See more about our Creative Ageing Projects
2020 Creative Ageing Festival
The Creative Ageing Festival is an annual celebration promoting the benefits of arts and creative activities for older people.
Creative Ageing Resources
We provide access to resources including creative ageing research and publications for those interested in learning more about the field of creative ageing.
Creative Ageing for All
Creative Ageing for All is our strategic pathway to provide access and participation to creative ageing activities in the Mid North Coast Region.

Creative Ageing Notebook
We gather all the latest research, news and opportunities in the Creative Ageing world. Keep up to date and subscribe below to our Creative Ageing Notebook. Click here to catch up on past issues.
Creative Ageing Directory
Our Creative Ageing Directory provides a list of organisations and groups from all across the Mid North Coast who provide creative activities and events for older people.
There's something for everyone, so get out there and get creative!
Pick your interest and find whats on locally:
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ART
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Join a Community Gallery or Group
Many of the Community based art groups and galleries on the Mid North Coast offer tuition as well as the opportunity to exhibit.
They are also a good place to volunteer if you have an interest in art.
Art and Alzheimer’s
Our Regional Galleries each provide Art and Alzheimer programs, as first developed by the National Gallery of Australia, to provide people living with dementia with an opportunity to connect with the world in enriching and life-enhancing ways. These discussion-based tours of works of art provide intellectual stimulation and social inclusion. Participants are able to contribute knowledge, engage in interpretation, express emotions and recall memories.
For more information contact:
Cultural Companions
Cultural Companions in Port Macquarie-Hastings creates local networks of people interested in arts and culture that will accompany each other to events – like minded people that meet up regularly to go out together as part of a small group. Its aim is to provide increased opportunities for older people to engage with our local vibrant cultural and arts scene.
The PMHC Cultural Companions is free to join. If this sounds like something you might like to join, contact Council’s Volunteer Coordinator on telephone 6581 8111 for more information or visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/seniors
Free Galleries
A feature of most art galleries on the Mid North Coast is that entry is normally free with the major galleries only charging for the occasional a major exhibition. There are over 60 galleries in the region and these can be found at
https://artsmidnorthcoast.com/cultural_trails/galleries/#all
and also in many cafes and wineries:
https://artsmidnorthcoast.com/cultural_trails/food-art/#all
Our Events Calendar also features all current exhibitions during the year:
CULTURAL HERITAGE
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Volunteer at a Museum
Did you know we have over 20 museums on the Mid North Coast and all depend on the passion and contribution of their volunteers.
You can find details of your local museum(s) by visiting https://artsmidnorthcoast.com/cultural_trails/museums/#all
Family History
Joining a local family history group will give you lots of benefits for researching your family history.
You also get to meet others who have a similar interest, may be researching similar areas and families, and those who have lots of knowledge that they are willing to share.
FILM
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Local Film Societies or Clubs
Interested in film then why not join your local Film Society or Club
Visit our Events Calendar anytime to find out the latest film events in the region from Film Festivals to one off screenings.
MUSIC
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Learn to play the Ukulele
All over the world the ukulele has become the favourite challenge for those wanting to connect through music.
A number of opportunities and groups can be found on the Mid North Coast:
Borrow a Ukulele
Port Macquarie Hastings residents can go the Port Macquarie Library and chat to one of the friendly Librarians about how to borrow a free uke kit which includes ukulele, tuner and case.
So far over 120 seniors have participated in this project and a group of them have formed a Ukulele Ensemble
Learn another Instrument
Want to refresh you skills on an instrument you already play or played as a child or take up a new challenge then visit the Arts Mid North Coast Directory of all music teachers in the region.
You can search by local government area. https://artsmidnorthcoast.com/teacher_type/music-teacher/?region
WRITING
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Writing Groups
The written word can be a powerful tool of art and creativity. There are a number of writing groups throughout the region where you can share your love of writing or seek to improve your skills. In addition an important resource is the extensive network of libraries throughout the region. Libraries are much more than a place to read; they also stage a range of artistic events from book readings and launches, to workshops and presentations.
Our Libraries
Please check for varied opening hours especially the smaller branch libraries.