The Victorian Seniors Festival is back!

THE festival, which will run throughout October, will include thousands of opportunities for older Victorians and their families and friends to participate in free and low-cost events, activities, and entertainment.

This year’s theme 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.

The festival kicks off with Celebration Day on 6 October and includes the ACMI Seniors Film Festival. A full list of events being held throughout the Seniors Festival can be found at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival-calendar.

During the festival, Victorian Seniors Card holders will get eight days of free public transport, from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October, so you can get out and explore attractions across Melbourne as well as regional and rural Victoria.

The Victorian Seniors Card was introduced in 1991, with more than one million Victorian Seniors now holding a card. The Seniors Card encourages people to continue to keep active and engaged in the community by providing incentives and making it more affordable to get out and about.

To be eligible for the card, you need to meet these three criteria:

Be 60 years of age or older;

Work less than 35 hours per week in paid employment; and

Be a permanent resident of Australia, residing in Victoria.

Seniors Card holders receive numerous benefits, including discounts from over 4000 participating businesses across Victoria. To apply for a Seniors Card, submit an application form online at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or contact my office for assistance.

Victorian Seniors Card holders are also eligible for a Seniors myki, which provides the following benefits:

– A 50 per cent discount on trains, trams and buses, including V/Line trains and coaches.

– Free weekend travel in any two consecutive zones and on regional town buses.

– Access to free off-peak travel vouchers each year.

For more information about the Seniors myki can be found at ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/concessions-and-free-travel/seniors.

Jacinta Allan MP

Member for Bendigo East