As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, Latrobe City Council hosted the Positive Ageing Festival for the month of October.
The Festival provided a range of free activities for mature-aged people in Latrobe City to build connections, socialise and experience new activities and events.
Some of the events across the month-long celebration included hosted trips to Melbourne, come and try days, the Gippsland Country Concert, La Traviata and Carmen Opera Australia (recorded), Activate at Latrobe Leisure Morwell and many more.
The month-long Festival saw over 2,496 attendees. One participant even enjoyed her first night out in 10 years, by attending the pre-recorded screening of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Traralgon Library.
The program was developed with accessibility and social connection in mind, helping to support community health and wellbeing.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said the Festival provided those aged 55 and over a chance to connect with their community.
“Age should never be a barrier to living life to the fullest. Latrobe City’s commitment to positive aging is unwavering, as outlined in Council's Positive Ageing Plan, our focus is on supporting ageing in place and social connection, allowing older members of our community to enjoy their independence, their communities and passions, right here where they call home,” said the Mayor.
“The last event of the Festival saw 497 people join in the fun at Activate at Latrobe Leisure Morwell. The free fitness class tasters, Pool Storytime and Latrobe Orchestra performance were highlights of the day.
“We also received great feedback from Ambulance Victoria who attended the Gippsland Country Concert and said they had a great time teaching around 20 people how to perform CPR and use an AED.
"We look forward to building the Festival up over the coming years, in collaboration with our Positive Ageing Community Engagement Group, who generously share their lived experiences and advice with us.”