From an afternoon tea to a history walk and supporting senior members of the LGBTIQA+ community, seven organisations have benefited from almost $3000 worth of Greater Shepparton City Council grants.
Held annually in October, the Victorian Seniors Festival celebrates the contribution made by seniors in society.
In Greater Shepparton, a pool of Victorian Government and council funding was made available as part of the council’s 2023 Seniors Festival Grant Program to support the participation of seniors in a range of local activities throughout the festival.
The successful applications involve a range of events, including an afternoon tea, clay bird making, a musical performance, a history walk, come-and-try golf croquet, and come-and-see days at local Men’s Sheds.
Mayor Shane Sali said council appreciated the important social role the seniors festival played in the community.
“We are pleased to see more than 100 events in Greater Shepparton on the calendar across the month of October and we encourage all seniors to take part in the range of activities and events on offer,” he said.
The festival targets people aged 60 years and over, which represents more than 27 per cent of the Greater Shepparton population.
For more information on the Greater Shepparton Seniors Festival Grants Program, visit greatershepparton.com.au/seniors-festival-grants
To view the full list of seniors festival activities, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/aged-disability/positive-ageing/seniors-festival or collect a copy of the Greater Shepparton Seniors Festival Program from council.
2023 Seniors Festival Grant Program recipients
Lions Club of Toolamba: Afternoon tea for Toolamba and district seniors. $500
Shepparton Access: Flock of Ages 1 — Seniors, family and support workers are invited to a full day at Shepparton Access to make birds using clay. Flock of Ages 2 — Performance by local musician Anthony Tenace at a lunch for seniors, family and support workers. $500
Goulburn Valley Pride: Silver Rainbows Support Program, supported by GV Pride, is dedicated to supporting older LGBTIQA+ community members. $500
Murchison and District Historical Society: A history walk for History Month (Stepping Back in Time) that coincides with Seniors Month in October. The walk will cater for senior participants at no charge each Wednesday morning and Sunday afternoon in October. $330
Shepparton Croquet Club: Delivery of four come-and-try golf croquet events. $150
Goulburn Valley Seniors Association: A concert by the GV Seniors Association’s ukulele and choir members. $500
Dookie Men’s Shed: A cluster of district Men’s Sheds (Shepparton, Shepparton East and Dookie) will host a series of come-and-see days at the three shed locations. $500
Total: $2980