WeekendPlus was developed in 2013 as a fresh approach to providing lifestyle information that is targeted to the 60 plus audience. Using a digital format, we have been able to provide subscribers with a wide range of useful information to assist South Australian Seniors Card members to live their best lives.
There is something for everyone! From free events and restaurant reviews to surveys and community news. No two editions are the same.
On 10 March 2023, we are celebrating the 250th edition and 10 years of WeekendPlus! Come with us on a journey through the evolution of WeekendPlus.
The first Seniors Card newsletter, Plus! was launched in 2010 with less than 20,000 subscribed Seniors Card members. Plus! was emailed to subscribers as a PDF document and included one or two articles of interest and one or two competitions.
WeekendPlus was officially launched in 2013 in a magazine-style format and the first edition was distributed to 48,000 Seniors Card subscribed members.
In July 2017, with nearly 60,000 subscribers, the branding was revamped to better reflect the tone of the publication and to make the content clearer for readers.
In February 2022, following feedback from members saying they couldn’t read WeekendPlus on their smartphone, we developed the new Seniors Card website to be an accessible and inclusive online experience for members with WeekendPlus as its flagship.
WeekendPlus in numbers
Over 250 editions we have published more than 1,500 articles, keeping our subscribers up to date with relevant news and community information. We take pride in showcasing South Australian businesses and sharing local news from across the state, evidenced in a further 1,500+ articles published covering Arts & culture, Food & wine, Lifestyle and Regional.
We have given away 5,000+ prizes in at least 750 competitions, with a total prize value of more than $100,000. A huge thanks to all the promoters and providers who have made this possible! Who doesn’t love to win a prize?
Today, 10 years after it was launched, more than 118,000 South Australian Seniors Card members are subscribed to WeekendPlus!
Some of you will have been with us from the beginning and some might have joined us more recently. No matter how long you have been part of the WeekendPlus family, we hope you enjoy this special celebratory edition.
From the Seniors Card team
We have really enjoyed reflecting on 250 editions of WeekendPlus and wanted to share some of our favourite things.
We would also like to acknowledge the previous staff members, partners and contributors who have all helped made WeekendPlus great! We’d love to hear from you! Email seniorscard@sa.gov.au or comment on the 250th edition Facebook post with your favourite thing about WeekendPlus.
Name: Evlynn
Role: Manager, Seniors Card
How long have you been working on WeekendPlus:
Since 2013 (the beginning)
What’s your favourite category in WeekendPlus?
The recipes!
What do you enjoy about working on WeekendPlus?
Being able to share the great work of Office for Ageing Well and many other wonderful South Australian businesses and organisations with thousands of people across the community.
Favourite edition/story:
My favourite edition of WeekendPlus is 3 April 2020. We were fresh in lockdown, and I remember talking with the team at the first virtual content meeting about what we were going to include in WeekendPlus. It was important to us that we included information about how to stay connected with family and friends, support and wellbeing services, and even things to do from your loungeroom. The 3 April 2020 edition was just the start; it included virtual holidays, recipes, things to do in your garden, digital libraries, how to shop online, scams awareness, where to find trusted COVID-19 information, mental health support, what to watch on TV, podcasts, online orchestras, live streamed opera and more!
Name: Vanessa
Role: Sales, Marketing & Partnerships Manager
How long have you been working on WeekendPlus?
Involved from the early conceptualisation back in 2012/2013.
What’s your favourite category in WeekendPlus?
Around the Regions and all our wonderful competitions!
What do you enjoy about working on WeekendPlus?
Showcasing the amazing state that we live in and providing a platform to assist older South Australians to live well.
Favourite edition/story:
Choosing a favourite edition is akin to choosing a favourite child! I have had the privilege of being involved in 250 editions and have loved each and every one. The edition that probably carries the most meaning for me personally was partnering with Beyond Blue to deliver our ‘Lifting the Lid on mental health’ edition in October 2014. 45% of people are estimated to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime so being able to increase awareness around mental health and encourage connection with others is vitally important.
Name: Penny
Role: Marketing Coordinator, Seniors Card
How long have you been working on WeekendPlus?
Since October 2019
What’s your favourite category in WeekendPlus?
Arts & Culture – it’s always inspiring to read about artists and changemakers exploring new and fresh ideas in SA.
What do you enjoy about working on WeekendPlus?
I enjoy working with the team to workshop what our members might enjoy in the next edition.
Favourite edition/story:
It’s hard to choose just one! I love working on editions during festival season, they are always vibrant and fun to put together. However, my favourite story dates back to May 2020 during lockdown where we produced an article to invite Seniors Card members to submit their talents from home via video or images – the number of submissions was huge, and the talents were amazing! It was a feel-good story for everyone to enjoy and participate.
Name: Nicola
Role: Marketing Coordinator, Seniors Card
How long have you been working on WeekendPlus?
Since August 2022.
What’s your favourite category in WeekendPlus?
What’s On – I love finding out about events happening across SA.
What do you enjoy about working on WeekendPlus?
Sharing information about what’s happening to help older people to age well and to improve their quality of life. And definitely giving prizes away!
Favourite edition/story:
My favourite edition of WeekendPlus was the recent Adelaide Fringe edition from 10 February 2023. It was great to highlight the amazing talent we have in SA and to see how diverse the program was. With so many shows on offer it can be overwhelming trying to choose which ones to see, so the top picks were super-helpful.
