Seniors Festival
About
- The Victorian Seniors Festival is a state-wide festival celebrating older Victorians in our community for the month of October each year with a range of free and low-cost events.
- Last year's theme was Connect. Create. Celebrate.
- Cardinia Shire Council supports local activities and events in October.
See upcoming Ageing Well events
Visit our Ageing Well homepage for all information
Free public transport
More info: Go to Seniors Online Victoria or the Public Transport Victoria Free Public Transport Flyer
Local events
For information about other upcoming events happening across the Shire for our older community members, visit
Past events
Events held last year...
Outdoor Park Exercises
Held weekly throughout October at Barring-buluk Park in Pakenham, this series encouraged participants to make the most of the shire’s outdoor exercise equipment. Guided by qualified trainers, attendees enjoyed friendly, accessible sessions that promoted fitness in the fresh air.
Live Art Demonstrations
Hosted at Moy-Yan Neighbourhood House in Garfield, these Thursday morning sessions invited community members to watch an artist at work while enjoying morning tea. Each week featured a new international theme, including Australia’s Trompe l’oeil, America’s Steampunk mixed media, France’s fabric-painting portraiture, and England’s Dark Academia inspired clock making.
Thursday Lounge Live Entertainment
Throughout October, Brewing Bliss Café at Cardinia Cultural Centre hosted relaxing evenings of live music. Each week featured a different local performer, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Shared Plates, Shared Stories
Held at the Officer Gurdwara, this multicultural gathering welcomed seniors to bring vegetarian dishes to share and to exchange recipes and stories.
Community Dance
Pakenham Rotary hosted an energetic community dance at Pakenham Hall, featuring a live four-piece band. Attendees enjoyed old-time, new vogue, line, and rock ’n’ roll dancing.
Morning of Melodies
Residents gathered at Lifestyle Ridgelea in Nar Nar Goon for a relaxing morning of acoustic favourites from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Men’s Spit Roast and Wellness Day
The Koo Wee Rup Men’s Shed welcomed attendees for a social afternoon of good food and wellbeing. Guests enjoyed a spit roast, onsite barbers and wellness discussions.
All Together Choir Singalong
Held at Cardinia Cultural Centre, this uplifting event welcomed community members to enjoy the enthusiasm and harmonies of the All Together Choir.
Crafty Crocheting at CCC
Across three October sessions, creators gathered at Cardinia Cultural Centre to learn crochet basics or work on personal projects alongside other craft lovers.
Qigong – Move for Health
Myli Pakenham Library hosted a gentle introductory session on the ancient practice of Qigong. Participants learned calming movements designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Pakenham and Surrounds Community Garage Sale
Cardinia Men’s Shed coordinated a large community garage sale, complete with a map for treasure hunters and a scavenger hunt with prizes.
Men’s Morning Tea
Held at Fernlea Community House in Emerald, this warm and conversational event invited men aged 60+ to share stories, connect, and enjoy morning tea in a supportive environment.
Community Safety Expos
In partnership with Victoria Police and other safety organisations, Cardinia Shire Council hosted two expos during Community Safety Month. Attendees connected with local services and explored community safety initiatives.
History of Koo Wee Rup Swamp
The Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society offered guided sessions exploring the region’s fascinating drainage history, the largest reclamation project in Victoria. Guests learned about early settlers, major floods, and engineer Carlo Catani.
Digital Basics for Over 55s
Cockatoo Community House delivered a supportive workshop to help older adults build confidence with digital devices and essential online skills.
Life in the Senior’s Lane Photography Exhibition
Fernlea Community House showcased Paul Bianco’s vibrant exhibition celebrating the spirit and stories of local seniors. The refurbished venue offered refreshments and a welcoming space for visitors.
Falls and Injury Prevention Series
This three-part series at Cardinia Life for adults aged 55+ to stay active and reduce fall risks. Monash Health presenters covered physical and home safety, nutrition, balance, strength training, and local wellbeing programs.
Casey-Cardinia Heritage Day
Nar Nar Goon Soldiers Memorial Hall hosted a community celebration of local history, inviting visitors to explore significant stories and heritage displays.
Bouquet of Seniors Day
Cardinia Senior Citizens group held a cultural celebration filled with performances, food and activities, honouring the rich cultural diversity of the senior community.
Life in the Senior’s Lane – Fireside Chat and Panel Discussion
Fernlea Community House brought local seniors together for an engaging afternoon of storytelling, conversation and community connection, accompanied by afternoon tea.
Floral Magic in Lang Lang
Participants enjoyed a hands-on floral arranging workshop at Lang Lang Community Centre, guided by a local florist.
Kurth Kiln Historic Talk and Guided Bushwalks
Held at Kurth Kiln Regional Park, this event featured a historical presentation, static displays, morning tea and guided bushwalks suited to varying fitness levels.
Grandparents and Caregivers Playgroup
Deep Creek Reserve hosted a joyful intergenerational playgroup event featuring outdoor activities, garbage truck display, painting, nature walks and a free barbecue.
Dementia-Friendly Games Days
Outlook Community Centre and Hewitt Eco House hosted inclusive activity days designed for people living with dementia and their carers. Attendees enjoyed games, connection, lunch and laughter in a supportive environment.
Sip and See Live Performance: Anything You Can Do
At Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pony Cam Theatre Company presented a dynamic and thought-provoking performance exploring generational stereotypes, complete with Devonshire tea before the show.
Gembrook Park Guided Walk and Tree Planting
Friends of Gembrook Park hosted this nature-filled event featuring tree planting, a guided walk, birdwatching, and the chance to admire a 300-year-old Mountain Ash.
Bush Bites – Truffle Delights!
Aunty Sammy led a fascinating workshop at the Cardinia Environment Coalition Nursery, sharing knowledge of Indigenous bush foods and guiding participants in making truffles with native ingredients.
Questions?
Contact our Ageing Well team
Phone: 1300 787 624
Email: ageingwell@cardinia.vic.gov.au