Thousands gathered at Federation Square as the Victorian Seniors Festival began its month-long celebration of older Victorians, with music, dance, exhibitions and community events filling venues across the state.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt joined festivalgoers at Celebration Day, officially launching the 2025 Festival and turning the precinct into a lively hub of performances and activities.
The launch featured seven hours of free entertainment across three stages, with everything from tai chi and line dancing to workshops and classic 60s tunes. The Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham performed with a 60-strong dance group, while the Australian Women’s Choir filled The Edge Theatre. Musician AJ Leonard led a ukulele workshop that ended with a mass singalong, bringing hundreds together through rhythm and melody.
The main stage crowd moved to the sound of Groove Dimension, a 10-piece band reviving hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, KC & The Sunshine Band and The Jacksons. Local artists and performers added to the day’s colour, creating a sense of connection and energy that set the tone for the rest of the month.
Throughout October, more than 2,000 free and low-cost events are being held across Victoria’s 79 municipalities. Country Concerts are taking live shows to regional towns including Bendigo, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Sale and Horsham, while Melbourne’s venues will host dances, exhibitions, sporting activities and film screenings.
The festival’s multicultural and First Nations focus will include a Diwali celebration in Hawthorn, a Seniors Yarn at Gateway Island and a food-themed gathering in St Albans.
Seniors Card holders can enjoy eight days of free public transport from 5 to 12 October, with access to metropolitan services, V/Line trains and coaches, and selected regional bus routes beyond the myki zone. The offer aims to make it easier for older Victorians to meet friends, explore events and take part in the month’s activities.
Minister Stitt said the festival is about recognising the contribution older Victorians make to the community. “We are proud to deliver this Festival as a month-long celebration of the valuable contributions senior Victorians make to our state,” she said.
She encouraged participants to make full use of the travel offer and wide program. “I encourage seniors everywhere to take advantage of the free travel to meet with friends, try something new and discover all that the Seniors’ Festival has to offer,” she said.
More information and event listings can be found here.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
