Glen Park Community Centre Inc has received $8975 to support its Silver Sisters program, with funding set to deliver a celebratory, queer-themed event designed to connect older women and gender diverse people with vital social supports.
The Silver Sisters program supports older women and gender diverse people aged 45 years and over, offering a safe and inclusive space for people who can otherwise feel isolated in the community.
Glen Park Community Centre chief executive officer and co-founder of Silver Sisters, Heidi Butler-Moore, said the funding would help address a clear gap in local services.
“There isn’t actually a group available specifically for older cohorts who identify as LGBTQIA+ in our area,” Ms Butler-Moore said.
“For people to be included in something like this, they often have to travel a long way just to take part in social activities for their age group.”
The funding will be used to host a queer-themed celebration led by professional drag queens, which Ms Butler-Moore said was an intentional way to make the program more visible and approachable.
“It’s a bit of a hook to get people to come along,” she said.
“It can feel safer to attend what’s seen as a social inclusion activity, rather than something that feels labelled, for older people, particularly those who are not out, that can make a big difference, if you put on food and something fun, people will come.”
Silver Sisters was created by Ms Butler-Moore, Tracy Muzek and Nancy Kavanaugh, with Ms Muzek and Ms Kavanaugh also acting as facilitators – they started the program after years of searching for a welcoming space closer to home where older women and gender diverse people could feel safe and connected.
Ms Muzek said the lack of safe, local options for older women and gender diverse people was deeply felt.
“We searched for a long time for a gay group on this side of town and found nothing,” Ms Muzek said.
“When we did find something, it didn’t feel safe for women, we wanted a space where people who identify as female or non-binary could feel comfortable, build connections and feel like they belong.”
Ms Kavanaugh said the program had become a lifeline for many participants who were previously isolated.
“A lot of people didn’t have friends or a community at all,” she said.
“Coming together regularly has been instrumental for people’s mental health, friendships have grown, and people now socialise outside the group as well.”
The upcoming event is expected to help break down barriers for people who may feel nervous about attending for the first time, particularly those who are not openly out.
Ms Butler-Moore said the focus would be on creating a welcoming, well-planned environment.
“We know this could feel intimidating for some people,” she said.
“So we’re making sure there’s good planning, good security and clear information, but most importantly, that people feel genuinely welcomed.”
Ms Kavanaugh said the celebration would be relaxed and pressure-free.
“It’s a fun icebreaker,” she said.
“There’ll be games, drag queens and a good atmosphere, there’s no pressure to stay the whole time – people can just come in, check the place out and see if it feels right for them.”
The $8975 grant will also allow Glen Park Community Centre to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Silver Sisters program.
“The funding gives us the time, space and resources to set up stronger structures moving forward,” Ms Butler-Moore said.
“It supports our facilitators and helps us put on an event that’s professional, fun and accessible.”
Ms Muzek said the funding would also help raise awareness of the program within the broader community.
“It’s really hard to spread the word without money,” she said.
“Even simple things like flyers or business cards matter – this helps people see that we’re here and that we’re just like everyone else.”
Ms Butler-Moore said the event also carried a wider message about inclusion.
“We want people to know that Glen Park is inclusive for everyone,” she said.
“This event isn’t just for the LGBTQIA+ community, anyone is welcome, we’re about bringing people together from all walks of life.”
The organisers hope the celebration will lead to more people accessing Silver Sisters and feeling safe, seen and valued within the Glen Park community.
“We deserve to feel celebrated and safe,” Ms Butler-Moore said.
“And we have a responsibility to make sure our community knows that.”
