Gilgandra Lifestyles

05/03/2026

BINGO & BREAKFAST WITH DUBBO OPAL HOMESTEAD ☕🎱

At the end of February, we welcomed residents and staff from Dubbo Opal Homestead to Cooee Lodge for a morning of bingo, morning tea, and great company.

There may have been a few competitive bingo calls, plenty of laughs, and enough tea and biscuits to keep everyone happy ☕🍪

A big thank you to our visitors for making the trip across - we think the Cooee Lodge crew might even be ready for a rematch! 🍀

25/02/2026

THROWBACK THURSDAY - A YOUNG JOHN SMITH 📸

Great to see this classic photo of our resident John Smith (far left), aged 15, working at Western Stores in Gilgandra in the mid 1950s - more than 70 years ago - alongside a photo of him today, reflecting a lifetime of experience.

John has lived through wartimes, the arrival of television, the moon landing, the rise of computers / the internet, and the many changes that have shaped the world we know today.

He, along with all of our residents share rich stories and history, which is why we love seeing these photos and walking down memory lane 🖼️

25/02/2026

We’re looking forward to celebrating with our residents at this year’s Seniors Festival Luncheon 🥗🌼.

For full event details, please see the Council post below. Be sure to RSVP to secure your place, and we look forward to seeing you there!

13/02/2026

We’re always proud to celebrate the incredible seniors in our community 💙

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year, and we’d love to see our aged living residents and volunteers recognised. If you know someone who makes a difference, be sure to nominate them!

Nomination information is below, as shared by Council.

✨2026 SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS ✨

Do you know a senior citizen who is active in the community and deserves recognition? If so, nominate them for 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year!

Nomination forms are available from:
• Gil Care Connect, 41 Miller Street
• Councils Administration Offices
• Downloaded from Council’s website:
👉 www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Stay-Connected/Have-Your-Say/2026-Senior-Citizen

⏰ Nominations close 5.00pm on Wednesday, 4 March 2026

📨Nominations can be returned to:
Gilgandra Shire Council,
PO Box 23,
Gilgandra NSW 2827

For more information, please contact Gil Care Connect on (02) 6817 8750.

05/02/2026

🍫 RESIDENTS ROCKY ROAD 🍫

The kitchen at Cooee Lodge was busy this week, with residents rolling up their sleeves to make rocky road and spend time together over something sweet.

From measuring and mixing, to a few taste tests along the way - it was a great activity that brought us together.

Stay tuned to follow our kitchen escapades! 🥣

03/02/2026

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA DAY AT COOEE LODGE 🇦🇺

Our residents at Cooee Lodge got into the Australia Day spirit last week with some delicious lamington baking and creative Australian themed artworks.

It was a lovely day spent together - celebrating the place we all call home. We enjoyed sharing stories and getting creative, but the lamingtons did not last very long! 🧁

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so enjoyable.

30/01/2026

GIL TO GRACELAND 🎶🕺

Our Cooee Lodge residents were "all shook up" at our recent trip to the Annual Parkes Elvis festival.

We had a wonderful day enjoying the performances, seeing the outfits, and re living the glory days of Rock and Roll.

The King’s music brought back memories and made new ones, and planning into next year's outfits are underway.. 🎸

A big Thank You to all who made the day possible!

19/01/2026

MEDIA RELEASE | THREE CENTENARIANS - 300 YEARS OF LIFE IN GILGANDRA REGION 🎂

The Gilgandra Region has proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone with three residents turning 100 years - an extraordinary 300 years of lived experience within one community.

Cr Mayor Doug Batten says it is a rare and special occasion for not only the residents of Cooee Lodge Hostel, but the whole region.

“To have three residents reach 100 years of age in one community is a wonderful achievement. Together, Kevin, Marie and Betty represent 300 years of stories, resilience, and contribution to the life of Gilgandra.”

Betty Priddis (pictured) celebrated her milestone birthday on Friday, saying the celebrations came as a surprise.

“I had no idea there would be such a celebration. It was a real special surprise. Having my family here with me means everything, that’s what’s made it so special.”

Council acknowledged the milestone with a special birthday luncheon at Cooee Lodge Hostel, with Betty’s family and friends, and a visit from Council’s Deputy Mayor Nick White.

Council congratulates Betty, Kevin and Marie on an incredible milestone, and thanks them for their contribution to the Gilgandra Region.

See the full media release via our website:
https://www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Stay-Connected/News/Media-Releases/Three-Centenarians-Celebrating-300-Years-of-Life-in-Gilgandra-Region

17/12/2025

🏋️ COOEE CALISTHENICS 🏋️

Great to see some action snaps from this Wednesday's Cooee Lodge exercise class with Bec Armstrong.

These sessions are great for strength, mobility, balance, and confidence.
We enjoy regular visits from Bec every Wednesday and Friday, giving residents a great opportunity to stay active, social, and feeling their best 💪🏼

12/12/2025

ROB ROCKS COOEE 🎵🎸

This week Rob Charlton from Dubbo popped in and put on a highly entertaining performance for our Cooee Lodge residents.

Rob can do it all - with the afternoon listening to his guitar and vocals being enjoyed by everyone. The tunes were flowing and hips were moving, thanks for visiting Rob!

10/12/2025

GILGANDRA LIFESTYLES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON 🎅🎄

This week, Council's Gilgandra Lifestyles teams at Cooee Lodge, Jack Towney & Support at Home held their Christmas luncheon at the RSL Services Club along with their families.

The luncheon was a great way to wrap up what has been an exciting year for Gilgandra Lifestyles , with plenty of fun and even more to eat and drink, along with a lucky door prize and a ‘guess the lollies in the jar’ game.

A huge thank you to all the staff who helped organise the event, and also those who helped with the residents and made it a great end of the year party for everyone!

We look forward to what 2026 is set to bring!

17/11/2025

❄️CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS @ THE GIL LIBRARY HUB ❄️

Getting ready to welcome in the festive season, Cooee residents Joyce, John and Beryl along with Activities Officer Bec enjoyed a morning at the GIL Library Hub on Friday making Christmas angels.