The Seniors Photography Exhibition officially opened in Terrace Central on Tuesday, the first day of the festival, and will remain open to the public to view until Thursday, April 22.

John Chambers, the 2020 Port Stephens Citizen of the Year, Geoffrey Basser OAM, a 60-year veteran of community service, former councillor and mayor Ron Swan and Aboriginal leader Aunty Margo Beaven are among those selected to be photographed by Laura Grzelak for the exhibition.

Mrs Grzelak, director of Little Mary Media, was approached by Port Stephens Council to undertake the photography project.

"This is my first portrait exhibition," she said. "It was a good learning experience for me.

"I really enjoyed getting out in the community, to meet some of the senior leaders in our community, to hear their stories."

Mr Basser, from Salamander Bay, said he was "humbled" to be featured in the exhibition.

"It's a joy to be recognised. I've been involved in community service for 63 years but there's no way I could have achieved what I have without working with other likeminded people, people who like me have been recognised in this way, who are just as passionate about their community," he said.

"It's a delight and a nice show of respect to highlight the seniors in the community who have worked to make a difference."

Other portraits showing as part of the exhibition feature former Raymond Terrace fire captain Dennis Peters, Bay community volunteer Peter Clough, services advocate Dave Sams, Worimi Uncle Neville Lilley, Frank Seysener from Raymond Terrace Men's Shed and Janine Campbell.

The exhibition is one of about 15 seniors festival events and activities being staged at Terrace Central. Events include martial arts, a vaccine and police talk, live cooking demonstration, stand up comedy and a book launch.

Tune in for Timelines tales at Raymond Terrace, Salamander Bay libraries

Festival to celebrate Port's seniors