The Irish Support Agency has a number of ongoing outreach programs throughout the year that you can get involved with.
THE RAMBLING IRISH
The Rambling Irish is a social, community walking group. Each month, we choose a walk to complete, in and around the Greater Sydney area. The walks are all generally easy to complete, making them accessible to all abilities. Depending on the walk, dogs are also permitted. We also try to choose a walk that is accessible by public transport (as best we can).
Previous walks we have held, have attracted a diverse age group and abilities.
Walks are announced through our social media pages and also through the events tab on our website.
BOOK CLUB
The ISA book club meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6pm in the Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
The book club is open to everyone of all ages and abilities. We review 1 book per month, whilst also enjoying each other’s company and conversation.
Check out what we are currently reading here.
SENIORS PROGRAMS
There are three regular Seniors’ groups which meet fortnightly in NSW. Come along for a cuppa, chat with old and new friends, sing-a-long or a game of cards. New members always welcome.
We also have a free weekly computer class for seniors. Classes are tailored to suit our students’ individual capabilities and interests and are suitable for all levels.
regular EVENTS
We are closely monitoring the Covid 19 Pandemic situation but we are delighted to resume some of our senior events in 2022. We are taking full precautions and have a risk management plan in place for the safety and wellbeing of all staff and participants.
Cara Club at INA Building
Every second Wednesday from 10am
2024
24 January // 7 & 21 February // 6 & 20 March // 3 & 17 April // 1 & 15 & 29 May // 12 & 26 June // 10 &24 July //
7 & 21 August // 4 & 18 Sept // 2 & 16 & 30 October // 13 & 27 November // 11 December
Tír na nÓg at Penrith Gaels
Every second Thursday from 12pm
2024
1 & 15 & 29 February // 14 & 28 March // 11 & 25 April // 9 & 23 May // 6 & 20 June // 4 & 18 July // 1 & 15 & 29 August //
12 & 26 September // 10 & 24 October // 7 & 21 November // 5 December
Seniors’ Drop in at Wollongong Lutheran Hall - Suspended
Silver Surfers
Our Silver Surfers computer/tablet classes run thoughout the year in the Gaelic Club, Surry Hills on a Wednesday afternoon from 2pm-4pm. The classes aim to provide our Seniors with the basic skills for connecting safely to keep up to date with news, family and friends.
We have a wonderful cohort of volunteers to oversee the classes so there will be plenty of support available for all attendees.
All equipment and learning materials will be provided. If you are interested in joining the classes, please email admin@irishsupportagency.org.au or call 02 9300 8019.
PAST EVENTS
Seniors Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 13th December 2023
On Wednesday, December 13th, we had the pleasure and privilege of hosting our annual Seniors' Christmas Lunch at the Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association .
The event saw an amazing turnout, with 80 senior members of the Irish Australian community from across NSW coming together not only to celebrate Christmas but, more importantly, to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections.
Among our attendees were seniors who have called Australia home for 50 years or more, incredible to listen to the stories, jokes and tales of their journey so far and to witness the friendships that have been forged along the way.
A special highlight of the day was the presence of Rosie Keane, Consul General of Ireland, Sydney, who takes the time out of her busy schedule to get to really get to know our seniors, adding an extra layer of warmth to the occasion.
Our gratitude goes to the Penrith Gaels for their generous grant, which made this delightful Christmas lunch possible.
We also extend our thanks to the dedicated volunteers who ensured the safety of our seniors during the journey and contributed to making the day enjoyable for everyone.
Seniors Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 7th December 2022
We were delighted and honoured to host our annual Seniors’ Christmas Lunch at Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association on Wednesday 7th December 2022.
80 senior members of the Irish Australian community, from across NSW, were brought together to celebrate Christmas, but more importantly, to reconnect with one another and to make new friends.
Many of our seniors have lived in Australia for 50 years or more, but the Irish accents and lilts were more vibrant than ever!
We were also delighted to welcome Rosie Keane, Consul General of Ireland, Sydney, who shared many stories of home with our seniors.
Thank you so much to the Penrith Gaels, for generously awarding a grant to the ISA to make this lunch a possibility.
Thank you also to Rebecca Harkin and Kurt Russell for kindly donating their time and providing beautiful musical entertainment.
Thank you also to our volunteers who ensured our seniors were safe on the outward journey and that everyone had an enjoyable day.
Seniors Day Trip to Parramatta - Wednesday 25th May 2022
On Wednesday 25th May 2022 we were delighted to take 36 members of our senior community on a day excursion to Parramatta.
We visited Old Government House and Parramatta Female Factory, where we learned about the many Irish females, incarcerated here in the mid 1800's.
Days like this, help us all stay connected, especially those who have been sequestered, at risk of isolation.
We would like to acknowledge the generous grant awarded by the Emigrant Support Program of Ireland.
Seniors Christmas Lunch- Wednesday 8th December 2021
We were delighted to have had the opportunity to convene for our annual Christmas Senior’s lunch on Wed 8th December 2021. Thank you again to Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association for their generous grant and sponsorship of this special lunch, which is an annual highlight for many of our Seniors.
We were extended sincere welcomes by John Grieve, Club Chairman and Rosie Keane, Consul General of Ireland, Sydney who had her first opportunity to meet with many of our lovely Seniors.
We had an absolute ball in terms of reconnecting, craic and banter and were musically accompanied across the afternoon by the lovely and accomplished duo Rebecca Harkin and her fiancé Kurt Russell. Thank you to all at Penrith Gaels for looking after us!
Seniors Christmas Lunch- Wednesday 16th December 2020
We were delighted to have had the opportunity to convene for our annual Christmas Senior’s lunch on Wed 16th December. Thank you to Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Association for their generous grant and sponsorship of this special lunch, which is an annual highlight for many of our Seniors. We were extended sincere welcomes by John Grieve, Club Chairman and Adrienne Hickey, Deputy Consul Ireland, Sydney who had her first opportunity to meet with many of our lovely Seniors.
We had an absolute ball in terms of reconnecting, craic and banter and were musically accompanied across the afternoon by the lovely and accomplished duo Rebecca Harkin and her recent fiancé Kurt Russell. Congratulations to the pair. Thank you to all at Penrith Gaels for looking after us!
Seniors Mid Year Lunch - Wednesday 3rd July 2019
Our Seniors group enjoyed a wonderful get together at 34bia for our Seniors Mid Year lunch. Thank you so much to Brendan and Adam who were wonderful hosts, serving us up a truly scrumptious meal and to Geraldine Hennessy, who aside from volunteering on the day, gifted us all her homemade famine bread and strawberry jam. Sincere thanks also to Shay, The Irish Butcher, who generously donated black puddings for all to take home and to Taste Ireland for the food hamper for our raffle prize. Thanks also to Noel Brophy of the Wollongong Seniors who delighted us all with his wonderful repertoire of songs and ballads. The day was just too short!
Our Christmas Lunch is proudly sponsored by Penrith Gaels Club