11 November 2026

 

SENIORS' Stories celebrates the lives and experiences of older people, providing a platform for seniors to share their stories, perspectives and reflections with the wider community.

 

This year’s theme, Neighbours, Strangers, and the People In Between, explores the connections we make, life-changing moments and fascinating encounters that shape our lives.

 

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said “Older people across the state have so many fascinating stories to share and we all benefit from their insights.

 

“Seniors’ Stories ties all these stories together and leaves a lasting record for future generations to reflect and learn.

 

“Congratulations to all 100 authors for investing your time and skill into delivering this precious book which celebrates the lived experiences of older people.”

 

Local seniors published in this year’s edition of Seniors’ Stories include:

 

• David Canavan, 74, from Woy Woy: An Afternoon With Friends

 

• Rosemary Gillham, 80, from Umina Beach: Enduring Connections

 

• Susan Terrill, 73, from Killarney Vale: Waterfront Life

 

• Rowena Young, 73, from Bateau Bay: Here We Go Again

 

• Linda Harding, 74, from Toowoon Bay: Olive

 

• Jennifer Dixon, 60, from Gosford: Ada and Dee Major

 

• Mark Fridewald, 67, from Kincumber: Hits and Memories

 

• Margaret Aherne, 65, from Terrigal: The Quiet Patch in the Back Corner

 

• Kerry-Anne McLachlan, 66, from Terrigal: Craft and Storytelling at 3PM

 

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said “It’s heart warming to see older people across the Central Coast putting pen to paper to pass on their insights, creative wit and lived experience to future generations through Seniors’ Stories.

 

“In particular, I acknowledge the excellent authors from the Gosford electorate who featured in this year’s edition of Seniors’ Stories.

 

“Congratulations to Jennifer, David and Rosemary on this significant achievement.”

 

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said “Seniors’ Stories showcases the incredible talent and contributions of older people across the Central Coast and the state more broadly.

 

“We should all be proud to see our region well represented in Volume 12 of Seniors’ Stories.

 

“Well done to Susan, Rowena and Linda for giving The Entrance a voice in this year’s Seniors’ Stories.”

 

This year’s competition received 528 entries from NSW Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card holders and was coordinated by The Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW).

 

FAW also delivered short story writing workshops to help seniors develop their writing skills, explore new techniques and exchange ideas with fellow writers. The workshops continue to attract strong interest from seniors across NSW.

 

Several stories have also been translated into the authors’ native languages, alongside the English versions. These include Italian, Sindhi, Polish, Sinhalese and German, reflecting the cultural diversity of communities across NSW.

 

State President of the Fellowship of Australian Writers Inc Colleen Parker said “The relationship between the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Seniors Card, and The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc, through the Seniors’ Stories Volumes, has spanned nearly a decade.

 

“The concept was willingly embraced by New South Wales Seniors who submitted a total of 1,200 personal stories for publication throughout the years.”

 

Seniors’ Stories supports the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, particularly its focus on helping seniors participate in inclusive communities.

 

Printed copies of the book will be distributed to participating authors, NSW libraries and NSW state electorate offices, and made available at Seniors Card events.

 

A digital version of Seniors’ Stories Volume 12 will also be available to view and download from the NSW Seniors Card website.

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