Caption: From left, Tiny and Annette, John and Marita, and Peter and Barb take to the floor during a Seniors Month concert at St Arnaud Town Hall.
Several of the region's seniors donned their dancing shoes to kick-start a month-long festival in their honour.
Northern Grampians Shire Council is hosting or promoting a range of free or low-cost activities and events throughout October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
The festival, from October 1 to 31, celebrates the state's senior residents and their contributions to our communities.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the shire's festivities started with concerts in Stawell and St Arnaud town halls, which were well attended.
"The afternoon included lunch and performances by Glenn Starr in Stawell and Rhiz and Pete in St Arnaud, who had the crowds singing along and up on their feet," she said.
"These concerts are always a highlight on the Seniors Month calendar, and they did not disappoint. We had some wonderful rock 'n' roll dancing on display and we received so much positive feedback.
"This year's festival theme is 'Connect, create, celebrate' and there are plenty of opportunities to do just that throughout the month."
Cr Hyslop said encouraging seniors to remain active was important and people aged 50 and older could make the most of a range of free activities at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre on October 20.
Between 10.30am and 1.30pm, participants can enjoy several classes and gym access, along with morning tea.
On Fridays, seniors can attend Fit4Life sessions at Stawell Senior Citizens Club from 11.45am. The classes cost $8 and are for all fitness levels. There are also 'Rock up to Pickleball' sessions at the aquatic centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, for $5 per person.
In St Arnaud, there are free pickleball sessions at the sports stadium on Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am, and free Active for Life sessions from 11.15am to 12.30pm in the senior citizens building every Friday.
There are also free come-and-try pilates sessions at Torneys Gym on October 14 at 6.15pm and October 27 at 10am, and fitness sessions at PhysioBiz Fitness on October 16 and October 21 at 10am.
Other seniors festival highlights in St Arnaud include an orchid show at the town hall on October 11 and 12; a country music show on October 12; 150-year celebrations for St Arnaud Citizens Band on October 18; a vintage car show and shine on October 19; and 150-year celebrations for St Arnaud Primary School on October 24.
In Stawell, seniors can enjoy Hoy card games at the senior citizens building on October 13 and 27, from 2pm to 3.30pm. Participation costs $5 and includes afternoon tea.
There is a Stawell Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Parade at the Powerhouse on October 10 and Stawell Agricultural Show is on October 25.
Seniors Rights Victoria will host a free Planning Ahead session at Stawell Library on October 21 at 1pm. The session will include information about being prepared for the future, including how to get started on an advanced care directive, and enduring powers of attorney.
Northern Grampians Shire's Seniors Month brochures are available from Thrive 50+ hubs, council customer service offices and libraries in Stawell and St Arnaud, as well as the towns' senior citizens clubs.
The Victorian Seniors Festival includes eight days of free public transport across the state from October 5 to 12, for all Victorian Seniors Card holders. This includes travel across all metropolitan services, V/Line train and coach services, and selected regional bus services outside of the myki-enabled area.
People can visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/free-travel
