With their bright red hats and distinctive purple shirts, it’s very hard to miss this group of Canberra women when they’re out and about.
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Known as Sisters With A Twist, the Canberra iteration of the Red Hat Society has been going strong for 13 years, providing a strong social network for women over 50.
The group, who regularly meet up for social outings and gatherings, has now grown to more than 70 members.
Lyn Sands has been a member of the group for 11 years, and said she’s formed many close friendships during her time.
“It’s been the best thing that has happened to me. We just get support from one another,” she said.
“Our aim is to just go out together and have fun.”
Red Hat Society groups have come about in every Australian capital, with Sisters With a A Twist being the only one in the Canberra area.
Ms Sands said the idea behind the outfits the group wears when they’re together of red hats and purple clothes, comes from a poem.
“The idea for the Red Hat Society is based on a poem by Jenny Joseph, about an old lady who decided to wear a red hat and purple clothes and become visible,” she said.
Women under 50 are also able to be part of the group, however they have to wear pink hats.
Ms Sands said the members try to come together as much as they can.
“We usually do lots of lunches and dinners and lots of different events out around Canberra,” she said.
“We have ladies come here from all walks of life, and everyone knows who you are.”
The next few weeks are set to be a busy time for Sisters With a Twist, with the group marking its 13th anniversary with a dinner on January 23.
However, a larger event is scheduled for the January 13, when the group will get a new leader, or ‘queen’.
The ‘coronation’ event will take place with a ceremony to mark the occasion, with it being just the second time a new leader has been ‘crowned’.
Ms Sands said it would also be a chance to honour the outgoing queen.
“The last time we had a ceremony like this was back in 2007,” she said.