About Manly Seniors

The Manly Seniors’ Centre originated in 1955 with a vision of the Manly Rotary Club, to build a special centre in Manly, where retired people, whether pensioners or not, could have a meeting place with organised activities and companionship on a regular basis. Rotary approached Manly council to make part of the flood prone land, which had recently been acquired, available for the construction of a seniors’ centre. Rotary raised all the funds to demolish an old house on the site, and to construct the building, which was completed in 1958.

The Rotary Club of Manly supported the Senior Citizens’ Centre for many years and helped maintain the building, but eventually the maintenance and future alterations and additions became the responsibility of the Manly Council. In 1999, council decided to move the Meals On Wheels service from the Manly Hospital to the Seniors’ Centre and an extension was added, and the present building was opened in 2004. Council has also incorporated Computer Pals services into the building, and rents the premises for community and private activities on a regular basis.

The Manly Club for Seniors Inc. offers many activities for people over 50 years of age, seven days a week. These include line dancing, ballroom dancing, table tennis, bowls, singing, art, bridge, scrabble and mahjong. Membership is just $5 a year, with an attendance fee of $1, which usually includes morning or afternoon tea.

These activities provide mental and physical stimulation and social interaction for the senior members of our community and many strong friendships are formed through the club. We have over 400 members, many of whom use the centre several times a week.