarra Women’s Health Centre; and the latest dementia prevention and research evidence, by the University of Wollongong. November’s topic, a bit lighter to round out the year, is the Birds of the Illawarra, by Illawarra Birders.
The SIOWN theatre group will bring their Adelaide Fringe winner cabaret, Not Dead Yet, to Kiama in November. Funny and poignant, this death-defying show features performers aged 60 to 90. It will be open to the community.
SIOWN meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at Saints Peter and Paul Church Kiama, from 2-4pm.
The annual membership fee is $35, and attendees either contribute a small plate of refreshments or $5 for afternoon tea. Members are covered by insurance for activities and automatically receive the OWN NSW fortnightly e-newsletter dOWNtime, as well as access a variety of online classes via Zoom, including Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and Ukulele. Visitors are most welcome to come and see if SIOWN is for them.
Contact Julie McDonald: (0409 760 225), email southillawarra@ownnsw.org.au or visit ownnsw.org.au