Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today urged senior citizens in Gippsland to get involved in the 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival.

The festival was officially launched by the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley at Federation Square on Sunday.

The month-long festival features more than 1,300 free and low-cost events and activities all over Victoria.

Festival highlights in Gippsland include:
• James Blundell playing at Kernot Hall in Morwell on October 7 at 10.30am
• Bush Poetry by Gippsland Bush Poets at Rosedale RSL Hall on October 8 at 1.00pm
• Athol Guy: The Seekers Story at the Korumburra Recreation Centre, October 9 from 2 – 4pm
• Croquet Open Day at Leongatha Croquet Club on October 10 from 1.00pm
• Veteran’s Golf Classic at Trafalgar Golf Club on October 13, tee off at 9.00am and 10.00am
• Croquet Open Day at Lakes Entrance Croquet Club on October 19 from 9.30am
• Veteran’s Golf Classic at Maffra Golf Club on October 20, tee off at 10.00am

Now in its 33rd year, the theme of this year’s festival is “Celebrating Communities” and recognises the great role seniors play in community life all over the state.

The festival has a wide array of social, cultural, educational and body-and-soul activities that seniors can enjoy. All 6 Gippsland councils take part in the festival offering local events. From sports to the arts, there is something for everyone.

Free public transport services will be provided to Victorian Seniors Card holders. Free metropolitan trams, buses and trains and regional bus services will run from Sunday 4 October to Sunday 11 October.

Free travel will be available on V/Line rail and coach services on Tuesday 6 October, Wednesday 7 October, Thursday 8 October, Saturday 10 October and Sunday 11 October.

The festival program can be picked up at any Coles, local council, neighbourhood house or U3A premises. The calendar of events can also be browsed using the Victorian Government’s Seniors Online website. For more information visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victorian Region, Harriet Shing:

“This Festival gives senior Gippslanders a chance to get out and have fun, while meeting new people, learning a new skill or improving their health and wellbeing.”

“This year’s program is one of the best ever and I urge seniors to get involved.”

“I encourage seniors around Gippsland to take advantage of the free VLine rail and coach travel from 6-11 October and to get the most out of this bumper festival program.”