Golden Plains Shire Council is encouraging its senior community to get out and about during this month’s 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival.
Running throughout October, the 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival celebrates the achievements and contribution senior Victorians make to our communities. There are more than 2,500 free or low-cost events and activities taking place across the State, and each year Golden Plains Shire partners with the Festival and local organisations and community groups to provide a calendar of events for our local seniors.
With a great program of local events on offer, participants have the option to be active, musical, informed or pampered while enjoying a delicious morning tea or meal – all for little or no cost.
Council has partnered with Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Dementia Australia, Haddon Community Learning Centre, Smythesdale Seniors, Meredith Community Centre, Dereel Community Centre, Integrated Living and RACV to offer a variety of exciting events, from IT First Aid to a Mystery Bus Tour.
The local festival calendar features events across the Shire, including in Bannockburn, Dereel, Meredith and Haddon. To ensure seniors from all parts of the Shire can participate, there are a number of events with bus transport or pickup to get attendees to their favourite event.
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says that Victorian Seniors Festival is a fantastic and engaging event for the Shire’s aged residents.
“Our senior residents are the backbone of communities throughout Golden Plains Shire, and are often some of the most engaged with local volunteer and community groups.”
“This festival is a great opportunity to recognise the contribution they make, and for local seniors to get out and about at some great events.”
“This year’s theme is ‘Get into it!’, and with so many local events on offer, I encourage all our senior residents to do just that and enjoy the festival.”
Local 2019 Victorian Seniors Festival Events
Trailblazer Walk – 10am, Thursday 3 October
Approximately 5km walk, followed by refreshments. Walk leaves from Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street, Bannockburn.
Bus departs from Smythesdale (8.45am), Dereel (9.00am), and Rokewood (9.15am).
Gold coin donation
RSVPs essential – call 5321 1500 or email [email protected]
Neural Knitworks for Seniors – 2pm to 4pm, Friday 4 October
Find out how to keep your brain sharp, engaged and healthy as we craft colourful neurons for our Neural Knitworks community art project. No experience needed, welcome to BYO crotchet hooks, knitting needles and grandchildren!
Bannockburn Library, 27 High Street, Bannockburn.
RSVP to 5281 2367
Gardening Locally – What Plants Should You Grow? – 10am to 11am, Wednesday 9 October
Free information session, including coffee and cake.
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon
IT First Aid – Friday 11 October
Bring along your laptop or tablet and we can try to help you with your problems. There are six half hour sessions available between 10am and 2pm.
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon
RACV Years Ahead – Personal and Home Safety – 10.30am, Monday 14 October
Learn about personal and vehicle safety, managing home security and home emergencies, and preventing falls in the home. Enjoy a morning tea from 10.30am, with the presentation to begin at 11.00am.
Dereel Hall, 14 Swamp Road, Dereel.
Please note: a minimum of 20 people are required for this session to run. Please RSVP to Lucy on 0409 247 237.
Lunch and Learn – Get Online Week – 11am to 2pm, Wednesday 16 October
Come along and learn about the online world, and stay for lunch!
Meredith Community Centre, 4 Russell Street, Meredith.
RSVP to 5286 0700 or email [email protected]
Chat and Chew Community Lunch – 12.30pm, Thursday 17 October
Enjoy a two course meal for $10.
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon
Worried About Your Memory? – 1pm to 3pm, Friday 18 October
Information on memory, common changes with ageing and strategies for improving memory presented by Dementia Australia.
Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street, Bannockburn.
RSVP to Alexa on 5220 7135
Come and Try Ukulele – Monday 21 October
It’s easy and fun, and non musical experience is needed. This is a free event for over 50s. BYO ukulele or we can organise one for you.
11am to 12.15pm or 4pm to 5.15pm.
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon
Smythesdale Seniors Bus Trip to Sorrento via Queenscliff – 8am, Tuesday 22 October
Depart The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale at 8am, with return around 5pm.
Cost: $30 including bus and ferry costs.
RSVP essential. Call Robyn Green on 0407 851 668 or email [email protected]
Seniors Mystery Bus Tour – Wednesday 30 October
Join the bus to a mystery location!
Bus departs:
Bannockburn Cultural Centre 8.30am
Rokewood Community Hall 9am
Napoleons Memorial Hall 9.45am
Returns around 5.30pm to Bannockburn
Cost: $25 including bus, morning and afternoon tea, and lunch.
RSVP essential by 5pm, 23 October. Call 5220 7154 or email [email protected]
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Free, easy ‘chair yoga’ exercises – great for mind and spirit.
Mondays 9.30am to 10.30am
Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm during October
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon
Seniors Be Connected Program
Increase your online confidence and skills, including email, myGov help, using an iPad or tablet, online shopping, sharing photos and social media.
11am to 1pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during October
RSVP essential. Call 5342 7050 or email [email protected]
Haddon Community Learning Centre, 396 Sago Hill Road, Haddon