A message from the Mayor - Seniors Festival starts next week
Published on 28 September 2015
There is now less than a week until the 2015 Seniors Festival kicks off. Held annually throughout Victoria, the week-long event is the perfect opportunity for older people to get together and enjoy themselves, and it is the ideal time to celebrate all that people over 55 contribute to our community.
With almost one third of our regional population over the age of 50, there’s no doubt that seniors play a big part in making this a great place to live, work and visit. Countless dedicated, energetic, generous older people play active roles in everything from sporting clubs and community groups to business organisations and families. And it is them and their contributions that Seniors Festival 2015 celebrates.
As in previous years, Council’s dedicated Aged and Disability Services team has organised a jam-packed program of events, activities, meals and opportunities for older people to learn, grow, relax and connect during Seniors Festival. Starting this Sunday 4 October and running until Sunday 11 October, there’s highlights all week.
On Sunday 4 October there’s an open day at Meringur’s Millewa Pioneer Park, featuring historical displays, country music entertainment, a BBQ lunch and hot scones cooked in a historic baker’s oven. It’s a great way to kick off the festival with SunAssist helping out on the day.
Two of our most popular events are also back again this year, with the World Café Seniors Festival Opening lunch at SuniTafe on Monday 5 October and the Red Cliffs Concert and Lunch on Friday 9 October always quick to sell out.
The Red Cliffs Concert has traditionally included entertainment from iconic Australian performers and this year is no exception with Colleen Hewett headlining the week.
Colleen made her first public appearance as a 12 year old and went during the 70’s to be known as Australia’s “Queen of Pop”, with her songs Superstar and Day by Day being big hits. She also went on to star in popular Australian dramas such as Prisoner and The Flying Doctors and more recently in stage performances such as The Boy from Oz and Chicago.
From paddleboat trips, to exercise programs, to movies and garden walks there really is something for all our local seniors.
I encourage everyone aged 55 and over to make the most of all the great activities on offer and to celebrate a week dedicated just to you.
Tickets to all Seniors Festival events and activities are on now and available at Council’s Deakin Avenue and Ouyen Service Centres as well as the Merbein, Red Cliffs and Irymple Libraries.
A full Seniors Festival program details call Council or visit www.mildura.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival
Cr Glenn Milne
Mayor