Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges the Bunurong people, who have been the custodians of this land for many thousands of years; and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
We acknowledge that the beautiful land on which we meet is the place of age-old ceremonies, celebrations, initiation, and renewal; and that the Bunurong people’s living culture continues to have a unique role in the life of this region.
The Victorian Seniors Festival is committed to celebrating the experience and knowledge that
all older people bring to the community.
This year, the Seniors Festival has a dedicated focus on supporting events that are inclusive and safe for everyone.
The Shire acknowledges that older people are not one homogeneous group. They represent identities that intersect i.e., cultural identity, age, sexuality, partnered or unpartnered, socio-economic status, gender, ability, etc.
Our Seniors Festival celebrates the multifaceted nature of older people who live, work and play in our region.
Welcome to a month of free and low cost activities across the Peninsula and Victoria.
Mornington Peninsula Shire, in collaboration with local community groups and organisations, offers newcomers, visitors, and longterm residents a range of events to choose from.
You are invited to join in the fun and explore new activities, friendships, and places.
This is all about celebrating ageing and helping to debunk the stereotypes and myths about growing older. It’s also a chance to say thank you for the major contribution older people make to our local communities.
We wish to thank all the individuals and organisations who have contributed to this year’s festival.
– John Baker, CEO, Mornington Peninsula Shire
This booklet lists events and activities provided by community groups, organisations and the Shire. Bookings open on 17 September at 10am and are essential unless otherwise specified. For Victorian events: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival
Post your festival photos with the hashtags: #MornPenSeniorsFestival and #VicSeniorsFestival
Bookings open 17 September
Free public transport
6-13 October
Eight days of free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card Holders
As a Victorian Seniors Card holder, you can get out and explore metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria with free travel from Sunday 6 October to Sunday 13 October.
Remember to always carry your Seniors myki and Victorian Seniors Card with you on public transport. Touch on and off as usual, you won’t be charged.
Free travel during this period covers all public transport in Victoria, including:
• Melbourne’s trains, trams, and buses
• Regional trains, coaches, and buses (including regional town bus services)
We recommend travelling during off-peak hours as you’ll be more likely to find a seat.
You need to reserve a seat on long-distance V/Line trains and selected coaches. Reservations can be made by visiting your nearest train station, or phoning Public Transport Victoria from 10am, 10 September:
1800 800 007
Book early and pick up tickets within 48 hours. For larger group bookings contact VLine from 10am, 10 September: vline.com.au/grouptravel
If you can’t travel on the day you have booked, don’t forget to cancel your booking to free up your seat!
Mornington Peninsula Shire is providing free transport for Shire residents to the following events:
• Get Active Expo, 4 October
• The Piano Men, 26 October
To register for a complimentary shuttle bus, call the Shire community transport service: 5950 1605
Full event listing October 2024
How
to use the guide:
For a quick look at what is on around the Mornington Peninsula during October, see the full event listing, then follow the page references to find out more.
Register for Expo:
Get Active Expo – Camp Manyung
Friday 4 October
YMCA Camp Manyung, Mornington Peninsula Shire and Frankston City Council bring you the annual Get Active Expo 2024.
Join us at Camp Manyung to participate in a range of physical activities, including archery, golf, the giant swing and more. Come and try something new! The venue is suitable for people of all abilities. Come and find out how you can get active and social around Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.
Camp Manyung
35 Sunnyside Road, Mount Eliza 10am – 1pm
$ Free (morning tea included)
To book, scan the QR code or phone Camp Manyung: 9788 1100
Transport available for Shire residents: 5950 1605 or 0419 579 883
The Piano Men – The Songs of Elton John and Billy Joel Saturday 26 October
Superband pays tribute to two of the greatest Piano Men of all time- Elton John and Billy Joel. Jason Dean and his starstudded Superband will take you on a musical journey from the early years right through both incredible singer/ songwriter’s greatest hits!
This ultimate concert experience features a seven-piece live showband, spectacular visuals and state of the art stage production. TV show host Carol O’Halloran will be our MC.
George Jenkins Theatre
Monash University (Peninsula), 47-49 Moorooduc Highway, Frankston
4-6.15pm (doors 3.15pm) $ Free Book from 24 September. Monash Box Office: 9905 1111
bit.ly/3yal9Sn
Transport available for Shire residents: 5950 1605 or 0419 579 883
Connecting with people and nature
Balcombe Estuary Reserves –walk and talk
Join a 1.8km walk outlining the history, the unique environment, and showcasing efforts by the friends group BERG to maintain this pristine area. There are steps and occasional rough surfaces on this walk.
Balcombe Estuary Public Recreation Reserve
16A Mirang Avenue, Mount Martha
11 and 18 Oct, 9.45-10.45am
$ Free Bookings essential 0427 433 585 (Kath)
Explore your own backyard
Are you curious about what’s happening locally? Want to discover the best things to see and do with family and friends? Visit our Information Centre, where our friendly team can provide recommendations on new places to explore, what’s on, brochures and maps.
Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre 359B Point Nepean Road, Dromana
10am-4pm daily Free 5950 1579 (Anne-Marie)
Natural backyard beekeeping
Join Robin to learn more about bees, how a colony works and how to care for bees to ensure a healthy colony.
Eco Living Display Centre
The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mt Martha
5 Oct, 9.30-11.30am
$ $30 or $18 concession Bookings essential beesoct24.eventbrite.com.au
National Park walk –Koonya Grassy Bowl and Moonah Woodland Blairgowrie Friends of Mornington Peninsula National Park will lead a short walk to their Victorian Landcare restoration and revegetation project.
There are a few steps to negotiate and a firm bush track. The walk will be followed by morning tea to discuss the project, share experiences and socialise.
Are you ready to explore the wonders of the Briars with your grandchildren?
Our Grandparents Supported Playgroup gives you the opportunity to build on your grandparenting confidence and support your grandchild’s development and wellbeing.
Meet other grandparents and make new connections in your community.
Learn and share garden skills and meet new friends
Enjoy a performance by the wonderful Dromana Singers, propagation workshops, and gift-making workshop Make a garland from natural plant materials. Morning and afternoon tea supplied. Plants, vegetables, seeds and garden art for sale.
The Briars 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha (meet at the Visitor Centre)
Explore iPad and iPhone will include setting up your device, protecting your security and privacy. Sessions will be hands on so bring your iPad or iPhone (NOT Android).
Presented by the Apple Users Society of Melbourne.
For queries related to the event: 5950 1681 environmentaleducation@ mornpen.vic.gov.au
Home efficiency workshop
This free workshop will cover how to stay more comfortable, reduce running costs and consider low cost upgrades to make your home more energy efficient.
Are you thinking of downsizing? Is your home no longer manageable? Join Julia Dyer for independent advice to help you overcome the overwhelm and feel more confident and in control about your downsizing journey.
Leave with a strategic plan so you can transition with ease. Not to be missed.
You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the incredible collection of more than 120 motor vehicles, motor bikes, historic advertising, replica planes, boats, vintage record players, and so much more.
This museum has been a labour of love for 91 year old, Charlie Schwerkolt and is definitely worth the stopover.
Heritage and art bus tours
Discover the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula’s history and creativity.
Explore stunning historic properties, lush gardens, vibrant galleries, and captivating sculpture parks.
Immerse yourself in a journey that blends the charm of the past with inspiring contemporary art.
Charlie’s Auto Museum
175 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat
10.30am-4.30pm on Thursday 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Oct
$ $5 entry for seniors 5989 6320 (Charlie)
Meet at Mornington Library, Vancouver Street 9am-1pm on Tuesday 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct
$ $15
Bookings essential 5950 2002 or 0421 979 731 (Julia)
Scan to register:
Café Déja Vu
The Red Hill Probus Club provides opportunities to meet new people and develop new interests.
Enjoy a Devonshire tea and the smooth sounds of Déja Vu, two Peninsula locals performing classic hits. Andrea McCall, former Victorian MP, will take an entertaining view of Shakespeare.
All women are welcome to this Indigenous culture workshop facilitated by Kayla Cartledge, a Gurindji woman and founder of Our Songlines.
Flinders Civic Hall 54-56 Cook Street, Flinders 19 Oct, 10am-1.30pm
$ Free Bookings essential 5950 1900 (Monica)
Explore your family history
Mornington Peninsula Family History Society invites both beginners and those with more experience to visit our centre and explore our large collection of resources.
We will have experienced researchers on hand to start you off or help you if you get stuck.
Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre
55 Towerhill Road, Frankston 11am-2pm on Tuesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Oct
Do you love a good podcast? Join a gathering of podcast enthusiasts to share the ones you love to listen to, learn about new podcasts and talk about the ones you’d rather turn off.
Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society arts talk
The Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society is a not-forprofit, volunteer-run organisation providing informative and entertaining arts lectures.
Meet the members and enjoy a free arts talk.
Fabulous Fridays at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
You’re invited to Free Fridays, where seniors can enjoy a guided tour of the National Works on Paper 2024 exhibition. Grab a coffee afterwards at the coffee cart!
MPRG Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington 11-11.30am on Friday 4, 11, 18, 25 Oct
$ Free 5950 1580
An afternoon celebrating Peninsula choirs and ukulele players. Don Jones, the versatile entertainer and humorist will be the MC for the afternoon. Guaranteed to be a wonderful event.
Preparing for an emergency
CFA fire preparedness workshop
Increase your understanding of local bushfire risk and the environment. This workshop will help you to develop a fire preparedness plan and bushfire survival plan.
$ Free 5950 1375 (Abbey) em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Using digital devices in an emergency Digital literacy sessions so you know how to find information and stay safe in an emergency using your phone, computer or the internet to access the Victorian Emergency app or other useful apps.
$ Free 5950 1375 (Abbey)
em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
1. Rye Seniors Centre Corner of Nelson and Napier Streets
2 Oct, 11am-12pm
2. Mornington Library Vancouver Street
10 Oct, 11am-12pm
3. Annie Sage Community Centre (Somerville Community House) 2/21 Worwong Avenue
11 Oct, 10.30-11.30am
1. Annie Sage Community Centre (Somerville Community House) 2/21 Worwong Avenue
7 Oct, 10.30-11.30am
2. Rosebud Over 50s Social Club 121-123 Ninth Avenue
9 Oct, 1.30-2.30pm
3. Red Hill Fire Brigade 21 Mechanics Road, Red Hill
17 Oct, 10.30-11.30am
Ambulance Victoria –‘Call, Push, Shock’ Creating Heart Safe Communities Heart Foundation and Ambulance Victoria aim to equip seniors with the confidence, knowledge and skills to take lifesaving action in the case of a cardiac arrest.
$ Free 5950 1375 (Abbey) em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
1. Annie Sage Community Centre (Somerville Community House) 2/21 Worwong Avenue
8 Oct, 11am-12.30pm
2. Rye Seniors Centre Corner of Nelson and Napier Streets
16 Oct, 11am-12.30pm
Red Cross RediPlan
Red Cross RediPlan is a program focused on emergency preparedness and response training.
$ Free 5950 1375 (Abbey)
em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
1. Mornington Library Vancouver Street
14 Oct, 11am-12pm
2. Annie Sage Community Centre (Somerville Community House) 2/21 Worwong Avenue
23 Oct, 10.30am-12pm
Health and wellbeing
Men’s mental health talks
Hope Assistance Local Tradies (HALT) is a non-profit mental health awareness charity dedicated to the trade and blue-collar industries.
They are normally active at building sites, industrial areas, and TAFE colleges.
A recent increase in mental health issues and suicides among men over 65 years has led to a series of wellbeing gatherings being offered to older people.
$ Free 5950 1375 (Abbey) em@mornpen.vic.gov.au
1. Mount Martha House 466 Esplanade 3 Oct, 10-11am (Morning tea provided)
2. Rosebud Over 50s Social Club 121-123 Ninth Avenue, Rosebud 9 Oct, 12.30-1.30pm
3. The Hangar Point Nepean Men’s Shed 4 Hotham Road, Sorrento 14 Oct, 10am-12pm
Sensational seniors
Join us for a workshop on super-ageing: How to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. This workshop is packed with lifestyle tips for seniors.
Mornington Library Vancouver Street 25 Oct, 11am-1pm $ Free Register online: ourlibrary.mornpen.vic. gov.au/Whats-On
Women in charge of change: Understanding menopause and postmenopause
An opportunity for women and gender-diverse community members to come together to learn, chat and feel empowered to navigate menopause and postmenopause. The Studio at Mornington Community House 3/91 Wilsons Road 31 Oct, 10am-12pm (followed by lunch)
$ Free 5950 1887 (Stephanie)
How to Thrive
(Short film and Q&A)
Film viewing, followed by a Q&A with Marie McLeod
Is there a secret formula to happiness? We all struggle sometimes, but what does it mean when we struggle?
We all experience strong emotions, but what should we do about them? We all want to be happy – but what is happiness and why is it so elusive?
Positive psychotherapist
Marie McLeod takes on a group of volunteers with mental health issues and offers them interventions grounded in positive psychology, neuroscience and wellbeing science.
The film’s premise is; if we offer the science of happiness to people experiencing struggle; what difference would it make?
Is happiness a learnable skill and can we teach people skills to live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives?
With unprecedented access; the result is an intimate, heartfelt and hopeful film that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of seven people who make incredible transforms as a result of learning ‘How to Thrive?’
Rosebud Cinema Rosebud Parade
24 Oct, 11am-1.30pm
$ Free
Book via Rosebud Cinema: peninsulacinemas.com.au 5981 2555
Connecting with community
G.O.L.D – Growing older, living daringly
Dare yourself to get out, connect and be inspired by others. Join us for any or all of three sessions over three days. You might just find yourself a new interest, revive an old skill or make a new friend.
Day 1: Rhythmic music and drumming.
Day 2: Meet the Shire Community Connectors to learn about My Aged Care and community support.
Day 3: Explore volunteer opportunities.
Men’s Shed open day and BBQ
Join in the activities and learn about the Men’s Shed organisation and our repair café. Try 3D printing and watch a demonstration of a computer numerical control router carving out designs.
Mount Martha House 466 Esplanade 10am-12pm over 3 days: 15, 16 and 17 Oct
The U3A encourages learning and socialising. To celebrate Seniors Festival, U3A Southern Peninsula invite you to participate in some fun entertainment and delicious refreshments.
Dromana Community Hall 359 Point Nepean Road
4 Oct, 2-4pm
$ Free 5981 8777 (Pat)
Hastings U3A open day
Join the Hastings U3A for the Seniors Festival open day. Meet tutors and volunteers and find out about the range of courses and activities.
Complimentary morning tea and free trial membership.
Rainbow intergenerational high tea
Celebrate the rainbow of identities in a safe and inclusive space.
Hastings Community Hall High Street
18 Oct, 10-11.30am
$ Free Bookings essential 5979 4280 (leave a message)
This special event includes Devonshire tea, coffee, scones, sweets and cakes.
Come and meet locals and make new friends.
Sorrento Community Centre open day
All seniors are welcome to try some of the activities on offer at the Sorrento Community Centre including walking soccer and pickleball. Or just come and say hello.
Rye Italian Club open day
The Italian and Ethnic Seniors Club invite you to meet club members, share in some delicious Italian food and a game of cards and bingo.
Hellenic Association of Mornington Peninsula Senior Citizens’ Club, 3 Carmichael Street, Tootgarook
6 Oct, 3-5.30pm
Gold coin
0412 270 129 (Helen)
Sorrento Community Centre 860-868 Melbourne Road
15 Oct, 9am-4pm
Gold coin
Bookings essential 5984 3360
Italian and Ethnic Senior Citizens Club
Rye Civic Hall, corner of Nelson and Napier Streets
17 Oct, 12-2pm
Free
0433 447 356 (Susan)
Bookings open 17 September
Cook up and concert
Enjoy a BBQ lunch at 12pm followed by an afternoon of music and fun.
Seniors high tea
The Crib Point Community Centre invites you to a morning of fun activities, an opportunity to meet new and existing members, and be entertained. Scrumptious food provided.
Dromana Senior Citizens Centre 43 Pier Street
21 Oct, 12-3.30pm
$ Free 5987 1109 or 0482 042 195 (Glenda)
Crib Point Community House 7 Park Road
24 Oct, 10.30am-12.30pm
$ Free Bookings essential 5983 9888 (Mary)
An Italian style afternoon Join members for a panino all’italiana, coffee and freshly made dolci (sweets). Card games, billiards, table tennis, bingo and bocce available, or just come for a chat. Arrivederci.
Blairgowrie Seniors Centre 10 William Road
26 Oct, 12-3pm
$ $5 0412 371 696 (Nicola)
Movie viewing in the company of friends
The Toot Seniors Club welcomes you to join a movie viewing and a light lunch.
Tootgarook Senior Citizens 2 Barry Street
22 Oct, 11am-1pm
$ Free Bookings essential 5985 4992 (Denise)
Sorrento Portsea Seniors Club Open Day
Come along and meet members and explore the club’s activities. Afternoon tea provided.
Come along to this popular event and browse a selection of free, new and preowned clothing.
Meet new people, check out what the Wallaroo Community Centre has to offer and enjoy a Devonshire afternoon tea.
Wallaroo Community Centre 6 Wallaroo Place, Hastings 24 Oct, 2-4pm
$ Free 5970 7000 (Maree) wallaroo@goodshep.org.au
Ageing well on the Mornington Peninsula
Together striving to age well and support community to be healthy and connected. In addition to Seniors Festival the Mornington Peninsula Shire provides a range of initiatives, including:
• Positive Ageing Newsletter
• Promoting senior rights and elder abuse awareness
• Peninsula Advisory Committee for Elders
• Supporting social participation including local senior clubs and groups
• Intergenerational opportunities in partnership with Youth Services and Libraries
• Dementia awareness. Information correct at the time of printing (September 2024)
For more information or to contact the Positive Ageing Team: 1300 850 600 positiveageing@mornpen.vic.gov.au
Access the Positive Ageing Newsletter online: mornpen.vic.gov.au/positiveageingnewsletter
The Shire recognises, values and celebrates diversity and inclusion. This means that we want everyone who lives here or visit to know that they are welcome, valued, supported and safe here. That all Shire services, facilities, open spaces and programs (including Positive Ageing activities) are accessible to and respectful of all.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and the Rainbow/Pride flag represent communities that experience inequality and oppression today.
The displaying of these flags on Shire publications and on the Shire flagpoles is a simple visual signifier that the Shire is an inclusive and safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the LGBTIQA+ communities.
Learn more about ageing well on the Mornington Peninsula: mornpen.vic.gov.au/communityservices
