Seniors Festival

Free public transport

You can travel for free on all public transport in Victoria, including:

• Melbourne trains, trams and buses
• V/Line trains, coaches and selected regional bus services outside of the myki-enabled area.

More info: Go to Seniors Online Victoria or the Public Transport Victoria Free Public Transport Flyer

Local events

For information about upcoming events happening across the Shire for our older community members, view the calendar of events below or download a calendar of events.

Outdoor park exercises

Date: Thursdays during October
Time: 10:30–11:30am
Venue: Barring-buluk Park, near Pakenham train station. Park along Flower Street, cross under the overhead trainline and meet at the exercise equipment area.
Make the most of the shire’s outdoor exercise equipment in parks with guidance from qualified fitness trainers.
Bookings: not required

Live Art demonstrations

Date: Thursdays during October Time: 10:30am–12.30pm
Venue: Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House, 2B Beswick Street, Garfield
Watch an artist in action and enjoy morning tea. A unique theme each week.

• Thursday 2 October: Australia – Trompe l’oeil.
• Thursday 9 October: America – Steampunk Engine, mixed media.
• Thursday 16 October: France – Portrait of Louis, fabric painting of balloon chair.
• Thursday 23 October: England – Dark Academia, clock making.

Bookings: Jen 0428 372 686

Thursday Lounge live entertainment

Date: Thursday 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 October
Time: 6pm until late
Venue: Brewing Bliss Cafe, Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.
Share a unique, relaxing evening of live entertainment at the Cardinia Cultural Centre’s Brewing Bliss Cafe. Enjoy a different performance each week by Ebony Portelli, Sasha Rechichi, Stephanie Angelini, Michael Prizeman and Alejandro Aguanta.
Supper and drinks available from the cafe.
Bookings: not required.

Shared plates shared stories

Date: Saturday 4 October
Time: 12–4pm
Venue: Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, 33 Officer Road, Officer
Seniors from all backgrounds are invited to bring only vegetarian food to share with the community. Everyone is welcome. Food can be prepared at the Gurdwara, and recipes can also be shared with participants
Bookings: Harpreet 0447 028 688

Community dance

Date: Saturday 4 October
Time: 7:30–11pm
Venue: Pakenham Hall, 6E Henry Street, Pakenham
Join Pakenham Rotary for a community dance featuring a live four-piece band. Enjoy a mix of
old-time, new vogue, line, and rock ‘n’ roll dancing. Bring your own supper and drinks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Bookings: Terry 0419 314 085

Morning of melodies

Date: Wednesday 8 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Venue: Lifestyle Ridgelea, 65 Botanical Boulevard, Nar Nar Goon
Join us for a morning of acoustic music from the 60s, 70s and 80s with our homeowner Ron.
Includes morning tea.
Bookings: Jackie 0475 211 139

Men’s spit roast and wellness day

Date: Wednesday 8 October
Time: 11am–2pm
Venue: Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed, 235 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
Join us at the Men’s Shed for a fun day of meat and makeovers (barbers on site at this event). Enjoy a mouth- watering spit roast, wellness insights, and great conversation in a warm, welcoming space.
Bookings: Ian (Lang Lang) 0458 875 777, George (Koo Wee Rup) 0403 030 027 or Allie at Lang Lang Community Centre 5997 5704.

All Together Choir singalong

Date: Thursday 9 October
Time: 12–1:30pm
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Come and enjoy listening to the passionate singing of this fun group. Remember to bring your enthusiasm!
Bookings: not required

Crafty crocheting at CCC!

Date: 9, 16 and 23 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Join our workshop to learn all the basics or bring your crochet and get making in a room of like-minded crafters. Materials provided.
Bookings: Cardinia Cultural Centre 1300 887 624

Qigong – move for health

Date: Friday 10 October
Time: 11am–12pm
Venue: Pakenham Library, corner John and Henry streets, Pakenham
A starter’s introduction to Qigong. Gentle practice calms the mind, soothes the nervous system, releases tension, reduces stress and promotes a profound sense of relaxation.
Bookings: Pakenham Library 5940 6200

Pakenham and surrounds community garage sale

Date: Saturday 11 October
Time: 8:30am–3pm
Venue: Cardinia Men’s Shed, C/ Living and Learning Centre, 6B Henry Street, Pakenham
Garage sales list and map available for collection from 8:30am on 11 October. Join the scavenger hunt to win a meat tray.
Bookings: not required 
Register your garage sale: If you would like to have a garage sale, you need to register with the Men’s Shed by 14 September. Call David 0412 127 444 or Roger 0414 749 904

Men’s morning tea

Date: Saturday 11 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Venue: Fernlea Community House, 356 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Emerald
A special invitation to local men aged 60-plus. Enjoy morning tea over relaxed conversation and shared stories. Fun, friendly, insightful! Led by experienced group leaders.
Bookings: John 0431 844 833 or Ken 0419 574 865

Community safety expos

Date: Saturday 11 October
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Venue: Hills Hub, Emerald

Date: Saturday 18 October
Time: 11am-2pm
Venue: Bunnings Warehouse, Pakenham.

Cardinia Shire Council is proud to partner with Victoria Police, community safety partners and service providers to host the Community safety expo to celebrate Community Safety Month. Connect with local services to discuss concerns and initiatives
Bookings: not required

History of Koo Wee Rup swamp

Date: Sunday 12 October 1:30–2:30pm
Date: Wednesday 15 October, 11am–12pm
Venue: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup.
Explore the history of Koo Wee Rup Swamp’s drainage, Victoria’s largest reclamation project. Learn about settlers’ lives, frequent floods, and Carlo Catani, the engineer behind the work.
Bookings: Heather 0407 521 637

Digital basics for over 55s

Date: Tuesday 14 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Venue: Cockatoo Community House, 23 Bailey Road, Cockatoo
Build confidence with your digital device. Join our free over 55s program and discover digital basics in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Bookings: Robyn 5968 9031

Life in the Senior’s Lane photography exhibition

Date: Monday 13–27 October
Time: 9am–3pm daily
Venue: Fernlea Community House, 356 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Emerald
Visit the beautifully refurbished Fernlea Community House for Paul Bianco’s vibrant portrait exhibition, celebrating spirited seniors of Emerald and districts. Inspiring faces, lively stories.
Refreshments provided.
Bookings: not required
* Also see Life in the Senior’s Lane fireside chat and panel discussion on 19 October.

Falls and injury prevention series

Date: Wednesday 15, 22 and 29 October
Time: 1–2:30pm Venue: Cardinia Life, 4 Olympic Way, Pakenham
For residents aged 55-plus who want to stay active, independent, and reduce their risk of falls.
Presentations by Monash Health experts.

• 15 October – Introduction to falls and injury prevention: Physical, home safety, foot and eye care.
• 22 October – Eat well as we age: The importance of good nutrition and dietary guidelines.
• 29 October – Balance and strength: Improve balance, strength, and be active. Includes exercise tips, national guidelines and local programs.

Bookings: Abu 5945 2888
Website: bit.ly/4owMlQv

Casey-Cardinia heritage day

Date: Saturday 18 October
Time: 10am–2pm
Venue: Nar Nar Goon Soldiers Memorial Hall, Spencer Street, Nar Nar Goon
Discover Cardinia Shire’s rich history and explore stories that shaped this beautiful region.
Bookings: not required

Bouquet of seniors day

Date: Saturday 18 October
Time: 11am–3pm
Venue: Pakenham Senior Citizens, 38 James Street, Pakenham
Celebrating our community’s diversity like a bouquet of flowers! Including intercultural entertainment, cuisine and activities. Connect, share stories, and enjoy a vibrant, welcoming day for all.
Bookings: Jagtar 0404 014 499

Life in the Senior’s Lane fireside chat and panel discussion

Date: Sunday 19 October
Time: 2–4pm
Venue: Fernlea Community House, 356 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Emerald
Join us to hear from our local Emerald and district seniors as they participate in an informative, fun filled fireside chat and panel discussion. Includes afternoon tea.
Bookings: Kerry 5968 3895 (Option 5) or email fch@fernlea.com.au

Floral Magic in Lang Lang

Date: Monday 20 October
Time: 2–3pm
Venue: Lang Lang Community Centre, 7 Westernport Road, Lang Lang
Join Allie, your friendly local florist, for a hands-on floral arranging workshop where creativity blooms. Bring your own medium-sized vase and get ready to design something beautiful. Afternoon tea provided.
Bookings: Allie 5997 5704

Kirth Kiln historic talk and guided bushwalks

Date: Tuesday 21 October
Time: 10am–1pm
Venue: Kirth Kiln Regional Park, Beenak Road, Gembrook
We will kick-off with an informative historical talk about Kurth Kiln.
Explore the amazing static displays and morning tea. Keen walkers are encouraged to come dressed ready for a guided bushwalk suitable for a range of ability levels.
Bookings: Marlene 0429 814 410

Grandparents and caregivers playgroup

Date: Tuesday 21 October
Time: 10am–1pm
Venue: Deep Creek Reserve, Cameron Way, Pakenham
Join a joyful day of intergenerational bonding. Fun activities including painting, nature walks and more.
Kids can explore the life size garbage truck. Free barbecue. All carers welcome.
Bookings: not required

Dementia-friendly games days

Date: Tuesday 21 October
Time: 10:30am- 1pm
Venue: Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham
For people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers.
Join us for fun-filled, inclusive activities. Build your social connections by sharing lunch, laughter, and prizes.
Bookings: Taryn 5940 4728
Website: bit.ly/412tWAX

Sip and See live performance: Anything You Can Do

Date:  Wednesday 22 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham
Cost: $15 per person
Devonshire tea: 10am
Live show: 11am
Enjoy a performance by the vibrant Pony Cam theatre company and local community members aged 55-plus who explore the challenges of generational stereotypes.
Don’t miss this dynamic, thought-provoking show.
Bookings: 1300 887 624

Gembrook Park guided walk and tree planting

Date: Thursday 23 October
Time: 10–11:30am
Venue: Corner Gembrook and Redwood roads, Gembrook
Hosted by Friends of Gembrook Park. Enjoy tree planting, a gentle guided bushwalk, birdwatching, and forest wonders including a 300-year-old Mountain Ash. Learn about the group’s volunteer work. Refreshments provided.
Bookings: Merle 0407 011 344

Dementia-friendly games days

Date: Tuesday 28 October
Time: 10:30am–1pm
Venue: Hewitt Eco House Community Room, 215 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup
For people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers.
Join us for fun-filled, inclusive activities. Build your social connections by sharing lunch, laughter, and prizes.
Bookings: Naomi 5997 9655

Bush bites – truffle delights!

Date: Thursday 30 October
Time: 10–11:30am
Venue: Cardinia U3A, (located at the Pakenham Library), 6E Henry Street, Pakenham
Join us at U3A for Aunty Sammy’s fascinating talk on indigenous bush foods and get hands-on making delicious truffles with native ingredients. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Bookings: Heather 5941 4164

Past events

Events held last year...

Cultural Day with Cardinia Senior Citizens Group

Hosted by Cardinia Senior Citizens Group, supported by Council, this event held at Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre was a cultural delight offering Punjabi folk dancing, Indian cuisine, and information about the cultural festivities of Southeast Asia! Morning tea and lunch were provided.

Carers Morning Tea

Hosted by Outlook Community Centre and supported by Council, this event served up a delicious high tea and with a side of entertainment for carers and their loved ones to enjoy.

Seniors Yoga Class

Aligned Leisure's yoga class at Lang Lang Memorial Hall improved mental health, relieved stress, increased flexibility, and boosted overall energy levels and vitality. It was a great way to find balance and connect with others in a supportive environment.

Health and Wellbeing with Officer Gurdwara

Hosted by Officer Gurdwara and presented by the National Ageing Research Institution (NARI), community members were invited to attend an activity-filled afternoon highlighting the importance of ageing well, covering healthy eating, exercise, hydration, and brain health.

Seniors Sports Day, hosted by Cardinia Life

Hosted by Cardinia Life and supported by Council, senior community members were treated to a fantastic day of fun and fitness designed specifically for the needs and preferences of our older generations. Whether a seasoned athlete or someone just looking to try something new, this event was perfect for all abilities. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of sporting activities, friendly competitions and leisurely games, from Table tennis, pickleball and walking basketball, to group fitness classes and aqua sessions. The event encouraged seniors to stay active, socialise with peers, new and old, and experience a day filled with laughter and camaraderie. There were facility tours and information stalls, as well as prizes on offer throughout the day.

MyLi - My Community Library (Pakenham & Emerald)

A fantastic lineup of free events, activities and workshops. Whether you were looking to learn something new, meet new people, or just have some fun, there was something for everyone!

Questions?

Contact our Ageing Well team 
Phone: 1300 787 624
Email: ageingwell@cardinia.vic.gov.au