A brand-new Age Well Information Hub opened at Benalla Library on Thursday, July 15.
Since then, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, it has only opened on four Thursday mornings.
However, with the loosening of restrictions it is hoped that the hub will be available each Thursday morning from November 11, from 10am to noon, until the end of 2021.
The hub, which is staffed by volunteers from Age Friendly Benalla, is able to provide information on activities and services in the city.
An Age Friendly Benalla spokesperson said two volunteers would be available at the hub each Thursday.
“They have brochures and information on aged care facilities in Benalla and district,” the spokesperson said.
“(Those include) service clubs such as Probus, Rotary and Lions, U3A Benalla, the Men’s Shed, garden clubs, Benalla Community House, Benalla Senior Citizens, as well as sports and fitness activities available in Benalla.
“The Information Hub will also promote local events in Benalla.
“From the 2016 Census we know that 42 per cent of residents in Benalla Rural City are aged 55 years or over, whilst 17 per cent of our population is aged over 70.
“So Benalla has a significant older population, and it is anticipated that this proportion of older residents in Benalla will increase when information from the August 2021 census becomes available.
“We encourage the community (and) local groups to contact the hub on 0458 587 134 to make arrangements to drop their brochures (in), so that the info hub can promote their activity, service or group.
“The Information Hub looks forward to seeing many Benalla residents on a Thursday morning from November 11.
“Residents are encouraged to ask for any information regarding services for older people in Benalla they require.”
The Information Hub is funded by Benalla Rural City Council from a Victorian Government Seniors Participation 2019-2021 Grant.