Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Ministers statements: Victorian Seniors Festival

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:28): Spring is in the air, and that means that one of the highlights of Victoria’s festival calendar, the Victorian Seniors Festival, is nearly upon us. Now in its 42nd year, the Victorian Seniors Festival returns in October this year with a huge month-long program full of free and low-cost events and activities right across our state. The theme this series is ‘Explore, Engage, Evolve’, encouraging older Victorians to stay connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people and changing how we think of ageing. The festival collaborates with local councils to promote local activities and events, along with community clubs and organisations such as COTA. More than 1400 events have now gone live on the Seniors Online website with more added daily, and a hard copy program will be available at Coles supermarkets across the state, so check it out.

This year’s festival officially kicks off with Celebration Day, a spectacular celebration at Fed Square, from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sunday 6 October. This event will feature a line-up of live music, inspirational speakers and hands-on activities. Other highlights of the calendar include the Melbourne Town Hall dance, the aged care tour and the country concerts. You can learn to trace your ancestors with the Genealogical Society of Victoria, practise cryptic crosswords in Parkdale, try linedancing in Warrnambool or go for a strike at tenpin bowling and coffee in Morwell. The Labor government is very proud to support this fantastic month of celebration for all Victorians, including older Victorians. I hope to see you all there.