THE SANDS of time can weary knees and hips, dim eyesight, dull hearing – but creativity often burns as bright as it did in youth, according to Nambucca mayor Rhonda Hoban who officially launched a new arts festival for the Mid North Coast on March 1.

The Creative Ageing Festival is a celebration of the abilities of seniors and features a jam-packed program of events from Forster to Woolgooga – and it kicked off in Nambucca Heads with an exhibition of artworks painted by residents of Riverside Gardens aged care facility.

Cr Susan Jenvey at the presentation:

Cr Hoban marvelled that while age can bring physical challenges – “people don’t seem to lose their creativity. I know some aged in their 90s who still have an ear for music, and can spot a mistake in a piece where many would not”.

Celia Ramsay, president of the Nambucca Valley Arts Council, said half a dozen Riverside Gardens artists had contributed some 30 pieces to the exhibition, which will stand at the Ridge St gallery for the month of March.

Virginia Whitehead works weekly with the older artists, but sees her role almost as much as a student as it is as an arts teacher.

Arts teacher Virginia Whitehead:

“I am there to help them, but they actually inspire me,” Virginia said.

Most of the paintings are for sale, and one had already been snapped up before the official launch at The Stringer Gallery, “but not all are for sale as some didn’t want to part with them”, she said.

Celia said creating art was a road for seniors to stay engaged – and be connected with the wider community.

Nambucca Valley Arts Council president Celia Ramsay:

Nambucca Shire councillor Susan Jenvey said there was an aspiration to make the Creative Ageing Festival an annual event, while a dedicated website was live to provide year-round news of events on the Mid North Coast.

Cr Jenvey said the Mid North Coast was “leading the way" – as the ageing population here would be the story for the rest of Australia in 10 years’ time.