Shire readies for seniors celebration

SENIORS throughout the region are set to be celebrated next month as part of the 2022 Victorian Seniors Festival.

Local community groups, organisations and the municipality will be delivering in-person offerings for the first time since the pandemic to coincide with the month-long event.

The statewide festival has been running for forty years, and Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said the municipality is doing their part to acknowledge the region’s older demographic.

“Older adults play an important role in the Golden Plains community and we’re pleased to be able to celebrate their contributions, ideas and experiences,” he said.

“Since transitioning out of the delivery of in-home aged and disability care services, council remains focused on providing opportunities for older residents to stay healthy, engaged and connected.”

Alongside other offerings, the municipality will acknowledge International Day for Older Persons at Bannockburn on Tuesday, 4 October and Ageism Awareness Day on Friday, 7 October at Lethbridge.

Suzannah Burton, Golden Plains Shire’s manager of community wellbeing, said their festival offerings will mark a turning point in the municipality’s dedication to the region’s senior residents.

“With this being the festival’s 40th anniversary, we’ve worked hard to establish a busy timetable that celebrates the festival’s aim to provide fun and good times for older residents,” she said.

“This year’s Seniors Festival marks the beginning of our new vision for active ageing and inclusion in Golden Plains, which will focus on positive ageing, social connections, access and inclusion, and assessment and service navigation.

“Following Seniors Festival, we’re looking forward to being able to deliver a range of new programs and initiatives to align with these focus areas.”

A timetable of events throughout Golden Plains can be found at the municipality’s website.