#GreatNewsThursday – Council recognises Victorian Seniors Festival with a series of events
This year’s Victorian Seniors Festival has been a huge success, with one event still to come in the program.
The series of events, held during October, kicked off with the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra (GVCO) performing live at Euroa Community Cinema.
More than 50 community members enjoyed the performance which included a variety of music ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan to a fabulous rendition of ‘Skyfall’ by vocalist Renee Rankin.
Conductor, Steven Sargant, provided entertaining commentary throughout the performance including a tour of the 35-piece orchestra.
Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said it was fantastic to host the GVCO.
“The GVCO has strong links to Strathbogie Shire as percussion and pianist Helen Rankin and celloist Keri Jennings are both from Violet Town, she said.
“There is also violinist Alison Smith and vocalist Renee Rankin who both grew up in the Strathbogie Shire.”
Audience members provided fantastic feedback during and after the performance.
Cr Binks said there was a very special guest at the event – 70-year-old Linsday Porter from Bulleen who described himself as a “Seniors Festival tourist”.
“Lindsay left Bulleen at 5am, taking advantage of free public transport for seniors during Seniors Festival, to attend our concert in Euroa,” she said.
“He chose to come along as Lindsay maps out his Senior Festival itinerary – aiming for one event per day in regional Victoria.
“Lindsay was also full of wisdom as he likes to bring a book with him that relates to the area as a conversation starter. He had several books on the Albury railway line with him but it was his knowledge of historical paddle steamers in Port Phillip Bay that kept the locals entertained.”
Cr Binks said the live music fun did not stop there with a second concert held in Shepparton at Riverlinks.
“Council provided free transport to this event from Euroa and Nagambie so our residents could enjoy seeing the Beatlez Tribute Band,” she said.
Audience members were treated to the Beatles early work including ‘Birthday’ and invited to sing along to later hits like ‘Hey Jude’ but it was the encore performance of ‘Twist and Shout’ that got the audience to their feet.
The Explorers Way Bus Tour was hugely successful as guests were able to visit various locations retracing the steps of explorers throughout the Shire, visiting the various monuments and cairns dedicated to Hume & Hovell and Major Mitchell.
“It was fantastic to have the support of the Nagambie Historical Society who assisted with recounting historical events along the journey,” Cr Binks said.
“In Avenel, the group heard from David Willis from the Lost Avenel project, who spoke on the development of Avenel township and the area’s Indigenous history.”
The bus tour journeyed throughout various parts of the Shire.
“It was a chance for guests to enjoy the backroads of our beautiful Shire while learning about different aspects of the region’s history.”
Cr Binks reminded Council’s senior citizens there were still one more event coming up to enjoy as part of the 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival in Strathbogie Shire:
Free Movie Screening – ‘The Intern’ (M) at Avenel Memorial Hall
- 23 October 2023 | 10:30am
- Avenel Memorial Hall, 15 Queen St, Avenel
- Join Council and Avenel Active Inc. for a free screening of the heartwarming movie ‘The Intern’ (M) and enjoy morning tea with friends.
- Book your spot via https://events.humanitix.com/the_intern
- For more information and updates, please visit our website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
“Don’t miss out on the final 2023 Victorian Seniors Festival event hosted by Strathbogie Shire Council,” Cr Binks said.
“These activities are designed to celebrate and honour Strathbogie Shire’s seniors, promoting community engagement and enjoyment for all.”