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Seniors Festival 2023
Seniors Festival
1 to 15 October 2023
Blue suede shoes and ballet slippers are part of a jam-packed free Seniors Festival program.
You can explore all events by date and find out how to book in the links below.


Rohan Hammit - I Love Elvis
City of Port Phillip presents
Seniors Festival Launch with Rohan Hammit and Band, The I Love Elvis Show
Celebrate positive ageing with an afternoon of live music. Come dressed in your best rock and roll look.
When: Sunday 1 October 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Middle Park Bowls Club Canterbury Rd, Middle Park
More details and how to book are below.
Seniors Festival 2023 Program
Explore events by date and find out how to book.
Celebrate positive ageing with an afternoon of live music and refreshments. Come dressed in your best rock and roll look.
Backed by a group of superb musicians and wearing the famous elaborate jumpsuits of the Vegas years, Rohan re-defines the word excitement with a high energy show that is simply electrifying. Rohan sings and shakes through the fabulous Elvis era paying homage to the king with songs including Blue Suede Shoes, Suspicious Minds, Teddy Bear, Burning love, Polk Salad Annie and many more! Drinks at bar prices.
When: Sunday 1 October 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Middle Park Bowls Club Canterbury Rd, Middle Park
Located at the Albert Park reserve, on the park side of the No. 96 tram line. If you’re driving, the venue is directly opposite the Middle Park Hotel on Canterbury Road, and the car park entrance is through the underpass of the tramline.
Bookings essential
Phone Cathy M: 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
Presented by Elwood Croquet Club
Come and try croquet in our beautiful Elwood environment. The game offers gentle exercise and mental stimulation, as well as the benefits of belonging to a community that socialises almost as much as we play. Lunch included.
When: Sunday 1 October
Participants can choose between:
- 9.45 am to 12 midday - croquet instruction and game followed by a light lunch, or
- 12 midday to 3 pm a light lunch followed by croquet instruction and a game.
Where: Elwood Croquet Club, 33 Head Street, Elwood
Bookings essential
Please rsvp to: elwoodcroquet@gmail.com
Phone: Croquet Club M. 0490 312 810
Please provide your name, contact number and preferred session.
Cost: Free
Presented by Dig In Community Garden
Come along and explore our garden, get a guided tour of the garden and learn more about environmentally sustainable practices such as community gardening in high density urban environments, organic vegetable growing, maintenance & composting, seed saving, chicken raising and beehive care. The event will include a free midday lunch from our seasonal produce, our pizza oven and BBQ.
When: Sunday 1 October 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Dig In Community Garden - Murphy Reserve, Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne (next to the Soccer clubrooms).
Bookings essential
Phone: Henry M. 0400 435 234
Email: hmichaelsen@bigpond.com
Cost: Free
Presented by Shalom Association Inc.
Sukkot is a joyful festive event associated with the harvest and the tradition of the “four kinds of plants”. Join members of the association and guests to celebrate Jewish culture with amazing food, beautiful music, videos and dancing.
When: Sunday 1 October 4 pm to 8pm
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Boris M. 0425 651 106
Email: borysf@gmail.com
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip and Port Phillip Community Group presents Art Attack Workshop at Port Melbourne Library.
Bring out your inner creativity! In this introduction workshop you will have the opportunity to create art by learning different techniques. No prior art experience necessary. This Art Attack workshop is delivered by Creative Arts Therapist Zoe Arnott.
When: Monday 2 October 10 am to 12 midday
Where: Port Melbourne Library, 333 Bay Street Port Melbourne
Bookings essential
Phone: Cathy M. 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
The Grace Retirement Community & The Alba Apartments presents The Healthy Living Seminars, 2 to 6 October.
Join us for a series of health and wellness workshops designed to help you live your best life. Discover the latest thoughts in longevity and optimal ageing, as well as nutrition, cooking, movement, and positive psychology – especially tailored for seniors.
When: Monday 2 October through to Friday 6 October, 10 am to 11.30 am
Where: The Studio, next door to The Grace Retirement Living 128 Albert Rd, Albert Park.
Bookings essential
Phone: Damian M. 0409 838 027
Email: drocks@australianunity.com.au
To Register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/694402856637
Cost: Free (numbers limited)
The Grace Retirement Community & The Alba Apartments present Café del Park, Cornerstone Café, 2 to 6 October.
Sit back and relax as you enjoy the sweet sounds of our Café Del Park. With treats provided by Curtis Stone Catering and a view across to Albert Park Lake celebrate the best of living younger with fantastic local talent.
When: Monday 2 October through to Friday 6 October, 1.30 pm to 3 pm
Where: The Corner Stone Cafe, The Alba, 128 Albert Rd, Albert Park.
Bookings essential
Phone: Damian M. 0409 838 027
Email: drocks@australianunity.com.au
To Register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/695702684457
Cost: Free
Port Phillip Library Service presents Maggie Kirkman, Author of Time of Our Lives: Celebrating Older Women
Dr. Maggie Kirkman's "Time of Our Lives" presents the extraordinary lives of ordinary women in their seventies, eighties and nineties - challenging the stereotype of the helpless old woman who is nothing more than a burden. The first collection of its kind in Australia, it demonstrates the rich lives led by 20 women of diverse backgrounds, all born before 1946 and all of whom have achieved great things in older age. Join us this Senior’s Month for a conversation with Maggie about her wonderful new book and to celebrate the contributions older women make to our community. Maggie Kirkman — Monash University
When: Tuesday 3 October, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182
Bookings essential – visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CKCBF
Phone: Emma T. 9209 6655
Email: emma.black@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
Lotus Choir Concert supported by City of Port Phillip.
A concert of multicultural music, songs and dancing. Refreshments will be served.
Presented by Lotus Choir
When: Wednesday 4 October - 12 midday to 2 pm
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Rachel M. 0412 318 550
Email: rachel.topchian@bigpond.com
Cost: Free
Come And Try Seniors Table Tennis at MSAC, Albert Park Presented by Melbourne Veterans Table Tennis Association.
Get Fit. Meet new people. 90 is not too old!
Some basic coaching is available on the day.
When:
Two sessions to choose from:
- Wednesday 4 October, 10 am to 12 midday
- Wednesday 11 October, 10 am to 12 midday
Where: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, 30 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park 3206
Bookings essential
Phone: Robert M. 0422 380 688
Email: robertk36@hotmail.com
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip presents Memoir Writing.
Susan- Gaye Anderson will share skills and tips on writing to help and motivate you to create a lasting memoir or fiction.
Susan-Gaye Anderson worked as a presenter in the early pioneering days of television. She worked primarily at GTV9 on the children’s show the ‘Happy Show’, later called ‘The Tarax Show’. Then later she worked as a free-lance writer for various publications including The Age, Home Beautiful, Gourmet Traveller. Susan- Gaye has had plays workshopped and produced at La Mama Theatre, TheatreWorks, The Griffin and Fortyfive Downstairs theatres. She recently published a collection of poetry ‘On Roll the Days’ and a novel ‘The Red Hibiscus’ and is currently working on a play 'Too Close to the Sun’.
When: Thursday 5 October 10 am to 11 am
Where: The St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182
Booking essential
Phone: Cathy M. 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip presents Getting Your Writing Out There.
Whether you write for yourself, your family or to make sense of the world around you, connecting with your readership can be an important part of the writing process.
This talk will appeal to older emerging writers who are interested in exploring the avenues available to having their voices heard: from blogs, to newsletters, to news outlets and publishing companies.
Elizabeth Quinn will take you through the highs and lows of subsistence living through freelance writing while Graeme Simsion author of The Rosie Project will entertain you with tall tales and true of life in the fast lane of a 56-year-old no.1 best-selling debut novelist and what happens when Hollywood comes calling.
Elizabeth Quinn – has been a freelance writer and aspiring author of children’s and YA fiction for 15 years. Her opinion pieces regularly appear in The Guardian, The New Daily, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Limelight Magazine, The Victorian Writer, The Big Issue and she writes regularly for her blog at diywoman.net
When: Thursday 5th October, 11.30 am to 12.30 pm plus networking time
Where: The St Kilda Library Community Room, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda 3182
Booking essential
Phone: Cathy M. 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
University of the Third Age Port Phillip (U3APP) presents Seniors Festival U3A Port Phillip Art Exhibition.
The U3APP artworks can be viewed any time between 2 pm and 4 pm and is open to the public, U3APP Members and subscribers. Light refreshments served.
When: Friday 6 October, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Hall, Mary Kehoe Community Centre - 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Bookings essential
Phone: U3APP Office Tel. 9696 3495
Email: events@u3app.org.au
Register here: https://www.u3app.org.au/events/seniors-week-u3a-port-phillip-art-exhibition
Cost: Free
Beach Bum Bash supported by City of Port Phillip.
A celebration of Summer and Southern California sound that the Beach Boys introduced to the world. The Beach Bum Bash will include afternoon tea with live music for listening and dancing.
Presented by Sacred Heart Mission
When: Friday 6 October 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: Sacred Heart Community, 101 Grey St, St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Sacred Heart M. 0467 760 170
Email: shcomlifestyle@sacredheartmission.org
Cost: Free
University of the Third Age Port Phillip (U3APP) presents The Saturday Seminar - Why is Pierre Bonnard important? Presented by Dr Michael Adcock.
Dr Michael Adcock writes and lectures regularly on French art and history and conducts Academy Travel tours in Paris. Currently he teaches at Melbourne Grammar School. He has previously presented seminars for U3APP on La Belle Époque, French Impressionism, La Vie Parisienne, and the modernisation of Paris.
When: Saturday 7 October 2023, 2.30 to 3.30pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Bookings: This webinar is free to the general public via Zoom. Participants for the seminar should register at https://www.u3app.org.au/events/saturday-seminar-seniors-festival-why-is-pierre-bonnard-important/
Phone: U3APP Offfice Tel. 9696 3495
Email: events@u3app.org.au
Cost: Free
CaSPA Care Annual Concert supported by City of Port Phillip.
Come along to watch, listen, sing and tap your feet to the music and dancing of the Share and Care Entertainers. This concert is open to all in our community and to the family of residents at CaSPA Care.
Presented by Share and Care Entertainers.
When: Sunday 8 October 2 pm to 3 pm
Where: CaSPA Care, Napier Street Homes, 203 Napier Street South Melbourne
Bookings essential
Phone: Caroline M. 0418 556 337
Email: icm@netspace.net.au
Cost: Free
Celebrating Sukkot 2023 in the Community supported by City of Port Phillip.
Come and celebrate the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Listen to a talk about the significance of this cultural and religious event and enjoy a concert performance and traditional food. This festival is about rejoicing and celebrating life with the community.
Presented by Association of Former Inmates of Nazi Concentration Camps from the Former Soviet Union.
When: Sunday 8 October 4 pm to 7pm
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Raisa M. 0423 840 717
Email: rayabolot@gmail.com
Cost: Free
The Grace Retirement Community & The Alba Apartments presents Bowled Gold at the Albert Park Bowling Club.
Support your favourite community group as they battle it out for The Golden Oldy - barefoot on the greens. Or take your own Golden Oldy away with a prize for the Best-Dressed and Golden-Oldy Bingo/Trivia. The theme of course is GOLD.
A delicious lunch will be provided by Curtis Stone Events
When: Monday 9 October, 12 midday to 4 pm
- Bowling from 1 pm to 3 pm
- Winners announced 3.15 pm to 3.45 pm
Where: Albert Park Bowls Club, St Vincent Gardens (Ferrars St End), 1/1a St Vincent Place, Albert Park.
Bookings essential
Phone: Damian M. 0409 838 027
Email: drocks@australianunity.com.au
Cost: Gold Coin Donation at the door – proceeds go to Share the Food, Port Phillip Community Group
Meet the Rising Stars of Dance and Drama! supported by City of Port Phillip.
Presented by The National Theatre.
You are invited to the historic National Theatre in St Kilda for a 45minute performance of dance and drama by pre-professional students of the National Ballet and Drama Schools - our rising stars of stage and screen!
Tea, cake and biscuits will be served.
When: Tuesday 10 October, 10 am to 11.30 am
Where: The National Theatre 20 Carlisle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: National Theatre Box Office Tel. 9525 4611
Email: boxoffice@nationaltheatre.org.au
Cost: Free
University of the Third Age Port Phillip (U3APP) presents Multicultural Dance, Hoppa Hey.
Hoppa Hey is a program of multicultural dancing and exercise, taught by three qualified tutors. Come and enjoy a fun program of dance, movement and games that enhances balance, coordination, and memory. At the same time, it promotes social interaction and sensory stimulation, using a relaxed and enjoyable approach. We invite you to join us for a cuppa and chat after the session. Refreshments served.
When: Tuesday 10 October, 11.30 am to 1 pm
Where: South Melbourne Community Centre, 1 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne
Booking essential - visit: https://www.u3app.org.au/events/seniors-festival-multicultural-dance-hoppa-hey
Phone: U3APP Office Tel. 9696 3495
Email: events@u3app.org.au
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip and Port Phillip Community Group presents Create a Digital Story (Come and Try Digital Essentials).
Join us for a session with Zoe to explore creating a digital story using your personal device. Learn new skills such as how to capture and upload images, add images to Word documents, and other digital techniques using your phone or computer. Please bring a memento or photo with a story in mind that you would like to capture and share.
When: Wednesday 11 October 10 am to 12 midday
Where: St Kilda Library Community Room,150 Carlisle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Cathy M. 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip presents Seniors Safety Forum – Friends with a Firie and Coffee with a Cop.
Join us for a session with representatives from Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria who will share about feeling safe in public spaces and other tips for older people to be prepared for emergencies and home security.
A member of the Fire Brigade will speak about home fire safety and ageing positively smoke alarms and fire safe strategies for older residents.
Seniors' Fire Safety (frv.vic.gov.au)
When: Wednesday 11 October 2 pm to 4 pm
- 2 pm to 3 pm: meet a firie
- 3.15 pm to 4 pm: casual safety chat with Police.
Where: St Kilda Library Community Room,150 Carlisle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Cathy M. 0481 053 536
Email: SF2023@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
University of the Third Age (U3APP) presents Seniors Festival Showcase of Music.
During the Seniors Week Festival U3APP will present an Art Exhibition and an interactive music showcase presented by the various music groups and male choir. So come along, view the artwork, and enjoy the music and a sing along! Refreshments served.
When: Thursday 12 October 2 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Hall at Mary Kehoe Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Booking essential - visit: https://www.u3app.org.au/events/seniors-festival-showcase-of-art-and-music
Phone: U3APP Office Tel. 9696 3495
Email: events@u3app.org.au
Cost: Free
The Grace Retirement Community & The Alba Apartments presents Discover Chair Yoga, LIVE STREAM.
Jump online and join our LIVE Chair Yoga event. Discover how simple, safe and effective chair yoga can be for getting you moving and the blood pumping. A great way to improve flexibility and strength without needing to leave your home. All you need is a stable chair with arms, the space to move and a computer you can see.
When: Friday 13 October, 10 am to 10.30 am
Where: Live Online – streamed to your very own lounge room.
Bookings essential
Phone: Damian M. 0409 838 027
Email: drocks@australianunity.com.au
To Register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/695706375497
Click the link sent out when you reserve your place to download Zoom before the session begins.
Cost: Free
OzHarvest FREE Lunch and Learn for Seniors supported by City of Port Phillip.
Presented by OzHarvest.
Enjoy a free light lunch and information session about OzHarvest and on the topical issues of food waste and food insecurity globally and in Australia. Enjoy the benefits of meeting others in your community who are like-minded, including some of OzHarvest’s existing volunteers and staff members.
To secure your spot and for catering purposes, please book using the link below.
When: Friday 13 October 11 am to 1 pm
Where: 3/49 Bertie St Port Melbourne
Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/ozharvest-seniors-festival-lunch-and-learn
Phone: OzHarvest M. 0490 092 874
Email: cfacmelbourne@ozharvest.org
Cost: Free
The Grace Retirement Community & The Alba Apartments presents The Secrets of Circulation, The Alba Gym.
Good circulation is the secret behind a strong, healthy body and mind. More than that, it is the essence of vitality. Explore the ancient traditions of Massage, Yoga and Acupressure as you learn simple techniques designed to boost your circulation.
Presented by Kelli Howard Dr(TCM), BHSc: Kelli is a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia and a member of ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society)
When: Friday 13 October 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: The Alba Apartments Gym
Bookings essential - numbers are limited
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-secrets-of-circulation-tickets-695807818917
Phone: Damian M. 0409 838 027
Email: drocks@australianunity.com.au
Cost: Free
City of Port Phillip presents Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival 19th Writing Awards Presentation.
Join us for this enjoyable session of literature including the announcement of the Judges Awards. Special guests will read selections of writers’ entries. Light refreshments included.
When: Friday 13 October 3.30 pm to 5 pm
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street St Kilda.
Bookings essential
Phone: Simone
- Tel. 03 9209 6260
- M. 0403 904 092
Email: portphillipwrites@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free
Crew Rowing - Come and Try for over 55's supported by City of Port Phillip.
Come and try the sport of crew rowing in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Instructors and assistance/companion rowers will all be mature-age members of the club. Rowing is a low-impact sport, which people can enjoy at any age. Includes morning tea.
Presented by Y Rowing Centre.
When: Saturday 14 October 9.45 am to 12 noon
Where: Ground Floor, The Park Events (formerly Powerhouse) 36 Lakeside Drive Albert Park
Bookings essential
Phone: Y Rowing Club Tel. 9592 2147
Email: yrowingcentre@hotmail.com
Cost: Free
Inspiration for Life Connecting to Community supported by City of Port Phillip.
Presented by Nadezhda Russian Senior Citizens Club.
This Russian-speaking cultural event includes videos and music and is designed to expand the minds and knowledge of the community and promote inclusivity and connectedness.
When: Saturday 14 October 12 midday to 5 pm
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential
Phone: Lidiya Tel. 9806 1625
Email: lidiya02@outlook.com
Cost: Free
Bowling in the Gardens supported by City of Port Phillip.
Presented by Albert Park Bowls Club.
Come and try bowls in our splendid garden setting surrounded by oak trees dating from 1860. Experience a fun day of what Albert Park Bowls Club has to offer. Includes sausage sizzle.
When: Sunday 15 October 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Albert Park Bowls Club, St Vincent Gardens (Ferrars St End), 1/1a St Vincent Place, Albert Park
Bookings are not required
For more information phone the club: Tel. 9690 3592
Email: secretary@albertparkbowlsclub.com.au
Cost: Free
Seniors Festival Event Grant Recipients 2023
This grant round is now closed.
Below is the list of successful grant applications.
- Nadezhda Russian Senior Citizen Club
- Shalom Association Inc.
- Association Of Former Inmates of Nazi Concentration Camps & Ghettoes from the Former Soviet Union
- Association Of Former Inmates of Nazi Concentration Camps & Ghettoes from the Former Soviet Union - Lotus Choir
- Y Rowing Incorporated
- Southport Community Centre Incorporated - Dig In Garden
- Southport Community Centre Incorporated - Share and Care Entertainers
- Sacred Heart Mission Inc
- Elwood Croquet Club Inc.
- Albert Park Bowling Club
- The University of the Third Age Port Phillip
- OzHarvest Limited
- The Australian National Memorial Theatre