Members of the 'Tuesday Lunch Group' at Griffith Aged Support Services enjoyed Melbourne Cup day in style with food, fashion and fascinators enjoyed by all.

"We've had a fashion parade, enjoyed bubbly, non-alcoholic champagne and a three course meal and had two sweepstakes," Yvetter Pastro social worker with Griffith Aged Support Services said.

The 'Fashions of the Field' competition was a clear highlight for group members, with Cathie Bellew graciously accepting the honour for her green feather fascinator carefully paired with floor-length gown.

The group get together once a week as part of a Griffith Aged Support Service run program and aims to keep seniors engaged in the community to ward off anxiety and the devastating effects of loneliness on mental health. However, COVID almost put an end to this vital service if it weren't for the efforts and support of the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club.

"During COVID we had to stop our Tuesday group for about a month and we found that many of our seniors were rapidly declining as a consequence, "Monica Beckman from Griffith Aged Support Service said.

Mrs Beckman explained that if it weren't for the generosity and community minded spirit of the Griffith Ex-Servicesmen's Club, their programs would have had to shut down completely leaving their seniors vulnerable.

"If it wasn't for the 'Exies' we would have been six months without this group operating. Everything that they were able to provide us with their COVID safe plans ticked the boxes for us to keep on operating and have our seniors recommence at that location.

The group normally would enjoy their Tuesday lunch at the club's bistro however this bunch being a bit rowdy the Griffith Community Centre provided the space for the day's festivities.

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