This year’s week-long celebration features over 460 events across the state, using shared meals, cooking workshops and community activities as a vehicle to tell stories, pass on traditions and strengthen bonds between older people and the wider community. The aim is to highlight the powerful role shared meals play in passing down stories, forging new connections and honouring the invaluable contributions of older Tasmanians.
Media release – Council on the Ageing, 13 October 2025
Connecting generations through food: A recipe for community
COTA Tasmania’s 2025 Seniors Week program will celebrate the theme Connecting Generations Through Food, reminding us of the profound ways stories are told, recipes are passed on and connections can grow stronger through a simple shared meal or activity. Food has always been a meaningful way to bring people together, creating space for conversation, sharing traditions and creating memories that last for years.
The bumper 2025 Seniors Week will run from Monday 13 October to Sunday 19 October, marking a special occasion for Tasmanians to celebrate the invaluable contributions of older people and embrace new friendships and connections across the generations.
Throughout the week, over 460 events across the state will provide the opportunity to unlock culinary treasures while creating new traditions.
From Healthy Eating and Digestion for Seniors in Woodbridge, A Mad Hatters Tea Party and Bouquets of Kindness in Beaconsfield, to Seniors Week Pizza in the Garden in the Derwent Valley, Intergenerational Cultural Food Workshop in Hobart, Croquet Coffee and Cake at St Leonards, and Community Sing, Soup and Sandwich at Newstead there truly is something for everyone.
The theme also looks to address the ongoing issues around food security for many older Tasmanians, with rising costs and mobility challenges potentially affecting access to nutritious meals.
Community garden open days, shared meals, seed swapping and intergenerational cooking groups will address both practical needs alongside building community connection.
CEO of COTA Tasmania, Brigid Wilkinson, emphasised the importance of Seniors Week in celebrating the ongoing contributions of seniors to communities.
“Seniors Week reminds us that age is not a barrier to making new friends and learning new skills,” Wilkinson said.
“It’s a chance to bring generations together and shine a spotlight on the positive impact that older people have in our communities.”
With more than 40 per cent of Tasmania’s population now over the age of 50, advocating for seniors and their needs, is more important than ever.
This year will see the inaugural Minister for Ageing, The Honourable Bridget Archer MP, participate in activities, meeting community members and hearing what is important to them.
“Older people are such a rich resource, and we must ensure their voices are heard and their well-being prioritised. We welcome Minister Archer to her new portfolio and stand committed to working with her to ensure that the Seniors Week program continues to receive commitment and resourcing, and to ensure older Tasmanians feel valued in every aspect of life,” Wilkinson said.
“We’re encouraging people to come together to ensure every generation is embraced and valued and meaningful relationships strengthened.
Continuing the collaboration with Chef Massimo Mele, this year sees an intergenerational family lunch held at Peppina restaurant, with Massimo’s mother ‘Mamma Maria’ joining him to share memories over delicious Italian fare at this sold-out event on 17 October.
The generosity of our program sponsors and partners – Australia Post, Aurora Energy, COTA Insurance, Healthy Ageing Tasmania, Mercury Walch, MMM Radio, Metro Tasmania, MyState, TasNetworks, the Public Trustee and WIN Television – alongside the ongoing support of the Tasmanian Government, makes Seniors Week possible. The commitment of our sponsors reflects a shared vision for an inclusive, age-friendly Tasmania where every generation has something valuable to contribute.
More information on Seniors Week Tasmania and the program of activities is available here.
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