Grandparents and ‘grand friends’ who step into similar roles hold families and communities together in many different ways. From the smaller actions to the actions with the biggest impact, from running errands, to nurturing culture, passing on skills, and providing an emotional ballast. Increasingly, Grandparents also support families financially and often jump in as carers and supporters when unexpected life events occur.
With Queensland Grandparents Day coming up on Sunday 26 October 2025 (celebrated annually on the last Sunday in October), it is timely to reflect on how Grandparents step into diverse roles in community and family life.
For inspiration to celebration Queensland Grandparents Day including some great resources, and communications materials, see the Queensland Government’s Grandparents Day information page.
In your community, there are many ways to celebrate and create meaningful recognition. Here are some lower cost ideas that you can scale to suit your community context:
- Bring people together through a morning tea, elevenses, or a relaxed breakfast BBQ at the park or a neighbourhood centre. Add conversation prompts such as, “Teach me something your grandparent taught you,” to get stories flowing.
- Share stories and knowledge through inviting grandparents and grand friends to share a recipe, song, craft, or practical skill (bike maintenance, seed saving, first-phone setup). Pair older and younger participants for a hands-on, intergenerational activity.
- Show community gratitude by setting up a simple board at your library, club, or shopping centre where people can post ‘One thing I appreciate about a grandparent or grand friend.’ Photograph the messages and share them (with permission from the grandparent).
- Bridge digital literacies through hosting a ‘Tech Tea’ where peers who are digitally savvy can assist their community members by e.g., helping with phone settings, how to book telehealth appointments, or online safety tips. Local libraries provide regular information sessions on building digital literacy and scam prevention. This might be a great place to start to find free information sessions that can be paired with a morning or afternoon tea.
If you are planning something small or big for Grandparents Day this year, also consider in-kind support from local businesses (tea, scones, printing), in-house venues (a school hall or clubroom), and volunteer speakers or performers. Where possible, link your event to ongoing activities (e.g., a monthly grandparent’s group, intergenerational playgroup, or regular group or club at a community hall or library) so the connection continues after the day.
Grandparents Day is part of a larger event called Queensland Seniors Month which occurs throughout October. To find out more about what’s happening in your local community during October, visit the event calendar on the Queensland Seniors Month website: Event Calendar – Queensland Seniors Month.
Grandparents Day can become a springboard for connection that lasts all year. When we celebrate grandparents and grand friends, we’re investing in building relationships, community resilience, and creating an age-inclusive community for every generation.