THIS year marks the 40th anniversary of the Victorian Seniors Festival, with the Southern Grampians Shire Council partnering with Senior Citizen Groups around the region to offer something special for those over 60.

The festival’s theme, Takin’ It Easy, signals a return to face-to-face celebrations after the last two years saw a move online due to the pandemic.

Seniors will have the opportunity to enjoy a host of different experiences including virtual travel, free movie, live performance, guest speakers, market stalls, afternoon tea and more for the month of October.

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Cr Bruach Colliton, said it was fantastic to see so many events and groups getting involved to celebrate the community’s senior residents and their contribution to the Southern Grampians.

“We have some great opportunities available for our senior residents this year which is fantastic to see people getting back out there and forging strong social connections,” he said.

“The Greater Hamilton Library will host a virtual Armchair Travel session on October 4 where residents will be able to travel virtually with the assistance of VR technology to parts of the world they have never seen – all from the comfort of the Hamilton Cinema.

“Those interested in film can book their free tickets to Ticket to Paradise also on October 4 in the Cinema and we also have an amazing tribute show to the Beatles – The Beatlez – scheduled for the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre on October 21.

“Tickets will be subsidised by Council at only $10 per person which also includes an afternoon tea.”

Cr Colliton said the Seniors Festival is a special time of celebration for Southern Grampians seniors and is an important opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing valued contribution those over 60 make to the community.

“There are a number of other activities scheduled through our senior’s groups around the region including the Eventide Lutheran Homes 60 Year Anniversary Market, guest speaker Cheryl Threadgold at the Hamilton and District Senior Citizens Centre and much more,” he said.

“You can pick up a copy of the program at Council Customer Service Office at 111 Brown Street in Hamilton, via our website, or at your local Seniors Citizen Centre.

“Many events are free or have a small cost so grab a program and book your spot today.”

The 2022 Victorian Seniors Festival has over 2500 free and online events happening across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Victorian Seniors Card holders can access free travel on public transport services from tomorrow, Sunday, October 2 to Sunday, October 9, including on V/Line, to celebrate in the fun and get involved.

“Victoria’s seniors make an invaluable contribution to our community – and the Seniors Festival is a chance to say thank you for all they do,” disability, ageing and carers minister, Colin Brooks said.

“Whether online or in-person, the month-long festival provides senior Victorians with opportunities to get involved, meet new people, learn new skills, or just enjoy the entertainment.”

To find more information or to see the full list of state-wide events, visit bit.ly/3ChQGRD

For more information about the local festival, visit sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=2629