Fun and games at Victorian Seniors Festival

People aged 60 and over will be acknowledged for their contributions and invited to take part in more than 1500 senior-focused events and activities.

This year’s theme, You’re welcome, underpins the festival’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for diversity. All older Victorians, irrespective of experience or mobility, can learn new skills, make new friends and take part in the fun.

WITH more than 100 events and activities across the state, this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival promises something for absolutely everyone.

From concerts and croquet to tai chi and tours, the bumper program will ensure you’re never left with nothing to do. And if you’re ready to try something new, the bumper program has a huge list of Come and Try days.

The fun kicks off with Celebration Day in Federation Square on Sunday, October 8.

To find out what’s on, go to www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or grab a free copy of the official Victorian Seniors Festival program at any Coles store, local library, council office or neighbourhood house. You can also phone 1300-135-090 to have a program sent directly to you.

IN THE days before computers, iPads, smartphones and games consoles, youngsters made their own entertainment.

There was hide and seek, hopscotch, duck duck goose, what’s the time, Mr Wolf? jump rope and please, Mr Crocodile, may we cross the river?

Grandparents can share the memories of hours of fun and physical activity with their grandchildren at a free Retro Games Day at the Crown Street Stables, Flemington, on October 5 from 10am-noon.

There will be hula hoops, Frisbees, a giant Connect 4, quoits, sack races and a tin can alley game.

“This event will allow our older residents to share a piece of history with their grandchildren and experience some old-fashioned fun, while also getting them out of the house and away from the iPads and video games,” said Moonee Valley mayor Andrea Surace. “Grandparents can bring along their grandkids and step back in time for a morning of old-time games and fun in an historic setting.

No bookings are required and food and drinks are available at the Crown Street Community Cafe with a subsidy on menu items available for Seniors Card, Disability Support Pension Card and Disability Companion Card holders.

Geelong’s Ballroom has hosted Saturday night dances and other events since 1984.

And during the Victorian Seniors Festival there are two opportunities to trip the light fantastic.

On October 14 it’s Back to the Ballroom – a must for anyone with any connection to the ballroom in its 33-year history or, equally, a great opportunity to make your first connection with it. There’s a great night of live music and dancing from 8-11pm. Admission is $10; bring a plate to share for supper.

The following day, it’s an afternoon tea dance from 2-4.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation and Devonshire teas will be provided.

THERE’S no need to miss out on a thing during the festival, with eight days of free travel for Victorian Seniors Card holders.

Make sure you have your Seniors myki and Victorian Seniors Card with you on public transport from October 8-15. You need to touch on and off as usual, but you won’t be charged.

People in regional areas that don’t use myki simply need to show their Seniors Card to the conductor or bus driver.

The free travel applies to Melbourne trains, trams and buses, as well as regional trains, coaches and buses, including regional town bus services.

Some private bus operators and airport service are excluded – go to www.ptv.vic.gov.au for more information.

It is recommended seniors travel during off-peak hours (9am-4pm, or after 6pm, and on weekends) when it is more likely there will be seats available.

If you’re planning to travel in regional Victoria, you need to reserve a seat on long distance V/Line trains and some coaches. Early bookings are recommended, and you can only travel free in economy class.

You can book a return journey for up to four Seniors Card holders.