MELBOURNE Cup fans forget the fillies! The real action will be at Trinder Park Retirement Village on 2 November when residents and students glam up to strut their stuff on the catwalk.

The models —all aged over 70 — include Brenda Nean, Marie Graham and Betty Richmond will showcase classy outfits for the love of fashion to around 100 attendees.

“I don’t normally wear dresses but I’m going to frock up on the day,” Brenda said.

“I’m a blue person or mauve.

“I Iook horrible in hats but if they put me in one all I can do is smile.

“We won’t be walking down the catwalk wearing high heels because we’re no spring chickens.

“We’re modern old ladies who still like to dress up and have fun.”

The head turners will include male model Leslie Ryan parading three outfits for eager onlookers.

The cross-generational fashion parade will feature five Career Keys students, three female and two male aged between 15 and 19-years-old, who will also model ensembles from local retail outlets.

The Career Keys students from Logan will be using their hands-on industry experience as part of the Taste ‘n’ Style 16 week Queensland Government Get Set for Work training program focusing on hospitality, retail and the hair and beauty industries. 

Trinder Park General Manager Alan Lamb said the parade was a fashion statement facilitating fun interaction between young and old.

”Our residents are so excited and many of them are former race goers,” he said.

“This cup day extravaganza will help the students build positive relationships with older Australians and feel the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the community.”

In total 25 Career Keys students will attend the event to fine tune their newly-acquired customer service skills and help groom the ladies with their hair and makeup also serve the luncheon. 

Career Keys employment program coordinator Brenda Desplace said the students have planned and organised the core activities for the day.

“This will include setting up a mini express beauty bar (to rival the beauty tent at Flemington) where Trinder Park residents will be offered express manicures and hand massages by the hair and beauty students,” she said.  

“The hospitality students will serve the clients at the express beauty bar, with non alcoholic Champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries.

“Many of our youth come away from this experience with a new perspective and respect for older people in our communities.”   

Melbourne Cup attendees will watch the race live in the theatre, participate in horse racing games and enjoy musical performances by the students.

The Melbourne Cup event will be assessed as part of an accredited unit of study.

Taste ‘n’ Style will provide students with a Certificate II Hospitality, Certificate II Salon Practices and Certificate I in Work Education and First Aid.

Graduates will receive two points toward their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). 

Get Set For Work is funded under the Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

The program provides a transitional pathway toward employment, returning to school, other education and training.