Olympic hero headlines golden program of seniors’ festivities

Published on 05 February 2025

A hero of the Sydney 2000 Olympics is coming to Singleton to share her tips on staying healthy and strong—particularly later in life—as the special guest at the Singleton Seniors High Tea + Expo on Wednesday 5 March, in the showcase event of the 2025 Seniors Festival program.

Kerri Pottharst aced her way into Australian sporting legend as a three-time Olympian and beach volleyball champion, but is perhaps best known for winning gold with partner Natalie Cook on the sand of Bondi Beach at the Sydney games.

Now a global sports commentator, coach, mentor and author of The Business of Being an Athlete, the Bloomfield Group has teamed up with Singleton Council to bring Kerri to Singleton to share her secrets on the transition from professional athlete to maintaining health and fitness later in life.

The Singleton High Tea + Expo, to be held at Singleton Civic Centre from 10.30am – 1.30pm, is free for anyone to attend and will also include morning tea prepared by Singleton High School’s talented Hospitality students, as well as plenty of information about healthcare services, volunteering, and recreation opportunities available in the Singleton community.

“I haven’t been to Singleton before, so I’m excited to come up and explore the town and meet with lots of local people,” Kerri said.

“I always love inspiring people and sharing my story, and I’m really looking forward to being part of this event.

“My journey right now is about living healthy for as long as I can, and even though I’ve been retired for over 20 years, I want to maintain my health—even though I have aches and pains—and I’ll be talking about what I do to daily to stay healthy and strong.”

Brendon Clements, Operations Manager at The Bloomfield Group’s Rix’s Creek Mine, said that by “sponsoring the Seniors Festival High Tea and Expo, Bloomfield is delighted to help create opportunities for learning, connection and celebration for our seniors”.

“Their wisdom and resilience are the foundation of our community, and we are proud to support what promises to be a great event,” he said.

Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said the Singleton Seniors Festival program running from 3 – 16 March always offered a wide variety of activities and events for senior residents and this year’s theme—Time to shine—could not be more fitting.

“With over 30 activities and events on offer including a Men’s Shed open day, fitness, yoga and art classes, and a road safety workshop, it’s the perfect opportunity for people to try something new, meet new people or simply come together,” she said.

“The annual Seniors Festival art exhibition will also return to Singleton Public Library, so seniors can collect their free canvasses now and create their works inspired by the theme Time to shine and see them displayed in the Library foyer throughout the festival.

“We’re very grateful for the support of the Bloomfield Group to host our showcase high tea event, and I’m looking forward to people of all ages getting involved and celebrating the contribution those people of a certain age contribute to our community.”

Artworks must be returned to the Library by Monday 3 March to be included in the Seniors Festival art exhibition.

The Singleton Seniors High Tea + Expo will be held at Singleton Civic Centre on Wednesday Wednesday 5 March 2025 from 10.30am – 1.30pm. Entry is free, but bookings are required.

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See the full program