South Australians age well this October
From 1 to 7 October, the Office for Ageing Well together with councils and communities across the state, celebrated South Australia's Week of Ageing Well. The vibrant calendar boasted a feast of events, including exhibitions, live performances, arts festivals, interactive information sessions, documentary screenings, movement and wellbeing activities.
With over 70 events taking place across metropolitan Adelaide as well as every region across the whole of regional South Australia, the Week of Ageing Well calendar showcased the diversity of communities across our state.
Capturing stories through the lens
The Week was launched with the Through the Lens photography competition, which once again captured the places, moments and stories that reflect their lives and interests of older South Australians.
Seniors Card members enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to participate, with their photographs telling captivating stories of lives lived and lessons learned. More than 1,000 entries were received this year, up from 670 in 2025!
This year’s winners include John Kirk, whose vibrant aerial image Adelaide Alive! won the Our State category, and Lotte Ebdrub, whose striking image Wrecked was awarded the Judge’s Choice.
For John, who has been taking photographs for around 50 years, the recognition carries particular meaning. Living with terminal cancer, he said he was especially grateful to be there to receive the award. John’s winning photograph was also a first of another kind – his first attempt at capturing an image with his drone after dark.
For Lotte, who recently turned 60 and entered the competition for the first time, photography is simply something she loves. “I take my camera with me everywhere... I’m in my happy place when I have a camera.”
Congratulations to John, Lotte and all the winners and entrants. You can view the images and read about the winners or visit the City Library where the exhibition is on display until November 27.
Keep the momentum going
Their stories are a wonderful reminder that ageing well is about continuing to explore, create, learn and find joy in the things that matter to us.
Keep the momentum going by continuing to build connection every day – try something new, check in with someone, say hello, invite someone new along to an activity, call an old friend. Small actions can have a big impact.