This month offers a wonderful invitation to connect, learn and share as the Geelong Seniors Festival unfolds across the Bellarine and Greater Geelong.
The festival celebrates the experience and creativity of older residents while encouraging healthy, active living at every age.
People aged 55 and over now make up about 30 per cent of Greater Geelong’s population.
Their knowledge and energy enrich every part of our region, from sporting clubs and volunteer groups to local businesses and the arts.
The festival is a chance to recognise these contributions and to provide opportunities for social connection, new skills and plenty of enjoyment.
The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support the festival, which reflects the goals set out in our Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–29 and Council Plan 2025–29.
Both plans call for stronger neighbourhood connections, more opportunities for physical activity and better mental health outcomes.
Participating in shared activities, such as picking up a paintbrush, joining a walking group, or attending an exercise class, helps people stay engaged and reduces the risk of loneliness or ill health.
This year’s program stretches right across the Bellarine and the wider Geelong area.
You might like to join a Latin dance class, take a healthy retirement ride with Cycling Geelong, or try javelin, shot put or discus with the Geelong Throwers Group.
Music lovers can enjoy a Tom Jones tribute show at the Potato Shed in Drysdale, strum along at a community ukulele session, or discover their talent for art alongside drinks and nibbles at Leopold Community and Learning Centre.
Barwon Heads Seniors Centre will host a lively Dance, Sing and Socialise afternoon, while Portarlington residents can look forward to The Big Little Show. This intergenerational music event pairs young performers with seasoned local musicians.
Meanwhile, Bellarine Secondary College will host a ‘come and try’ session for Walking Basketball – a low-impact, social and fun way to improve levels of physical activity.
Another local highlight is the Bellarine Volunteer Wellbeing Day on Wednesday October 8.
It’s a day of nurturing activities and social connection for people aged 60-plus on the Bellarine who volunteer in their community.
Enjoy a free healthy lunch alongside activities such as meditation, yoga, qi gong and singing, all in the beautiful Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club.
The City of Greater Geelong provides a wide range of services for older residents, and the Seniors Festival demonstrates our ongoing commitment to engagement, social connection and mental wellbeing.
In 2016, we joined 44 other Victorian councils by signing a ‘Statement of Support and Partner Endorsement’ to the World Health Organisation’s Age Friendly declaration.
With support from the Victorian government, more than 3000 events will be held across the state during the Victorian Seniors Festival, including the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards on October 22.
If you are 55 or over, I encourage you to browse the program and book early for the activities that interest you.
Bookings are essential. For the full program of local events happening, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/apa
To see what’s happening across the state during the Victorian Seniors Festival 2025, head to seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival
