Ageing Well Forum: Small Connections Go a Long Way
Description
It’s those little connections – with a neighbour, a local gardening group or sharing friendship over a game of cards – that go a long way to enhancing our wellbeing.
Join us to interact and explore some exciting opportunities to make new connections in Bradfield. Activities like these can enhance our physical and mental wellbeing while we enjoy the company of others within our community. These connections can help us thrive during the later years of our lives, making sure this chapter truly feels like our golden years. What may start as a small connection could take you a long way.
Morning tea will be provided.
Guest Speakers:
Nicolette Boele MP - Host
Nicolette Boele MP is the community independent Member for Bradfield. Before running for Parliament in 2022, and then being elected to Parliament in 2025, Nicolette worked in clean energy and finance - helping businesses and governments make practical, sustainable decisions to build a stronger economy. Throughout her career, she has worked to solve complex problems through collaboration with a broad, relevant group of stakeholders and expert input. It’s how she works now - as your independent Member for Bradfield.
Jill Nash - Facilitator, Community Advocate for COTA
Jill Nash has enjoyed a diverse career spanning television, arts management, education and community service. After completing her first university degree in her 60s, she went on to teach English across four continents. Today, she is a passionate advocate for older Australians, serving as a community representative with health and ageing organisations, including COTA and the Sydney North Primary Health Network. Jill remains committed to empowering people to make informed choices about later life and has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Elizabeth Lovell, CEO Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury
Elizabeth Lovell is the Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury, leading one of Australia’s largest Lifelines service regions. With extensive executive experience across the private sector, higher ed and government, she is passionate about mental health, suicide pre and strengthening community wellbeing. Elizabeth has held senior leadership roles at the University of Sydney, Westfield and Transport for NSW and is recognized for her commitment to purpose-driven leadership and social impact.
Dr Bibiana Chan, Founder & President, Community Flower Studio Inc.
Dr Bibiana Chan brings lived and research-informed experience to mental health, with a particular focus on multicultural communities. Her PhD at the Black Dog Institute explored how culture shapes help-seeking for psychological distress. A 2010 Churchill Fellowship took her to North America to study peer-led recovery programs, followed by postdoctoral work at Yale. Bibiana discovered Laughter Yoga in 2014 as part of her own recovery journey and became a certified Laughter Yoga Trainer in 2019. She is also the Founder of Community Flower Studio, a youth-focused social enterprise promoting wellbeing through creativity, mental health advocacy and intergenerational connection. Fluent in English and Cantonese.
Hilary Simon, Certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor
Hillary Simon is a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor and retired Physiotherapist with over 40 years of experience in persistent pain management, falls prevention, and functional mobility. She teaches Tai Chi for Rehabilitation, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Energy, Tai Chi for Memory, Qigong for Health, and traditional forms including Yang 24, Sun 73, Chen 36 and 42 Combined. Hillary brings an evidence based, supportive approach to her classes, making Tai Chi accessible for people of all ages and abilities — particularly older adults and those managing health conditions. As a board member of the Tai Chi for Health Institute, she is dedicated to expanding safe, effective Tai Chi programs across the community.
Andrew Fisher, Vintage Fitness & Health
Andrew Fisher is the founder of Vintage Fitness, an organisation focused on helping older adults remain strong, active, independent and socially connected as they age. Andrew has developed Vintage Fitness around a simple philosophy: exercise for older adults should be practical, enjoyable and sustainable, with an emphasis on strength, balance, mobility, confidence and the ability to keep doing the things people enjoy in everyday life. His work combines exercise with a strong sense of community, recognising that social connection and regular activity are important parts of healthy ageing.
Glenda Hewitt, Artarmon Parklands Community Gardens
Glenda Hewitt is a former teacher, finance journalist and corporate leader who now channels her energy into building connected communities — serving with the Save Royal North Shore Hospital Advocacy group, leading the Artarmon Progress Association, editing the Artarmon Gazette, and contributing to local housing and community initiatives.
Brian Killin, President, Ku-ring-gai Man's Shed
After retirement and a stint as a Probus President, Brian Killin has spent the last five years as President of the Ku-ring-gai Community Workshop “The Shed” encouraging community participation and social engagement for both men and women with a primary focus on retirees. He actively encourages member engagement and assistance for those community groups supporting women and children.
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