The 40th annual Seniors Festival will feature a number of free concerts and events and getting there will be easier thanks to free public transport for seniors during the Festival.

Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie, said that in line with Hepburn Shire’s  ‘No Barrier’ Positive Ageing Strategy, Council was working with the local community to increase access to events and address social isolation.

“There are currently over 7,000 residents in Hepburn Shire over the age of 55, which is 46% of the Shire’s population. The the State average is 28%. This makes the Seniors Festival even more important to us.”

The 2022 Victorian Seniors Festival will feature live and online events, including concerts, dances, sport, the arts, history talks and tour, with events across the State supported by the Victorian Government.  The events are designed to empower seniors to connect, socialise and further their wellbeing.

This year’s theme, ‘Takin’ it easy’, focuses on presenting accessible and comfortable spaces, both live and online, to ensure our seniors feel relaxed to participate and ease back into events.

Building on the success of the previous Victorian Seniors Festivals, this year’s events will include online and radio programs, as well as First Nations performances and entertainment from multicultural artists.

The Country Concert series will take the festival to 26 regional towns and the Aged Care Tour will entertain aged care residents with music and magicians from September to December.

To ensure older Victorians can make the most of the Festival, Victorian Seniors Card holders can access free travel on public transport (including V/Line) services from October 2 to 9. Even though the events listed below occur outside of those dates, free transport will be available for all events. Details will be provided when you make a booking.

For V/Line trips that require a reservation, bookings open on Tuesday 6 September. More information here: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/free-travel

Information programs can be found at Coles stores, local councils, libraries and community organisations.

For more information about the Victorian Seniors Festival visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or call 1300 797 210.

Seniors Festival events in Hepburn Shire

Hepburn Shire Council, with the support of the Seniors Festival, Cresfest and Attitude Clunes are running the following events:

10 October 2022:

Event: Lonnie Lee Stage Show (Rockabilly)
Venue: Regent Cinema Ballarat – 49 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central 3350
Free tickets to the show including free bus travel and free lunch are available. To book tickets ring 0438 406 538.

12 October 2022:

Event: Skiffle Party with supporting acts.
Venue: Dean Hall
Free tickets to the show with free light lunch provided. To book tickets please see https://www.trybooking.com/CCLHR or ring 03 5345 2356

26 October 2022:

Event: Skiffle Party with supporting acts
Venue: Lyonville Hall – 4 Bremner Avenue, Lyonville Victoria 3461
Free tickets to the show with free light lunch provided. To book your tickets please see https://www.trybooking.com/CCLIA or ring 03 5345 2356

28 October 2022

Event; Talking Ageing with Attitude Conference 2022
Venue: Clunes Town Hall – 98 Bailey Street, Clunes 3370
Free tickets to the conference with FREE morning tea and lunch provided.
To book your tickets please ring 0438 406 538.