Ms Dolan has provided dedicated Tai Chi service to residents in Bombala, Bibbenluke and Delegate for the past 12 years.

Ms Dolan’s farewell was attended by 24 of her class participants who all agreed that they were sad to see the end of Tai Chi classes in the Bombala area.

The Tai Chi students agreed they had enjoyed the classes over the years.

"Tai Chi was a new experience for me - I enjoy the classes and I have made new friends - which is always a good thing," one Tai Chi class member said.

Tai Chi can help prevent falls which are the leading cause of injury for older people.

More than one in three people aged 65 and over, fall at least once a year and many falling more often.

As part of the Southern NSW Local Health District Falls prevention strategy, Tai Chi and Community Exercise classes operate in the Monaro and Snowy Mountains to increase balance, strength and fitness.

Classes are run by a network of trained volunteers who provide low cost, falls-safe, physical activity opportunities for older people living in Cooma, Jindabyne and Berridale.

For community members who would like to join our volunteer network of Tai Chi Leaders, there is a training opportunity coming up on the last weekend in April 2016.

“We are very sad to see Ms Dolan retire after so many years of involvement in our Falls Prevention program,” manager population health Lorraine Dubois said.  

“We hope to recruit a new leader to the Bombala area to keep Tai Chi classes going,” Ms Dubois said.

Classes are easy to learn, effective, enjoyable, safe, and suit people with different fitness and mobility levels.

Studies show that the program reduces pain, assists to prevent falls, and can improve many aspects of an individual’s health.  

For more information go to www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au