An expansive program of 15 events, bolstered by businesses within Terrace Central, community groups and special guests, has been created for the seniors of Port Stephens to enjoy at the Raymond Terrace shopping centre between Tuesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 22.

Ben Robinson from Terrace Central's centre management team said the hero event of the festival is the Seniors Community Leaders Photography Exhibition which celebrates 14 key members of Port Stephens who have "made a significant contribution to the community".

"Terrace Central is excited to have partnered with Port Stephens Council to showcase this unique and heartwarming exhibition," he said. "Our community has a number of outstanding members and we wanted to give thanks for their long standing contributions within the Port Stephens community."

Terrace Central has partnered with 56 per cent of its retailers and owners Panthera Group to support the Port Stephens Seniors Festival.

"Our retailers are the heart of our centre and are contributing exclusive seniors offers and retailer gifts in our program. We are particularly proud to have Terry White Chemmart discussing the roll out of COVID vaccinations for the elderly and community favourite Chris Drane at Terrace Meats will host an everyday cooking demonstration," Panthera CEO Chakyl Camal said.

Local businesses and community groups have also partnered with Terrace Central to support the festival including Rivershop, Services NSW, Raymond Terrace Men's Shed, Bluehealth Retirement Village, Raymond Terrace Martial Arts, The University of Newcastle's legal centre and Raymond Terrace Police Station.

Raymond Terrace Marital Arts will guide sessions on April 13 and 21. The sessions feature a modified martial arts program for seniors and includes stretching and light exercises.

A Conversation with Terry White Chemmart, Amplifon and Raymond Terrace police will be held on April 15. The chemist will present an overview and discussion of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout for seniors, Amplifon will present an introduction to hearing heath and police will talk about safety and its aged crime prevention initiative.

Terrace Meats will host a live cooking demonstration on April 22.

The program of events is further bolstered with the addition of international comedian Jackie Loeb and author Sandie Docker.

Loeb, winner of the Australian Mo Award for Comedian of the Year, will present a seniors stand up comedy show, titled A Laugh is just what the Doctor Ordered, on April 14.

Docker will launch and discuss her latest novel, The Banksia Bay Beach Shack, a moving and heartfelt about female friendship, multi-generational relationships and family secrets, on April 20.

Most events are free but bookings are required to all due to number restrictions.

Bookings are via terracecentralsc.com or by phoning 0477 016 643 between 10am-4pm.

Program of events

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