Northern Grampians Shire Council is shining a spotlight on its senior residents this month, offering an action-packed calendar of activities and events.
The council is a long-time supporter of Victorian Seniors Festival, which runs from October 1 to 31 each year.
The festival creates thousands of opportunities for older Victorians to participate in free or low-cost entertainment and events across the state.
Staff from the organisation's Thrive 50-plus Healthy Ageing Hubs, Community Care and Northern Grampians Libraries teams have compiled the region's events calendar with support from Western Victoria Primary Health Network.
Council chief executive Brent McAlister said Seniors Month was a great success so far, with plenty of positive feedback from both staff and participants.
"For the month of October, we are celebrating our seniors and their ongoing contribution to the shire – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents or advocates," he said.
"We think it's vitally important to increase the social connectedness of older people and their communities. This year's theme is 'Explore. Engage. Evolve.' – and what better place to do that in than our fantastic shire?
"The theme encourages older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people and changing how we think about ageing.
"I encourage any senior resident who does not have a Seniors Month brochure to pick one up to ensure they don't miss out on all the free and low-cost entertainment on offer."
The brochures are available from Thrive 50-plus hubs, libraries and customer service offices in Stawell and St Arnaud, along with Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The centre is hosting a free day of activities on Monday, October 14, including classes, gym and pool access and morning tea.
There will be two seniors concerts, with attendees to enjoy Frank Powell's rendition of hits from the '50s and '60s at St Arnaud on October 9 and Lonnie Lee sharing his 'own gold hits and those of his peers and friends' in Stawell on October 10.
Other Seniors Month activities in Stawell include orchid club open days, pickleball sessions, a community expo at Stawell Entertainment Centre on October 12, and active and Hoy card game sessions.
St Arnaud activities include man therapy, active for life classes, a movie screening, St Arnaud Orchid Show on October 12 and 13 and a country music show on October 13.
Activities in both towns will conclude with 'Talking about your generation' documentary screenings on October 31.
'Get Online Week' coincides with Victorian Seniors Festival and runs from Monday to October 20, enabling seniors to benefit from a range of activities such as cyber safety sessions, iPad Basics and Canva lessons and how to search for music or recipes online.
"Get Online Week is Australia's largest, community-led digital inclusion campaign and we are thrilled by the opportunity to help our community members improve their digital skills and feel safer and more confident online," Mr McAlister said.
Victorian Seniors Card holders can explore Victoria with free festival travel from October 6 to 13. People need to book a seat on long-distance V-Line trains and some coaches, by calling 1800 800 007.
People can call the council on (03) 5358 8700 to make an event booking or inquiry.
