LEARNING news skills, exploring new places and healthy living are the focuses of Seniors Week events in Wollongong for 2013.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and Seniors Week Committee member Charlie Goodwin have launched this year’s program of events for the week March 17-24.

The tickets to Seniors Week events go on sale tomorrow (February 18). Seniors are encouraged to pick up a copy of the program from Helensburgh, Thirroul or Corrimal libraries, or download a copy from Wollongong City’s website to see what’s on offer.

The majority of the tickets are booked through event organisers and their contact details are in the program.

Council has helped celebrate Seniors Week, with the assistance of the Seniors Week Committee for the past 37 years.

Wollongong’s program is one of the biggest in the state, and more than 7,500 people participated in our events last year.

A range of activities and events are on offer, including the popular official opening and afternoon tea dance. There is also Buddhist blessing and a mini expo at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, which will feature stands from Centrelink, Medicare, the Cancer Council, WEA, and travel. Other activities include a jams and preserves course, a performance of the Merry Wives of Windsor and multicultural lunches.

“There is just so much to see and do in this year’s Seniors Week program. I really encourage everyone to take a look and see what’s on offer,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Community groups and organisations, along with Council staff and the Seniors Week Committee, have put in many hours coming up with a wide range of activities to suit everyone. Now it’s over to those who are in the 55 years plus age bracket to see what tempts them.

“The big focus of Seniors Week is to get out and try new things. With that in mind, I’m tipping the tai chi classes, introduction to eBooks session and various lunches put on by the region’s numerous multicultural organisations to be really popular.’’