We Need To Talk About Ageing

With the ‘baby boom’ generation now ageing in a society in which ageism is widespread, often unconscious, and widely thought acceptable (think anti-ageing products and jokey age-related greetings cards), ageing is an important topic. Studies show that internalised negativity about ageing can shorten a life by up to 7.5 years, so it’s important for older people to resist the damaging narrative of ‘ageing as decline’ that we’ve been primed with. Older women, particularly, live with the pressure to ‘age gracefully’, as if there were a right or wrong way to do old age.

The book Bloomer: Embracing a Late Life Flourishing (Affirm Press, 2025) combines a memoir of the author’s seventieth year with an exploration of the issues people face as they enter their 70s and beyond. The author will reflect on her experience of writing the book, including interviewing older people and gathering their stories of ageing. Carol will invite members of the audience to contribute their thoughts about later life—either verbally or through short anonymous written reflections.

Audience:

The talk and book are aimed at people in mid-life and beyond who are considering how to navigate their later years, particularly the Boomer generation, while remaining welcoming to younger audiences.

Artist Bio:

Carol Lefevre holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Adelaide, where she is a Visiting Research Fellow. She has published nine books, short fiction, essays, and journalism. Her most recent book, the memoir Bloomer (Affirm Press), is an account of the year in which she turned seventy. It also explores the challenges of ageing in Australia’s youth-obsessed culture.

Community Centre Contact Details

Torrens Valley Community Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (closed on Fridays and public holidays). For any enquiries, please contact us on 8389 1711 or email tvcc@ahc.sa.gov.au during opening times.

Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings

When an 'Extreme 75+' or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared for the Mt Lofty Ranges, the Adelaide Hills Council Community Centres will be closed, and all classes and programs will be cancelled without notice. Any monies paid will either be reimbursed or the course will be rescheduled for a later date.

Current fire danger ratings can be checked here: http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/fire-danger-ratings.shtml

FAQ

Where can I park?

Parking is easy at any of the 3 areas parking around the community hub, with 1 disabled parking space at the rear and also at the front libraries entrance. Plenty of parking near the Gumeracha sporting oval for any buses or mini vans (refer to map below).

If the event is at night, what do I need to know?
We are in the Adelaide Hills and always encourage a torch or phone with a light in case you can't see. Clothing for cooler weather and an umbrella in winter would be encouraged. Parking at the rear or skatepark side of the community centre has best lighting to safely enter the community centre (refer to map below).

Are there other places I can park?

Yes, during larger events set areas for parking will be indicated.

What facilities are on site?

Toilets (including disabled), baby change table, wide double door entrance into centre, function room, foyer, small meeting room and fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher.  The community centre is located within the Community Hub which includes the Gumeracha Town Hall and Gumeracha library.

Is there disabled access?

Yes, the disabled car park at the rear has a ramp down to the main entrance of the community centre. If you use the disabled park located at the library, you will need to be able to use the stairs to get down. Wheelchair access to the community centre is outside (oval side) for access to the main entrance.  There is a disabled toilet located both inside the centre and in the outside toilet block.

Is the community centre inclusive?

Yes, everyone is welcome.  Our centre is LGBTQI+ friendly, dementia friendly and breastfeeding is welcome.

Can I warm a baby bottle, heat my meal up or make a coffee/tea/hot chocolate?

Yes, there is a kettle, microwave and fridge. Water and and hot drinks are available.