Connect, Create and Celebrate at The Seniors Festival
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns this October with a range of free and low-cost events for older Victorians across the State and in Golden Plains Shire.
Celebrate positive ageing and take part in events and activities close to home and right across Victoria. The Victorian Seniors Festival encourages everyone to get involved, share joy and have fun.
This year’s Victorian Seniors Festival theme – Connect, Create, Celebrate – invites older Victorians to come together, discover new interests and celebrate.
Connect or re-connect with your interests, skills and hobbies. Join in events and meet new people in-person and online. Create your own path and remain curious as you age. Join in events to build practical skills, make friendships and new social connections.
Copies of the Golden Plains Shire Seniors Festival Calendar can be accessed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ news or pick up a copy from Council’s Customer Hubs in Bannockburn or Smythesdale.
To learn more about Victorian Seniors Festival events in Golden Plains Shire, contact 5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
Golden Rainbows Film Festival Begins
The Golden Rainbows Film Fest (the Film Fest) starts today, with exciting films set to captivate audiences throughout September 2025.
Presented by the Golden Plains Youth Council (formerly known as the Youth Activation Committee), the Film Fest is an all-ages, fully supervised event that will feature film screenings throughout September to be held on:
• Friday 12 September from 4 to 8pm at the Linton Bowls Club – featuring ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’
• Friday 19 September from 4 to 8pm at The Well, Smythesdale – featuring ‘Kinky Boots’
• Tuesday 23 September from 1 to 5pm at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre – featuring ‘A Nice Indian Boy’
As part of the Film Fest, Council is also taking the opportunity to showcase the talents of young people across the Shire by displaying a touring exhibition of artwork and written pieces by LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies.
To register to attend the Film Fest, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.
Spring Holiday Activity Program
Young people aged 12 to 25 years can enjoy a range of exciting and educational activities in Golden Plains Shire throughout the upcoming spring school holidays, with activities running from Monday 22 September to Thursday 2 October 2025.
The free school holiday activities held across the Shire have been designed to support the needs and interests of young people, while also providing opportunities to learn new skills and connect with other young people.
Activities include arts and crafts sessions, the Golden Rainbows Film Fest, a BMX workshop, Accredited Training sessions, woodworking at the Bannockburn Men’s Shed and a trip to the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
To see the full list of activities and to register, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ holiday-activity-program
Please note, some activities have sold out.
Sign up for the Digital Gazette
Starting with the September 2025 edition, the Gazette newsletter will be moving to digital only delivery. This means you will no longer receive hard copies in your letterbox or at local pick-up points. Hard copies will be available on request. The digital-only delivery will not only improve your access to important updates, but also aligns with our broader sustainability goals.
To sign up for the digital Gazette, email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au, or scan the QR Code.