Bellingen OWN

Bellingen OWN began in 1999 in response to fairly widespread negative attitudes toward ageing in the community. One of their first projects was a series of interviews for the local community radio station to open minds beyond stereotypes of ageing and ageism.

Members have been involved in a submission to keep Bellingen Hospital open, successfully arguing that it needed to be medically upgraded, rather than downgraded to a nursing home.

Members of our group were instrumental some years back in forming a local University of the Third Age. There were originally fifty-seven members and a dozen classes. However, the classes have steadily declined and there are now only five, so we have decided to amalgamate with Nambucca Heads U3A.

Our greatest interest is around 'prevention' as a more imaginative and complementary part of the health system, reducing the focus on ever more expensive drug therapy and hospital needs, as well as reduction of pain, suffering and lack of independence. We dream of a Wellness Centre in our area. We currently have a gentle exercise group, and in season, a gentle aquarobics group, all free or low cost.

For more information, please contact OWN NSW (02) 9247 7046 or email info@ownnsw.org.au

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