Celebrating Seniors in Greater Dandenong

Get Social and celebrate seniors at the 2018 Seniors Festival.

Now in its 36th year this state-wide festival recognises the ole seniors play in community life and the positive contribution they make to local communities.

Residents in Greater Dandenong are invited to get involved in a number of free or low cost events and activities including, exercise sessions, social dances, morning and afternoon teas, and much more. Many of the events are run by community groups, organised by local people and designed to meet local interests.

The Seniors Festival in Greater Dandenong runs from Tuesday 2 October to Sunday 14 October.

Greater Dandenong Mayor Councillor Youhorn Chea said a special feature of this year’s festival was a crossover with Council’s annual Children’s Festival.

“This year grandparents are encouraged to attend events with the youngest members of their families to promote cross-generational interaction,” he said.

“The Seniors Festival is a great way to celebrate and highlight the contribution seniors continue to make to our community.”

As part of this year’s Seniors Festival Council will also be launching its Positive Ageing Strategy 2017-25.

Cr Chea said the strategy seeks to ensure that older people continue to remain active members of our community.

“Council believes all residents should have the opportunity to live well no matter their age or stage of life,” he said.

“We want to ensure all residents continue living independently for as long as possible and this festival is a great way to promote that.”

Highlights of the Seniors Festival 2018 will include:

Friday 5 October
Seniors Festival Launch, Harmony Square
Official launch of Seniors Festival, 11am-12pm.
Deckchair Movie: Wizard of Oz (PG), 12pm-1.45pm.
Grandparents and grandkids – Magic, mirth and mystery show, 2pm-3pm.

Saturday 6 October
Seniors Tour of Dandenong Market, 11am-12pm. Cost: free.

Monday 8 October
Smart phones for seniors, Dandenong Library, 9.30am-11.30am. Bookings: 1300 630 920.

Tuesday 9 October
Volunteering information session, City of Greater Dandenong’s Springvale Customer Service Centre, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale, 10am-12pm. Ph: 8571 5335.

Wednesday 10 October
Places of Worship Tour, Interfaith Network office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong, 8.30am-3pm. Cost: $25. Bookings required: 8774 7662.

Thursday 11 October
Backstage tour – Drum Theatre, 226 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 12.30pm. Bookings required: 8571 1666.

Friday 12 October
Afternoon Dance, Jan Wilson Community Centre, Halton Road, Noble Park North, 12pm-3pm. Cost: gold coin. Bookings required: 8571 5557.

Saturday 13 October
Don’t keep Dandenong’s history a mystery, Heritage Hill Museum and Garden, 1.45pm for 2pm start. Bookings required: 1300 630 920.

To see a full list of events in Greater Dandenong visit www.greaterdandenong.com/seniorsfestival or grab a copy of the brochure at our customer service centres or libraries.

Free travel for seniors

Victorian Seniors Card holders are encouraged to explore Melbourne and regional Victoria with free travel from Sunday 7 to Sunday 14 October, as part of the 36th Victorian Seniors Festival.

The free travel applies to Melbourne's trains, trams and buses and regional V/Line trains, coaches and buses.

For more information visit the Victorian Government's Seniors website or call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 797 210.