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Celebrating seniors across the ShireThe Victorian Seniors Festival is being celebrated in Bass Coast once again throughout the month of October, with plenty of events being held across the Shire. By Portal Admin - 22nd September 2017 - Back to News Supported by Bass Coast Shire Council, community groups and organisations are hosting over 20 free and low-cost events focussing on seniors throughout the month.
This fantastic annual celebration brings senior members of our community together, and is a great opportunity to come and try a wide variety of events and activities.
There are plenty of events to promote being active, including social tennis in Wonthaggi, a come and try bowls day in Inverloch, the 2017 Seniors Festival of Golf, and a dance at the Dalyston Hall.
If history is more your forte, there are some fantastic events being held including the Phillip Island Museum open day, a historical bus tour of South Dudley and North Wonthaggi, 'tales from the tombstones' a talking tour of Wonthaggi Cemetery, and an introduction to researching your family history at the family history rooms in Cowes.
For those who prefer to sit and socialise, there are also lunches, concerts, performances and presentations on the local program.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield, said that with a high population of residents aged over 65 in the Shire, it is fantastic to see such a wide variety of events being held for the Festival.
"There are so many great opportunities for our seniors to get out and about, take part in new activities, enjoy a day out with friends and meet new people," Cr Rothfield said.
"The Senior’s Festival is now in its 35 th year and I am thrilled that we continue to participate in this event, and celebrate those who have helped make Bass Coast the diverse and dynamic community it is."
Seniors can also receive free public transport upon presentation of their Victorian Seniors Card in early October, including:
Metropolitan trains, trams and buses for eight days covering the period from Sunday, 8 October to Sunday, 15 October
V/Line services for eight days covering the period from Sunday, 8 October to Sunday, 15 October
Wonthaggi Town Service for eight days covering the period from Sunday, 8 October to Sunday, 15 October
For a full list of activities or more information visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/events, or pick up a local program from one of our Customer Services Centres, Visitor Information Centres or local libraries. The state wide festival program featuring over 1,300 events is also available from Coles Supermarkets.
For more information about the Victorian Seniors Festival, including an online calendar of events, visit https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/.
Plenty of great events on offer during October for the Victorian Seniors Festival.
For more information contact:
Nina Barry-Macaulay
communications officer
t (03) 5671 2163 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 698 089
e nina.barry-macaulay@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. - Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment. - East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities. - Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses. - East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed. - Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities. - Gippsland Water increases basin cover cleaning to annual schedule to protect drinking water quality across service area
Gippsland Water is increasing drinking water basin cover cleaning from every 18–24 months to annually, helping prevent damage, reduce contamination risks and protect water quality. - Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services. - Productivity Commission backs Peri Urban Councils' call for infrastructure before housing targets across Victoria
The Productivity Commission has backed Peri Urban Councils Victoria's call to link housing targets with funded infrastructure, supporting development, coordinated planning and financing for 85,450 new homes across five Victorian growth councils. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services. - Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions. - Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland. - Gippsland Water storage levels remain strong despite below-average spring rainfall forecast, with no supply shortages expected across the region
Gippsland Water says strong storage levels will support customer demand through spring despite below-average rainfall forecasts, with no shortages expected. Customers are reminded to follow Victoria’s permanent water-saving rules. - Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs. - East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region. - Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence. - Darren Chester congratulates Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival team after raising $256,941 for free 3D hands
Stratford runner Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival raised $256,941 for Free 3D Hands, supporting children with limb differences, following his world-record treadmill run and strong community participation. - Victoria releases ten-year waterway strategy to strengthen river, estuary, wetland and floodplain management across state
Victoria has released its updated Waterway Management Strategy, outlining a ten-year plan to protect rivers, wetlands, estuaries and floodplains, while supporting community involvement and Traditional Owners’ cultural responsibilities. - Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
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