24 Oct 2017 Whittlesea Review, Whittlesea (General News) FLORAL arrangements from across the four seasons were on display at the Kilmore and District Hospitals closing ceremony for Floraid on Friday, October 13. Kilmore Hospital CEO Sue Race, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan and Deputy Mayor Cr David Lowe were in attendance at the event to recognise the hard work of all involved. Hosted in partnership with the Mitchell Shire Council during the 2017 Victorian Seniors Festival, Floraid provided the community with a visually stimulating event and celebrated seniors living within the shire. Led by the staff at the Kilmore and District Hospital, Floraid invited community groups to make a colourful and unique display of flower art, from non-perishable materials, representing one or more seasons of the year for the event. On August 28, Floraid was officially opened by Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell at Caladenia Nursing Home. The displays were then rotated at Dianella Village Hostel in Kilmore and Karingal Nursing Home in Seymour, so residents and families could view the works and share in the experience. Council also showcased the displays across all three libraries in Broadford, Kilmore and Wallan. Together, the community groups created a spectacular display for all seniors living in the Mitchell Shire to enjoy. Ms Race thanked all who were involved and told the North Central Review that the Floraid project was a fantastic initiative. Ms Race made a special mention of Community Engagement Officer for the Kilmore and District Hospital, Jitka Jilick, and Caladenia Nursing Home Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Tracey Hooke, for their work on the project. A very big thank you to Tracey Hooke who has led this fantastic project every step of the way. I would like to congratulate her innovation and passion towards creating this wonderful concept of involving all seniors in positive ageing regardless of their abilities, Ms Race continued. The Floraid project was inspired by a piece of artwork created and donated by Ivanhoe Grammar School students to the residents of Caladenia Nursing Home titled The Tree of Life. The residents of Caladenia love the piece a beautiful tree made from many different vibrant colours of twirled paper formed into a tree. Closing the ceremony, Ms Symes and Cr Lowe presented certificates to the participants and congratulated everyone for their contribution to the magnificent display. The Seniors Festival is an annual month long celebration with the aim of promoting inclusive communities and providing an opportunity for our seniors to try new things, contribute and remain active and engaged in their local community, Ms Symes said. Im pleased to be here today to support this event and to acknowledge the hard work of our seniors and community groups involved. Floraid has been an innovative and exciting project for our senior residents in Mitchell Shire to take part in, regardless of their age or abilities, Cr Lowe added. It is so nice seeing our senior groups working together to create something that can benefit the entire community, so well done to all. Ms Symes and Cr Lowe joined Ms Ryan to cut the cake, marking the official end of the ceremony. Ms Ryan said that Seniors Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievement of older people in our community who give an enormous amount to the district. Often our community groups are driven by people who are retired, who are older and many of our groups wouldnt function without them, she said. Floriad is a beautiful initiative and its wonderful to see the wide support it received across the community. Many different groups have come on board and contributed and I congratulate Kilmore Hospital with taking it around the shire to benefit as many senior residents as possible. Caption Text: Flower power: Kilmore and District Hospital (far right) CEO Sue Race joined Dianella Leisure Lifestyle Wellness Coordinator Mel Markey and Dianella residents Mariah Mamet and June Coppin to celebrate the closing ceremony of Floraid. The group is pictured with artwork provided by Dianella residents. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.