Everyone aged 55 and over is encouraged to check out the jam-packed calendar of free and low-cost activities planned for the Warrnambool Seniors Festival, with over 30 events to get involved in.
The theme this year is - 'Explore. Engage. Evolve.' - encouraging older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people, and changing how we think of ageing.
Among the activities are a series of events for green-thumbs and garden lovers, with a tour of the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, an open day at the Warrnambool Community Garden, a session to create a garden for wildlife at home, a fresh produce exchange and an introduction to compact "food cube" gardens.
"Whether it's shared efforts in a communal space, or simply the exchange of knowledge, your garden grows best when you connect with others, so if you're a keen gardener, there's lots to discover at this year's Festival," Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
"The Festival will be officially launched at the Archie Graham Centre on October 2, and part of the launch will be a tour of the compact yet highly productive courtyard garden as well as a look back at the Florado Festival and the wonderful displays of flowers that went with it.
"It's a great time to discover a new hobby as well, and there quite a few come and try activities scheduled at local clubs. There's fitness classes at AquaZone plus there's line dancing, pickleball, croquet and dragon boat rowing. And if you have a good time, you can continue with these activities throughout the year.
"There are also sessions with the University of the Third Age, events on weekends to enjoy with your family, and regular favourites like the pampering session and the concert at the Lighthouse Theatre are on too.
"The Warrnambool Seniors Festival is the perfect time to connect with your community and spend time doing things you enjoy.
"So check out the program and start planning your October. Early bookings are recommended as some sessions can fill up quickly."
Glenn Hearn moved to the region two years ago, joining the Archie Graham food cube gardening group about three months ago.
"I was more a flower gardener, I had a beautiful garden in Ballarat, but this time I'm focussing on vegetables," he said.
"Many hands make light work, so the garden is coming along really nicely.
"We've got strawberries coming along great guns, and we've only just put them in.
"Everything is a team effort here. We all talk, generate ideas… and then we have something to eat and drink afterwards.
"I've met a lot of people in Warrnambool through what I'm doing at Archie Graham.
"I think the Seniors Festival is brilliant for people to mix in and get to know each other."
Hard copies of the Warrnambool Seniors Festival program are available at the Archie Graham Centre. You can also view the program online.
The Warrnambool Seniors Festival is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
