Mothers have Mothers Day, fathers have Fathers Day and now Queensland grandparents have Grandparents Day too, Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers said.

Carolyn Male MP has encouraged the community to take part in the state’s very first Grandparents Day on November 7.

“Queensland is leading the way when it comes to Grandparents Day,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“The Bligh Government is the first state or territory in Australia to introduce a special day for grandparents and it’s the perfect opportunity to say thanks.”

“I certainly have very fond memories of spending time with my own grandparents as a child and I know many parents rely on grandfathers and grandmothers to provide care and guidance in their family.”

“They are also a great source of knowledge for new parents to tap in to as they learn about raising children.”

“I encourage all grandchildren to get involved this Grandparents Day and say thanks to their grandfather or grandmother.”

Carolyn Male MP said Queensland Grandparents Day would be held on the first Sunday in November each year.

Carolyn Male MP said the date was decided after further consultation with the Queensland community following the release of the Positively Ageless Seniors Strategy.

Other initiatives in the first of five two-year-action plans in Positively Ageless include:

- Creating opportunities for timeout for grandparents raising grandchildren
- Commonwealth and State funding to provide nutritional information for frail older people and service providers
- A campaign to address elder abuse launched in June
- Promotion of the Seniors Enquiry Line run by Lifeline
- Assisting the University of the Third Age to provide online learning opportunities for seniors in regional Queensland
- Expansion of the Granfriends program to use the experience of seniors in schools

Positively Ageless - Queensland Seniors Strategy 2010-20 is available at www.seniors.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 13 04.