Seniors Festival: Learning, loving, and living in Ararat this October

The Seniors Festival returns in October with plenty of opportunities to participate in fun, free and low-cost events taking place locally, in the city, and neighbouring towns.

In its 41st year, the annual festival acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of older people with an array of events from concerts, and workshops to tours.

Seniors can also take advantage of the eight days of free public transport from 1 – 8 October, aligned with the broader Victorian Seniors Festival 2023.

Ararat Rural City Mayor, Jo Armstrong noted the wide range of skills and experience seniors bring to our communities.

“Council recognises the enormous contribution of older people in respect to supporting others, volunteering, and bringing richness to our communities,” Cr Armstrong said.

“Getting involved with the festival is a wonderful way to connect with others, get out and about, and try something new – there’s a range of welcoming activities for everyone to take part in.”

Learn something new

Challenge yourself to learn something new! There are lots of great workshops and tours during the festival. Speak to a local financial counsellor to discuss concessions, utility relief grants, and complete a financial health check, while having a cuppa at the Ararat Library.

Art Deco buffs can join a tour through the town of 16 selected commercial and residential buildings, with lunch to follow at the Ararat Hotel Café Bistro (at own cost). The tour starts and ends at the Ararat Town Hall auditorium. $10, email Ararat U3A for details - [email protected]

As part of the festival, Council organised a bus tour for visitors to learn about the fascinating history of Ararat, from the gold rush to Aradale Asylum and J Ward, on Sunday.

Explore the wonderful world of contemporary collage with ‘That Paper Joint’ at Ararat Gallery TAMA on Oct 19. In this free 2.5-hour guided experience, you’ll be shown visual techniques and examples that will assist you in creating your own unique design.

Get out and about

Healthy movement boosts our wellbeing and overall mood. Ararat Fitness Centre is offering free access to their facilities on 12 October. Why not take a dip in the pool, unwind in the spa, or get moving with a free fitness class? The Centre also offers modified fitness classes for those looking for more.

Settle down and enjoy a great film at Ararat Library with great company on Oct 11.

You won’t want to miss ‘Crazy Arms’, a hilarious and entertaining live music show that celebrates the origins of popular piano playing from Boogie Woogie and Ragtime in the late 1800s through to the birth of Rock N’ Roll in the 50s at the Ararat Town Hall on Oct 18.

Full list of Ararat Seniors Festival Events:

Wednesday 4 Oct, 10.30 am - Ararat Town Bus Tour by Ararat Visitor Information Centre.

Thurs 5 Oct, 1-3 pm - Stitching Circle at Ararat Gallery TAMA.

Fri 6 Oct, 10 am – 3pm - U3A Art Deco Tour starting at the Town Hall auditorium, $10, Email [email protected] to book.

Wed 11 Oct, 2 pm – Free Movie Afternoon at Ararat Library.

Thurs 12 Oct – Free access to Ararat Fitness Centre including Pool, Gym, Spa, Sauna, and Group Classes (Spin at 6.15pm, Water Aerobics at 10am & 5pm).

Wed 18 Oct, 12pm onwards - Free concert: Crazy Arms at Ararat Town Hall.

Thurs 19 Oct, 10 am - 12.30 pm & 1.30 pm - 4 pm – Free Collage Workshops with ‘That Paper Joint’ at Ararat Gallery TAMA.

Wed 25 Oct, 10.30 am – 11.30 am – Financial Wellbeing Morning Tea at Ararat Rural City Library More information and regional performances can be found online at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/2023-country-tour

To save your spot for one of the free Ararat Town Hall performances, visit www.ararattownhall.com.au or visit the Ararat Visitor Information Centre.

Contact Ararat Rural City Council on (03) 5355 0200 for further enquiries.

This program is supported by the Victorian Government, Ararat Rural City Council and U3A.