A jam packed October is promised for this year’s Victorian Seniors Festival with Gippsland seniors encouraged to pick up a program now and start planning to make the most of the fantastic events.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP said the 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival program, released today, boasts more than 1,300 free and low-cost events and activities across Victoria.

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.

The program guide features a fantastic array of social, cultural, educational and body and soul activities that older Victorians can enjoy. From sports, to the arts and unique experiences – there is something for everyone.

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

Many of the events are run by local councils and community groups in Gippsland, organised by local people and designed to meet local interests.

Highlights of the festival in Gippsland include:

• Wonthaggi Seniors Festival of Golf on October 1 & 2

• Bairnsdale Country Concert featuring James Blundell on October 5

• Baw Baw Seniors Walk in beautiful Willow Grove on October 6

• Mystery Bus Tour in the Gippsland run by Latrobe City on October 9

• Korumburra Country Concert featuring the life and works of Keith Potger on October 9

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.

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 Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“The 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival will celebrate our seniors and the fantastic contributions they make to Gippsland.”

“The Festival has a great program of events and I encourage seniors in our community to make sure they come along.”

“This is a great opportunity for seniors across Gippsland to participate in a huge variety of activities and to celebrate some of the very best things about living in our wonderful region.”