Hilltops NSW
Hilltops programs continue in the communities of Yass, Cootamundra and Young. All is well, with dedicated participants attending, and the group in Yass has started a Moving Well program shared recipe book!
Participants are now nearly 2 years in attendance, some in their 90s and still enjoying moving and connecting.
The online programs running through Dance4wellbeing have been growing into Aged Care through the Ciao Project. 8 homes attend each session simultaneously from across Victoria and NSW. Jess has been interactive with these sessions by not only dancing but including a little Banter and music request time, as well as sharing stories for residents.
The co-design research pilot – Keep Dancing is being trialled by the Whiddon group, has been successful so far, with a finalist nomination in the Future of Ageing AwardsHealth & Wellbeing category: https://insideageing.com.au/the-future-of-ageing-awards-2026-shortlist-has-been-released/
Jess is working with Jennie Hewitt, a physio and researcher looking at Strength and balance content within a dance program with great results so far in the initial stages. Jess also delivers a tailored dance program for Harden Grange Aged Care Community, which has been nominated as a finalist for Service Transformation.
Fingers crossed for Dance for Health & Wellbeing!!
Canberra recently hosted the Meaningful Ageing Australia event which Jess attended. The message being highlighted was putting our elders at the heart of care and programs that connect with seniors, particularly resonating with work in aged care and the new Sound Moves 55+ tailored offerings.
