Ever thought about what it means to age well as an LGBTQI+ person in a regional community? Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, a proud supporter of the ChillOut Festival, tackled this question head-on by hosting the Living & Ageing Well Event at the Hepburn Pavilion on March 7th 2025.
In partnership with Central Highlands Rural Health for the Living & Ageing Well in Hepburn project, the event connected older LGBTQI+ individuals with vital resources, support networks and expert advice. The project is designed to empower older individuals and improve their quality of life through stronger community connections.
Highlights of the event included a talk by Val’s, an organisation dedicated to healthy ageing for LGBTQI+ people, and a Q&A panel featuring community leaders Andrew Rogers, Grace Lee, Max Primmer, Di Oram and Meagan Harding, with Phil Catterson as MC.
SJ Tilbury, General Manager of Wellness at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, shared why this event matters, “Wellness extends beyond the physical, it’s about fostering connection, inclusion and support for everyone in our community.
The event reinforced Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, ensuring LGBTQI+ individuals have the knowledge and community connections needed to age well and with pride.
“Hosting this event was a crucial step in ensuring LGBTQI+ people in regional areas are not just seen and heard but truly supported as they age. Everyone deserves to grow older with dignity, connection and the confidence that they belong,” Tilbury concluded.
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