Seniors Week 2025: Lady Clark Retirement Village

Residents at Lady Clark Retirement Village celebrated Seniors Week with a hands-on session from St John Tasmania, focused on empowering older Tasmanians to stay safe, independent, and confident — even if traditional first aid courses or mobility aren’t within easy reach.

As part of St John’s new First Aid Without Barriers initiative, the session explored practical first aid scenarios tailored for older adults — from what to do after a fall, to how to use a defibrillator, and how to respond in an emergency with limited mobility.

In partnership with Scooters & Mobility Tasmania, residents were also shown a range of living aids designed to make everyday tasks safer and easier. From lift chairs and easy-pour kettles to safety alarms and non-cutting knives, the demonstrations sparked conversations about how simple adaptations can make a big difference to quality of life.

This year’s event tied into the Seniors Week theme celebrating food, friendship, and community — with residents sharing stories over morning tea while learning new ways to protect themselves and those around them.

“First aid isn’t just about emergencies — it’s about confidence,” said Jo Curteis, Manager Brand and Community at St John Tasmania. “Through First Aid Without Barriers, we’re helping people stay independent and connected by showing that anyone can learn first aid, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.”

“Learning first aid gave us confidence,” said Magda Recher, resident at Lady Clark Retirement Village. “Now we know what to do if something goes wrong, and that makes us feel safer and more prepared in our everyday lives.”

Get involved

First Aid Without Barriers is St John Tasmania’s ongoing commitment to make lifesaving knowledge accessible to all Tasmanians — including seniors, people living with disability, migrants, and those experiencing homelessness or isolation.

Whether you’d like us to run a session, tailor training for your group, or explore how we can support your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can help more Tasmanians stay safe, confident, and independent.

Want to bring First Aid Without Barriers to your community? Learn more here: First Aid Without Barriers | St John Ambulance TAS