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Seniors Festival 2024
The 2024 City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival will take place from 1 to 14 October
The City of Port Phillip's Seniors Festival for 2024 is a vibrant and diverse celebration, packed with a wide range of activities tailored to engage and inspire our senior community. This year's Seniors Festival is filled with opportunities to explore, engage and evolve.
The full program will be available in early September.
City of Port Phillip presents
Seniors Festival Launch with 80s Enuff!
1 to 3 pm, Saturday 5 October, Middle Park Bowling Club
Join us to kick off this year's festival with Australia’s original and best 80s tribute show, 80s Enuff!
Combining 80s fashion and original 80s instruments with raw energy and humour, they’ll transport you back to the era of big hair, shoulder pads, and synth beats. Put down that Rubik’s Cube, pull up your acid wash jeans and leg warmers, get down to the ‘greaties from the eighties’ including What’s Love Got to do With It, Wired for Sound, What a Feeling and Tainted Love. Prizes for best dressed 80s style!
Booking details in the link below (Seniors Festival Events by Date).
Seniors Festival Events by Date
1 to 14 October: Port Melbourne Greek Community Senior Citizens Club cultural display
Explore a personal cultural collection put together by the local Greek residents. Cherished mementos include handmade embroideries, tintypes and daguerreotypes photos to potteries, traditional worry beads, icons, and more.
When: During library opening hours, 1 to 14 October
Where: Port Melbourne Library 333 Bay Street Port Melbourne
Bookings not required, drop-by.
More information
- 03 9209 5566
- libprograms@portphillip.vic.gov.au
The Posh and the Riff Raff screening + Q&A with director Marianne Latham: Wednesday 2 October
In the late 1800s, St Kilda was home to the richest, most influential people in Australia. As the seaside suburb declined in later decades, musicians, artists, writers, filmmakers and migrants moved in, transforming it into a famous cultural destination. Don’t miss this intriguing history of St Kilda and post-screening Q & A with director Maryann Latham, once (ABCTV, SBSTV, Nine Network, Seven Network, Bloomsbury London, ARTE France).
When: 6 pm to 7.30 pm, Wednesday 2 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings:
Free
Port Phillip Family History Club Launch: Local History Show and Tell
The Port Phillip Family History Club explores topics relating to family and local history. Bring an item of historical significance to your family or the City of Port Phillip to this special launch event. Join the discussion about your treasured items over tea and biscuits.
When: 1 pm to 2 pm, Thursday 3 October
Where: Port Phillip Heritage Centre, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- 03 9209 6655
- trybooking.com/CTXZZ
Free
Playing Second Fiddle
Join Victoria Mantynen as she pays homage to the show-stopping musical theatre songs sung by female supporting characters. Include classics from Les Miserable, Chess, Showboat, Guys and Dolls, Oliver and many more.
Drinks and South Melbourne Dim Sims are available for purchase at the venue.
When: 1 pm to 2 pm (doors open at 12.30 pm), Thursday 3 October
Where: Middle Park Bowls Club, Canterbury Road, Middle Park
Located at the Albert Park reserve, on the park side of the No. 96 tram line. If you’re driving, we’re directly opposite the Middle Park Hotel on Canterbury Road, and our car park entrance is through the underpass of the tramline.
Bookings essential:
- Cathy 0481 053 536
- SeniorsFestival2024Bookings@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free
Drinks and South Melbourne Dim Sims are available for purchase at the venue.
Let's Sing and Dance with the Lotus Choir
Meet the Lotus Choir and be enchanted by the beauty of music in Russian, English, Ukrainian, Belarus, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian. Stay for a light afternoon tea after the concert.
When: 11.30 am to 1 pm, Friday 4 October
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- Anna 0412 318 550
- victoria.ignateva@rerc.org.au
Free
Gentle Movement with Live music
Presented by South Port Community Centre and Yoga with Lea
Learn simple body movements you can use in everyday life, like Tai Chi, Qigong, Yin Yoga, dancing, and breathing exercises, all set to live music. Glean insights based on extensive research and from acclaimed practitioners. Leave with practical, easy-to-use exercises that fit your lifestyle. The class will be accompanied by musician playing viola. Option to remain seated.When: 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm, Friday 4 October
Where: South Melbourne Community Centre, 1 Ferrars Place South Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- https://bit.ly/GentleMovement
- Lea 0411 273 675
- singerlea@yahoo.com
Free
Seniors Festival Launch with 80s Enuff!
Celebrate positive ageing with Australia’s original and best 80s tribute show, 80s Enuff!
Combining 80s fashion and original 80s instruments with raw energy and humour, they’ll transport you back to the era of big hair, shoulder pads, and synth beats. Put down that Rubik’s Cube, pull up your acid wash jeans and leg warmers, get down to the ‘greaties from the eighties’ including What’s Love Got to do With It, Wired for Sound, What a Feeling and Tainted Love. Prizes for best dressed 80s style!
When: 1 to 3 pm, Saturday 5 October
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, we’re directly opposite the Middle Park Hotel on Canterbury Road, and our car park entrance is through the underpass of the tramline.
Bookings essential:
- Cathy 0481 053 536
- SeniorsFestival2024Bookings@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free.
Light catering is provided (hot and cold finger food). Drinks are available to purchase from the bar.
Smartphone Stories – Make a Movie Using Your Phone
Everything you need to make movies, in your pocket!
This fun and interactive two-part workshop gives you the skills, information, and equipment to be able to develop and make your own films. Tell your own stories, using a mobile phone to shoot and edit. Free.
When: Two sessions
- 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 5 October
- 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 12 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
You must be available for both sessions.
Free
Celebrating Ageing
Gather and connect with fellow aging Muslims in Port Phillip over the rich of Ethiopian coffee. This vibrant event offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere, and a chance to celebrate shared cultural heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to come together
When: 11 am to 1 pm, Saturday 5 October,
Where: Sandbar Cafe,175B Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park
Bookings:
Free
Saturday Seminar, The Benefit of Learning a Musical Instrument Later in Life
Discover how music can boost your health and brain power, especially as we age. Get a fun introduction to music-making, and how it affects the brain. Find out the latest research, plus great resources for anyone wanting to start learning an instrument, Hosted by Dr Zara Thompson and facilitated by Helen Vorrath.
When: 2.30 to 3.30 pm, Saturday 5 October
Where: Online via Zoom
Booking:
This webinar is free to the general public via Zoom.
More Information:
- 03 9696 3495
- events@u3app.org.au
Free
Dig In Garden Open Day
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 and composting, seed saving, chicken raising and beehive care.
When: 11 am to 2 pm, Sunday 6 October
Where: Dig In Community Garden, Murphy Reserve, Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne
Bookings not required
Free - includes lunch served at 12 midday.
Silver Salties Come and Try Day at St Kilda Life Saving Club
Experience a fun and free 'Come and Try Day' just for seniors at St Kilda Life Saving Club. Enjoy activities to boost your fitness and balance, check out beach and indoor fitness sessions, meet new friends.
When: Sunday 6 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: St Kilda Lifesaving Club, 34 Jacka Blvd St Kilda
No bookings required.
For more information:
- 03 9534 2014
- enquiries@stklsc.com.au
Free
Jewish holiday Sukkot Concert for the whole community
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: 3 pm to 8 pm, Sunday 6 October
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda and live stream.
Bookings essential:
- Boris 0425 651 106
- borysf@gmail.com
Cost: $20
Come and try croquet in beautiful Elwood. 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: Two sessions on Sunday 6 October
- 9.45 am to 12 midday
- 12 midday to 3 pm
Where: Elwood Croquet Club, 33 Head Street, Elwood
Bookings essential:
- 0490 312 810
- elwoodcroquet@gmail.com
Provide your name, contact number and preferred session.
Free
A Forum on the History of Jewish Festival Sukkot
Join a celebration of Sukkot, an event dedicated to the liberation from slavery and the Jewish struggle for freedom. Includes photographic exhibition of desert plants. Presented by Ethnic Discussion Club
When: Sunday 6 October, 3 pm to 7 pm
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Bookings not required.
For more information:
- The Ethnic Discussion Club 0412 267 283
- butadion40@gmail.com
Free
Bowling in the Gardens
Come and try bowls in one of Melbourne's oldest bowls clubs, in a gorgeous
garden setting surrounded by oak trees dating from 1860. Enjoy a fun day of what Albert Park Bowls Club has to offer. Includes sausage sizzle.
When: 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday 6 October
Where: Albert Park Bowls Club, St Vincent Gardens (Ferrars St End), 3/1a St Vincent Place, Albert Park
Bookings not required.
For more information:
- Albert Park Bowls 9690 3592
- president@albertparkbowlsclub.com.au
Free
Simhat Torah Festival
Join communities from across Victoria, celebrating the Torah - Jewish books of life. Celebrate with food, folk dance, songs and entertainment. Presented by Yachad Senior Citizens Club.
When: 6 pm to 11 pm, Sunday 6 October
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda.
Bookings essential:
- Ester Efraimov 0425 873 260
- ja.aronov@gmail.com
Free
The Greek Glendi
The Greek Glendi (glendi is a Greek word meaning party or celebration) will feature everything Greek - delicious food, vibrant music and dance, and cultural mementos. Presented by Port Melbourne Greek Community Senior Citizens Club
When: 10 am to 12 midday, Monday 7 October
Where: Port Melbourne Community Room, 1/147 Liardet Street Port Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- Athena 0411 802 225
- tinamilopoulos@gmail.com
Free
Musical Luncheon
Come for lunch and a celebration of music at the Christ Church Community Centre (St Kilda’s Little Mission). Enjoy a delicious meal while local artists perform, and find out more about services on offer, and opportunities are available for seniors in the community.
When: 12 midday to 3 pm, Monday 7 October
Where: Christ Church Community Centre, 14 Acland Street St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- The Christ Church Community Centre 03 9534 9250
- communitycentre@ccm.org.au
Free. Includes lunch and entertainment.
City of Port Phillip Library Service presents Multicultural Seniors Showcase (Pop up Performances)
Explore the rich history, stories and culture of different communities within City of Port Phillip at this special showcase.
Ensemble Nostalgia Choir
Enjoy the rich and unique sounds of the Ensemble Nostalgia Choir. Featuring a range of voices, from sopranos to altos, the choir is known for its robust and harmonious blend.
When: 12 midday to 1pm, Monday 7 October
Where: Emerald Hill Library forecourt, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne.
Bookings not required, drop-by.
More information:
- 03 9209 5566
- libprograms@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free
Ageing Fabulously - Followed by Q&A with Julie Peters
Where do LGBTQI people go in their later lives? Trans elder legend Julie Peters goes on a mission to find out. From the ‘Rainbow’ LGBT senior’s community in Stockholm, Sweden, queer friendly accommodation in Melbourne and an inclusive aged care facility in the regional town of Daylesford. Forget the usual singalongs and board games, we’re talking ABBA drag shows and cabarets!
When: 1pm to 2 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
Free
Meet the Rising Stars of Dance and Drama!
You are invited to the historic National Theatre in St Kilda for a 45-minute performance of dance and drama by pre-professional students of the National Ballet and Drama Schools - our rising stars of stage and drama! Tea, cake and biscuits will be served in the theatre foyer after the show.
When: 10 am to 12 midday, Tuesday 8 October
Where: The National Theatre 20 Carlisle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- National Theatre Office 03 9525 4611
- boxoffice@nationaltheatre.org.au
Cost: $5 includes tea, coffee and biscuits.
Seniors Art Exhibition
Come view and enjoy the artwork by the talented senior members of Port Phillip. This exhibition is open to the public, members, and subscribers of U3APP. Refreshments served.
When: 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: Mary Kehoe Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Booking essential:
Free
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. Refreshments served.
When: 11 am to 1 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: South Melbourne Community Centre, 1 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne
Booking essential:
- https://bit.ly/HoppaHey
- 03 9696 3495
- events@u3app.org.au
Free
Zumba Fever
Presented by NCJW (Victoria) Community Services Inc.
Join Golden Age club members for Zumba classes suitable for all ages and physical abilities. No experience needed. Good food, music and fun are guaranteed.
When: 4 pm to 7 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: The Betty Day Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- Lisa 0425 732 325
- grants@ncjwavic.org.au
Free
Robyn Watters from Port Melbourne Historical Society talk on Garden City
A historical gem in the City of Port Phillip, Garden City was established by the State Savings Bank as a low-cost housing estate for workers and low-income families in the late 1920s to the 1940s. Robyn Watters will speak on her family's connection to the estate, and greater Port Melbourne. Free.
When: 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank Street, South Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- 03 9209 6655
- trybooking.com/CTXWU
Free
An Afternoon with Friends of Dorothy
Join Friends of Dorothy for fun and heartwarming afternoon the Victorian Pride Centre. Celebrate our ageing LGBTIQ+ community, featuring interactive activities, pop-up stalls, free cake and coffee, and a private tour of the Centre. Join us for each activity or drop in anytime.
Where: Victorian Pride Centre, 79/81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
When: 11.30 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 8 October.
Bookings essential:
- https://bit.ly/FriendsofDorothy
- 03 7035 3592
Free
Lets Have Fun with the Greeks!
There’s no party like a Greek party! Treat yourself to delicious Greek food and lively Greek music, and mingle and enjoy the company of the local Greeks. Booking is essential due to limited space. Presented by New Life Association
When: 10 am to 1 pm, Tuesday 8 October
Where: Port Melbourne Community Room 1/147 Liardet Street Port Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- Kelly 0412 830 584
- argyropoulos.greekclub@gmail.com
Free
Art Workshop with First Nations Artist Les Stanley
Join First Nations artist Leslie J Stanley in a traditional painting workshop. You will learn about the history of Indigenous art and storytelling to create your very own painting to take home. All art materials and afternoon tea provided.
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
When: 3 to 5 pm, Wednesday 9 October
Bookings essential:
- Cathy 0481 053 536
- SeniorsFestival2024Bookings@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free
Seniors Writers Panel - Boris Frankel, Caroline de Costa, George Kyriakou. Panel facilitator Carmel Shute.
Join us for an enlightening discussion led by senior writers. Speakers Boris Frankel, Caroline de Costa and George Kyriakou will share their writing experience and answer your questions. Event facilitated by Carmel Shute, Secretary and National Co-convenor of Sisters in Crime Australia.
When: 5.30 to 7.30 pm, Wednesday 9 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
Free
City of Port Phillip Library Service presents Multicultural Seniors Showcase (Pop up Performances)
Explore the rich history, stories and culture of different communities within City of Port Phillip at this special showcase.
Songs In Our Hearts Lotus Choir Performance
Be charmed by Lotus Choir serenading you with different European musical traditions. Get to know the choristers during the light afternoon tea after their performance.
When: 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 10 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda.
Booking: Not required, drop-by
- 03 9209 5566
- libprograms@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free
Happy Hour with the U3APP Male Choir
Come along, catch up with friends and or make new friends while enjoying a happy hour drinks. Refreshments at your own cost.
When: 4.30 to 6 pm, Thursday 10 October
Where: Heroes Lounge, RSL, 88 Acland Street, St Kilda
Booking essential:
- https://bit.ly/SeniorsHappyHour
- 03 9696 3495
- events@u3app.org.au
Bling it on
Join the party, in this glittering sparkling celebration in St Kilda. Boogie to live music and disco hits from the '60s, '70s, '80s, and beyond, featuring Johnny Lock & El. Free includes afternoon tea. Presented by Sacred Heart Mission.
When: 2 pm to 4 pm, Friday 11 October
Where: Sacred Heart Community, 101 Grey St, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- Tammy or Santi 0467 760 170
- shcomlifestyle@sacredheartmission.org
Dancing on Fridays
Watch or join Dance on Fridays, a feel-good dance class covering many different dance styles and music. If you wish to dance, please wear shoes that you can twist/swivel in easily. Refreshments served.
When: 1.30 to 3 pm, Friday 11 October
Where: South Melbourne Community Centre, 1 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne
Booking essential:
- https://bit.ly/DancingFridays
- 03 9696 3495
- events@u3app.org.au
Seniors Festival Showcase of Art and Music
During the Seniors Week Festival U3APP will present an interactive Musical Showcase presented by the various music groups and male choir. The U3APP Art Exhibition will also be on display for viewing. So come along, view the artwork, enjoy the music and a sing along!
Refreshments served
When: 2pm to 4pm, Friday 11 October
Where: Mary Kehoe Centre, 224 Danks Street, Albert Park
Booking essential:
- https://bit.ly/SeniorsArtMusic
- 03 9696 3495
- events@u3app.org.au
Free
City of Port Phillip Library Service presents Multicultural Seniors Showcase (Pop up Performances)
Explore the rich history, stories and culture of different communities within City of Port Phillip at this special showcase.
Association of Former Inmates of Nazi Concentration Camps and Ghettos from the Former Soviet Union - Tai Chi Performance
Enjoy watching Tai Chi, performed with the rhythm of relaxing music, featuring gentle movement, a meditative state of mind, and controlled breathing. Stay after the performance for a light conversation with the team and morning tea.
When: 1 to 1.30pm, Friday 11 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings not required, drop-by.
More information:
- 03 9209 5566
- libprograms@portphillip.vic.gov.a
Free
Seaside Serenade & Social
Experience a magical afternoon of live music at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. Enjoy classic tunes and contemporary hits with a stunning beachside backdrop and perfect atmosphere. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
When: 2 pm to 8 pm, Saturday 12 October
Where: Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron 1 Pier Road St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- 03 9534 0227
- members@rmys.com.au
- trybooking.com/CTNRF
Free
Vardos Trio Live at the Library (Eastern European/Rroma)
Driven by Alana's wild violin, chased by accordion and double bass, Vardos play folk and Romany music learnt from Rromauk and folk musicians in Hungary and Romania during their travels in Eastern Europe. Free.
When: 12 midday to 1 pm, Saturday 12 October
Where: St Kilda Library, 150 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
Free
Sing-a-long with SKULL (the St Kilda Ukulele Lovers League)
Presented by SKULL and St Kilda RSL
Join a heart-warming ukelele singalong in the heart in of St Kilda. Ukeleles, percussion instruments and a songbook provided. Complete beginners are welcome. Drinks are available for purchase.
When: 2 pm to 4 pm, Sunday 13 October
Where: St Kilda RSL, 88 Acland Street St Kilda
Bookings not required.
For more information
- Peter 0411 470 651
Free. Drinks are available for purchase.
CaSPA Care Annual Concert
Come along to watch, sing and tap your feet to the music and dancing. This concert is open to all in our community and to the family and friends of residents at Caspa Care. Presented by Share and Care Entertainers.
When: 2 pm to 3 pm, Sunday 13 October
Where: CaSPA Care, Napier Street Homes, 203 Napier Street South Melbourne
Bookings essential:
- Caroline 0418 556 337
- icm@netspace.net.au
Free
A Musical Tribute to Nadezhda Kushnir
Celebrate the remarkable life of Nadezhda Kushnir who dedicated 29 years of her life providing community service to Russian speaking seniors. Delicious food, musical performances, and traditional dance will feature this special event. Presented by Nadezhda Russian Senior Citizens Club.
When: 1 pm to 4 pm, Sunday 13 October
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 argyle Street St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- Lidiya 0421 129 806
- lidiya02@outlook.com
Cost: $15
Celebrating Jewish Harvest Festival - Sukkot 2024
Celebrate the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. Learn more about the significance of Sukkot to Jewish faith and culture and enjoy the musical performance and scrumptious traditional food. Presented by Association of Former Inmates of Nazi Concentration Camps from the Former Soviet Union.
When: 3 pm to 7 pm, Sunday 13 October
Where: Betty Day Community Centre, 67 Argyle Street, St Kilda
Bookings essential:
- Aron Vinkler 0411 446 635
Free
Port Phillip Writes: Seniors Festival 20th 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: 1 pm to 3 pm, Monday 14 October
Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99a Carlisle Street St Kilda
Bookings Essential:
- Cathy 0481 053 536
- portphillipwrites@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Free
Seniors Festival Events Grants 2024
Seniors Festival Event Grants have now closed.
A full list of successful grant recipients will be available on this page in early September 2024.