Seniors’ Festival goes digital

The 38th Victorian Seniors’ Festival and Geelong’s own seniors’ festival will take a virtual turn this year providing a positive connection at home.

With residents aged 55-plus making up nearly one third of the city’s population, Geelong’s Seniors’ Festival Re-imagined is expected to be well attended online.

This year’s theme is ‘In the Groove!’ which can be interpreted as feeling groovy and rocking a relaxed and happy vibe.

With heightened isolation and loneliness being experienced as a result of the pandemic, the festival responds to an increasing demand for social inclusion and connectedness.

The city has engaged local community groups to celebrate and connect with our local seniors with a variety of exciting activities being made available on the city’s website throughout October.

“This has been a very difficult year for our valued seniors’ community,” Community Life director Robyn Stevens said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that our older relatives, friends and neighbours have been missing out on the visits and outings which they usually enjoy.

“We hope that Geelong’s Seniors Festival Re-imagined will bring a bit of joy into the homes of our older residents. With such a great variety of activities, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone.”

Highlights at this year’s event include; virtual walks through the Geelong Botanic Gardens guided by members of the Friends group, songs from the ’30s to ’60s streamed live from the Piano Bar with local musician Andy Pobjoy, craft and fashion projects with Breeze Retirement Community resident Vanda, grooving our troubles away, with Geelong Harmony Chorus, a series of concerts performed by Orchestra Geelong, virtual dance party with choreographed sequences hosted by Diversitat Aged Support, dramatic script reading with Geelong Regional Libraries, online laughter sessions with South Barwon Community Centre, ukulele lessons, humans in Geelong online expo and Trauma Teddy’s 30th birthday celebration.
A calendar of events for Geelong’s Seniors Festival Re-imagined and In the Groove will be available at geelongaustralia.com.au/seniorsfestival today, September 10.

To participate in the Victorian Seniors’ Festival, from now until the end of October, head to seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or phone 1300 797 210 to request a printed program.