Local legend Peter Rowsthorn is headlining a special senior-friendly comedy morning in Melville in April, and while it’ll be plenty of laughs, there’s a smidgeon of a serious side to the occasion too.
The event, ‘Because no matter our age – we’ve still got it’ is led by the City of Melville in collaboration with Cockburn and Fremantle councils, and features a comedy set by Rowsthorn who is probably most famous as the affable Brett, in the iconic Australian comedy show Kath and Kim.
The theme of the event is that growing older can be fun, and laughter, music and community can help keep us all young at heart.
City of Melville is identified by the World Health Organisation as having one of the highest proportions of older residents (aged 65+) in Western Australia, with projections expecting this to reach more than 20 percent of the total population by 2031.
Research shows just how important laughter is to this age group. A study recently published in Gogent Gerontology reveals humour plays a multifaceted role in older adults' lives, serving as a social function, coping mechanism and as a means of navigating the challenges of ageing.
Rowsthorn, who lives in Perth, has just turned sixty-three. He is not new to championing respect for older people. In 2024, he featured in a social media campaign, alongside his daughter Billie, that tackled age discrimination by encouraging the use of empowering and respectful language.
‘Because, no matter our age – we’ve still got it’ show runs from 10am to 12noon on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at City of Melville Main Hall. It also features local ukulele group, the Strumatolites (made up of music-loving retirees) who appear regularly at festivals and fundraising events.
Free pickup and drop off services are available from City of Cockburn Seniors Centre, 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood at 8.20am and Fremantle Town Hall, 9 William Street, Fremantle at 8.45am. To register for a pickup and drop off service, please call 08 9411 3877 or email [email protected]. Bookings Essential.
Comments attributed to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair:
“We are so pleased to spearhead this event for the ratepayers of Melville and surrounding councils.
“I am proud that Melville has shown strong leadership and a long-term commitment to supporting our older residents, with Melville being one of the first WA Local Governments to become a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2010.
“Right now, we are reviewing our current Age Friendly Melville Plan to develop one that spans 2026-2030, and this will be our road map to continue supporting older people living in our community – how they can stay active, connected and keep learning no matter their age.
“Our over 55s are a really dynamic group. As part of community consultation for the review of our Age Friendly Plan, residents told us they valued social activities and health and fitness programs and we’re very proud of the reputation we have for delivering these.
“However, we won’t rest on our achievements; this ‘Still got it’ event is a great example of a fresh, fun and collaborative way of nurturing social connection, which is a strong focus for our Council Plan for the Future 2024-2034.”
Comments attributed to City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett:
“Speaking from personal experience, growing older in Cockburn is wonderful! I’ve been able to offer my services in a community that really values the role and attributions of older people from all walks of life.
“My wife Pat and I and all our friends of a similar age are living proof of a community named the WA Age Friendly Local Government of the Year for 2022 in recognition of our Age Friendly Strategic Plan, the first of which was developed in 2008.
“The City is so proud of its popular Seniors Centre, with more than 1,100 members, but there are 10 independent seniors clubs across Cockburn plus there is the Cockburn Community Men’s Shed, and we’ve installed more than 90 pieces of public exercise equipment to help keep people of all ages active.
“As a member of the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, our City strives to uphold its eight interconnected domains of urban life of community and healthcare, transportation, housing, social participation, outdoor spaces and buildings, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, and communication and information.
“Collaborating with our neighbouring local governments to add to the vibrancy of life as we support those among us who are growing older is both a privilege and a duty that I am proud to be a part of.”
Comments attributed to City of Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver:
“The City of Fremantle is delighted to help spotlight positive ageing with a comedic slant and support community inclusiveness and participation for all ages.
“The City’s Age Friendly Plan 2026 – 2031 engaged older residents to understand how we can work together to create a more age-friendly community to strengthen wellbeing and encourage meaningful connections.
“As Mayor, I’m proud that the City of Fremantle continues to lead the way in connecting older residents through our Age City Friendly approach with initiatives like the Community Connections Café and the Positive Ageing Expo.
“Connections Café celebrates shared lived experiences and brings people together, while the Expo supports residents to stay active, independent, and engaged in their wellbeing.
“Strong partnerships with neighbouring local governments make this work even more impactful, and together these initiatives give people a real chance to have their say, build connections, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
“We all know that social participation and good humour improve the quality of everyday life, and I am sure that everyone will leave this show with a huge smile.”