Seniors get free travel during month-long festival

VICTORIAN Seniors Card holders have been encouraged to take advantage of free public transport until this Sunday (October 14) to explore the state as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.

The offer applies to Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses and regional V/Line trains, coaches and buses.

Seniors need to carry their Seniors myki and Victorian Seniors Card with them, and touch on and off as usual – but will not be not be charged during the eight days of free public transport, which began on October 7.

The annual festival provides opportunities for seniors and their families to participate in new activities, with more than 140,000 older Victorians expected to take part in more than 2,500 events across the state.

The theme for this year is “get social”, with seniors encouraged to take part in fun-filled activities such as learning how to take better photos, making the perfect brew, trying the ukulele and having antiques appraised at an Antique roadshow.

Events will include a big band dance, an LGBTI elders dance club, at Israeli circle dancing, a bush dancing festival, Ballet for Seniors and a range of musical performances and concerts.

In regional and rural Victoria, seniors can watch a classic Aussie film outdoors at the Quambatook silo cinema, take in some arm chair travel in Echuca, and descend 61 metres underground at Central Deborah Gold Mine.

“The Seniors Festival is a great opportunity to recognise, celebrate and support the vital role seniors play in our community,” Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said.

“Throughout the festival seniors get free rides on public transport across the state, which we know motivates many to get out and about, enjoying the events and meeting new people.

“We’re proud to support this wonderful event, which not only provides great entertainment, but also encourages increased social participation for Victorian seniors and promotes healthy, active lifestyles.”

For more information about events and activities, head to seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or pick up a free Victorian Seniors Festival program at any Coles store, local library, council office or neighbourhood house.