By Sarah Schwager
A NEW program for Casey’s seniors has finally hit the airwaves.
Last August the News revealed that the City of Casey and 3SER Casey Radio 97.7FM station manager David Lentin were considering setting up a program for seniors by seniors after a number of locals expressed their desire to host a program.
The first show, called Living Life, kicked off two weeks ago focusing mainly but not exclusively on the over-55s within the community.
One of the presenters, Maureen Veysey, said the program would include guest speakers and cover topics such as travel, financial information, coming local events, talkback, and musical segments would also be developed.
She said the format would be flexible.
“We hope that it will create a forum for all interested community organisations and individuals to make known the services and activities that are available within the City of Casey,” Mrs Veysey said.
These included retirement villages, discussion groups, the U3A, book clubs, RSL, golf clubs, community aid services, church organisations and senior activity groups.
City of Casey community development manager Janette Green said the program was the result of a six-month planning phase with local residents and council officers to communicate with Casey’s older population in a different way.
“A number of residents felt so strongly about wanting to reach and connect with other seniors they proposed to start a new radio program, and host it themselves,” Ms Green said.
These residents run the program themselves, working on organising the format, scheduling and promotion of the program.
“Guest speakers will be interviewed by the panel of hosts, who are all local residents volunteering their time on this terrific initiative. This team has made great progress with their first show receiving lots of positive feedback from listeners,” Ms Green said.
The program airs on 97.7FM on Mondays from noon to 1pm.