General News
30 December, 2025
Age no barrier to feelin' good
OVER the past 10 weeks, Year 9 students from Boort District School have been spending time with aged care residents at Boort District Health as part of a feel-good inter-generational project inspired by the media series Old People’s Home for Teenagers.
Funded through the Loddon Engage! program and co-ordinated by North Central LLEN, the project brought young people and older residents together each Thursday afternoon to share stories, try new activities and get to know one another.
Throughout the program, students and residents took part in a wide range of activities, including flower arranging, decorating cupcakes, gardening, playing games, building gingerbread houses and marking the 16 Days of Activism. Along the way, they shared plenty of laughs and conversation, and worked together to create a short video.
‘The project wrapped up with students presenting their experience at the Boort District Health annual general meeting and was described by Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh a spectacular highlight of the meeting.
He was backed by BDH Donna Doyle who echoed the important connections forged between students and residents during the 10 weeks.
North Central LLEN program manager Claudia Cox said: “The Intergenerational Wellbeing Program is a partnership between Boort District School, Boort District Health and North Central LLEN.
“It’s all about bringing generations together in a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable to join in.
“Each week focused on a different theme, giving students and residents the chance to learn from one another and build real connections.”
“The program delivered plenty of positives for everyone involved. Students built confidence, communication skills and a stronger sense of community, while residents enjoyed the energy, company and sense of purpose that came with spending time with young people,” Claudia said.
“Most importantly, the project showed how much can be gained when generations come together.
“By the end of the 10 weeks, it was clear that the connections made went well beyond the activities, leaving lasting memories and strengthening the sense of community in Boort” said Claudia.
Read More: Berrimal, Boort