Before the dawn, "The Frogs' Chorus" singers gathered at Lauderdale beach, near Hobart, to welcome the day and a new era of communication between all ages. Tall "puppets" on elongated stilts, with mysterious metal beaks, spread their glorious silk wings as the first sunlight glinted on the water. Were they human or were they birds? To the sound of delicate flutes silk banners paraded along the sides of the canal and silken birds were flown on threads stretched out from one side of the canal to the other . Many of the banners and puppets were created at recent workshops conducted by AC '99 Partner - the Bellerive Community Arts Centre. At the far end there was percussion to be played - again the result of a workshop. A hearty breakfast prepared by the Clarence City Council was enjoyed by all.

At 11 am in the city of Hobart, national groups, community organisations and even a dog walking club paraded through the city centre behind the International Year of Older Persons banner to the sound of two fine bagpipers in highland garb.
A program of entertainment followed in the Parliament Hose lawns with the audience joining in Music and Movement and medieval dancing. Gro Harlem Bruntland's message was read to the crowd.

In Launceston, in the north of the state, a large crowd limbered up under the leadership of AC '99 Partner Tasfit Rehabilitation's Don McDonald and then walked behind Rusty the Tin Man - a national emblem of the active ageing movement, visiting the delightful parks in the centre of the city of Launceston, before entertainment in the city mall.

Altogether - an uplifting day for all involved.

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