Mount Alexander Shire Victorian Seniors Festival 2010 A month of Senior’s celebrations in the Shire!! Come and enjoy Victorian Seniors Festival activities right here in your own region from 30 September – 31 October. Be inspired by the range of local opportunities available.

Mount Alexander Shire Council is a proud

participant in the 2010 Victorian Seniors Festival

We are proud to present the Victorian Seniors Festival events in your area. This is the 29th year of the Victorian Seniors Festival. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate Victoria’s seniors. The state-wide festival features over 1,000 free and low-cost events and activities for seniors across Victoria ranging from concerts and fine arts to bushwalking and golf – Be inspired! A wide range of events during October are planned in the Mount Alexander Shire. This booklet outlines the activities available for senior members of the community to enjoy. Victorian Seniors Cardholders can enjoy free public transport on all metropolitan train, tram and bus services and all regional town bus services during the official Seniors Festival Week from 3-10 October. Free V-Line rail and coach services will also be available on October 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Bookings are required for some services. To make a booking, call 136 196.

Mayor’s Message Mount Alexander Shire has one of the fastest growing populations of older people in Victoria. The huge variety of activities on offer during the 2010 Seniors Festival is a wonderful testament to the vibrancy of this segment of our community. There are sure to be events that will appeal to everyone, no matter what their age! Each year, Council supports the coordination of Seniors Festival activities across the Shire, in conjunction with other key agencies and community organisations. The event is well-regarded for providing activities of interest to older members of the community, whilst at the same time promoting a positive attitude to ageing by welcoming everyone to join in. I congratulate event organisers for their commitment and creativity in yet again delivering a comprehensive and engaging festival for all in Mount Alexander Shire to enjoy. Councillor Janet Cropley Mayor, Mount Alexander Shire

Thursday 30 September Festival Launch with Noeline Brown 1.00pm to 2.30pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Art Gallery - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine Ms Noeline Brown is one of Australia’s most loved comediennes and was appointed as the first Ambassador for Ageing by the Minister for Ageing, the Hon Justine Elliot MP on 12 April 2008. Call 5471 1735 to make a booking - Afternoon tea included Friday 1 October U3A Annual General Meeting / Founders Day Morning Tea 10.00am to 12.00pm Price: Free Address: Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine All welcome.

Saturday / Sunday 1 & 2 October Have Fun with Billiards and Snooker 10.30am to 4.30pm Price: Free Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine The Castlemaine Billiards Club is hosting a Come and Try Day on Saturday and a round robin competition on Sunday. Coaching and advice is available for all who come along. Call 5472 4024 for more information Sunday 3 October Melbourne Festival Launch with Castlemaine’s own ‘Rhythmatix’ 11.00am to 4.00pm Price: Free Address: Federation Square - Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne A free celebration for seniors, friends and families as the Melbourne Festival is launched at Federation Square. Castlemaine’s tap dancing trio ‘Rhythmatix’ being shown on the large screen. It’s a party!

Monday 4 October Morning Tai Chi 9.30am Price: Free Address: Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine A gentle form of exercise, involving movement and balance suitable for seniors with or without arthritis. The class is conducted by CHIRP’s physiotherapist and is well supervised. Call 5479 1000 to book

Monday 4 October Movies at Metcalfe – A ‘Carry On’ Feast 9.30am to 4.00pm Price: $5.00 Address: Metcalfe Shire Hall - Kyneton Road, Metcalfe Each year our film day has grown more popular. This year we have unearthed two naughty favourites from the ‘Carry On’ years. ‘Carry On Cabby’ and ‘Carry On Cleo’. This commences at 9.30am with a cuppa and the film will start at 10.00am.

Barbeque lunch is at 12noon followed by the afternoon screening at 1.00pm Call 5423 2635 to make a booking Monday 4 October Bingo Fundraiser 1:30pm Price: $2.00 Address: Castlemaine Senior Citizens Clubrooms - Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine Each year Dot Pollard and a collection of helpers come together to raise funds for the Adult Day Service from Castlemaine Health. There is a lovely basket lunch and a trading table as well as some serious bingo. Call 5472 3297 for more information

Monday 4 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A team ball game great for seniors that is low impact, non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Think netball but at walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information

Tuesday 5 October Walk the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join with this group and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information Tuesday 5 October As If It Were Yesterday – Readings in the Library 2.00pm to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Library - Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine Themed readings from Castlemaine U3A’s book, ‘As If It Were Yesterday’, a collection of memoirs reporting aspects of peoples’ lives. Readings will be followed by afternoon tea and discussion time. All welcome.

Tuesday 5 October Australian Hearing at the Market Building 9.30am to 4.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Market Building - Mostyn Street, Castlemaine Do you have difficulty understanding people unless they are facing you? Do you hear people but not understand them? Do others complain that you have the TV turned up too loud? Maybe it’s time you had your hearing checked. The incidence of hearing loss increases as we get older. Hearing loss is a normal part of the ageing process. Hearing loss causes feelings of frustration, isolation and embarrassment. It can seriously affect a person’s quality of life. Australian Hearing is offering FREE hearing checks in their mobile bus. Call 5471 1735 to make a booking

Tuesday 5 October Flowers in the Hospitals Castlemaine Health and Maldon Hospital aged care residents receive fragrant posies of flowers each year during the festival. We thank the dedicated members of the Maldon and Castlemaine Garden Clubs who create these beautiful and most delightfully received posies. Wednesday 6 October Table Tennis, Carpet Bowls and Chess ‘Come and Try Day’ 9.30am to 3.00pm Price: $1.00 games $2.00 lunch Address: Table Tennis Pavilion, Camp Reserve - Forest Street, Castlemaine A fun morning with an enthusiastic group. From table tennis to table games with a barbeque lunch and a tournament for the serious players. This group meets each Wednesday and all are welcome. Call 5472 3944 to make a booking Wednesday 6 October Music in the Library 1.00pm to 2.00pm Followed by: ‘As If It Were Yesterday’ Readings in the Library 2.00pm to 3.00pm Price: Free

Address: Castlemaine Library - Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine A local early music ensemble will perform for you in the library. Bring your lunch and enjoy this treat. Stay for U3A’s readings from ‘As If It Were Yesterday’. Readings will be followed by afternoon tea and discussion. No bookings required.

Wednesday 6 October Waltzing at West End with Live Music 7.30pm to 10.30pm Price: Free Tonight Only Address: View Street Public Hall - View Street, Castlemaine Social ballroom dancing for new and experienced dancers. This group comes together every Wednesday night but this night they have live music for you to dance along to. Call 5472 1506 to make a booking

Thursday 7 October WMA FM - Live Broadcast on the Steps of the Market Building 10.00am to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Market Building - Mostyn Street, Castlemaine WMA FM have been wonderful supporters of the Mount Alexander Seniors Festival for the last few years and this year they are again committed to supporting the senior community in the Shire. Come and hear their live broadcast from the steps of the Market Building where there will be competitions and giveaways. Keep an ear out for the radio play ‘Anxious But Not Alarmed’ that will be played by the station throughout the Festival. Call 5472 4376 for more information Thursday 7 October Historic Vehicle Club - Display 10.00am to 1.00pm Price: Free Address: Market Building, Mostyn Street, Castlemaine The old cars will be on display at the Market Building for 3 hours. After 1.00pm a convoy of cars will take members of a senior men’s group and other interested seniors to the

Maldon Machinery Museum. Call 5471 1797 to book

Thursday 7 October Debra Byrne – Live in the Castlemaine Town Hall 1.00pm to 2.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Town Hall - Frederick Street, Castlemaine Anyone who has ever heard Debra Byrne sing knows just how special this Australian performer is. With more than thirty years in the spotlight, Debra has amassed honours in music, television, film and on stage that few can match. No bookings required

Friday 8 October Apia Seniors Race Day at the Bendigo Jockey Club. Gate opens at 11.00am Price: Free entry for seniors Address: Bendigo Jockey Club - Heinz Street, White Hills U3A will be car pooling from the Uniting Church car park in Lyttleton Street at 10.00am. Bookings are essential: For a discount 2 course meal in Silks Dining Room call 5448 4209 Friday 8 October ‘Gardens of the Goldfields’ 2.00pm to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Library - Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine Author Mandy Stroebel will be talking about her recent book which profiles some of the great gardens of the goldfields in Victoria. Listen to Mandy talk about some of these gardens and join in the discussion. Afternoon tea, and signed books will be available for purchase.

Saturday 9 October Buda – Bring a Friend Day 10.00am to 4.30pm Price: Free if you bring a friend Address: Buda Historic Home and Garden - Hunter Street, Castlemaine Historic house and garden for wandering and wondering. Self serve tea and coffee. Sunday 10 October Old Time Dance at the Castlemaine Town Hall 1.00pm to 5.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Castlemaine Town Hall - Frederick Street, Castlemaine An old time dance for anyone who loves these ballroom dances. Favourites like the Killarney, Parma Waltz, Carousel, Maxina and Charmaine to name a few. Continuous afternoon tea is provided. Call 5422 1388 to book Monday 11 October Morning Tai Chi 9.30am Price: Free Address: Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine A gentle form of exercise, involving movement and balance suitable for seniors with or without arthritis. The class is conducted by CHIRP’s physiotherapist and is well supervised. Call 5479 1000 to book

Monday 11 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A team ball game suitable for older people that is low impact and non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Reminiscent of netball but at a walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information

Tuesday 12 October Walk in the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is to be found at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join

this group and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information Tuesday 12 October Group Singing in Harcourt 10.30am to 11.30am Price: Free Address: Harcourt Leisure Centre - Mills Road, Harcourt Castlemaine Health’s Planned Activity Groups enjoy singing together every month. Local singer Jeanette Gillespie leads a sing along. Come along and join in with people who are lucky enough to have this treat year round. Call 5471 1498 for information Tuesday 12 October Movies at Metcalfe – The Crimson Pirate 1.00pm to 3.30pm Price: $3.00 Address: Metcalfe Shire Hall - Kyneton Road, Metcalfe Each month the Community Services Social Support Unit in partnership with the Metcalfe Senior Citizens Club run an exciting and tasty ‘old film’ afternoon. This is an ongoing community event and attracts numbers from in and around the Shire. Call 5423 2635 to make a booking

Thursday 14 October U3A Renaissance Popes – The Borgias 2.00pm Price: Free Address: Kindergarten Hall at the Uniting Church - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Sit in on this U3A class and join in the discussion about this significant time in European history. All welcome. Friday 15 October Council Project – Walk and Talk around the Botanical Gardens Upgrade Project 10.00am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Parker Street, Castlemaine Started in 1860, the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens were promptly established and are now on the Victorian Heritage Register. There are many significant plantings including an English Oak that is one of the oldest known cultivated trees in Victoria. This year the gardens are having a $2million upgrade. Take the opportunity to talk and walk with gardener Tony Ryan, the unofficial gardens tour guide whose passion and knowledge of these gardens will provide a wonderful morning of enjoyment.

Please meet at the garden entrance at 10.00am. Friday 15 October My Favourite Book – Children’s Story Time in the Library with Grandparents 10.30am to 11.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Library - Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine Children’s story time at the library will include grandparents on this special occasion. All children and their grandparents are welcome.

Monday 18 October Morning Tai Chi 9.30am Price: Free Address: Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine A gentle form of exercise, involving movement and balance suitable for seniors with or without arthritis. The class is conducted by CHIRP’s physiotherapist and is well supervised. Call 5479 1000 to book

Monday 18 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A new ball game suitable for seniors that is low impact, non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Reminiscent of netball but at a walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information Monday 18 October Guildford Get Together Morning Tea 10.00am to 11.30am Price: Free Address: Guildford Tea Rooms - 1 Templeton Street, Guildford This meeting will include a short presentation on Council’s recreation and home and community care services, followed by a discussion for seniors about ideas for activities based in Guildford for locals.

Tuesday 19 October Walk in the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is to be found at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join this group and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information

Monday 18 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A new ball game suitable for seniors that is low impact, non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Reminiscent of netball but at a walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information Monday 18 October Guildford Get Together Morning Tea 10.00am to 11.30am Price: Free Address: Guildford Tea Rooms - 1 Templeton Street, Guildford This meeting will include a short presentation on Council’s recreation and home and community care services, followed by a discussion for seniors about ideas for activities based in Guildford for locals.

Tuesday 19 October Walk in the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is to be found at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join this group and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information

Tuesday 19 October Improving Transitions to Residential Aged Care (ITRAC) 1.00pm to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Health - Cornish Street, Castlemaine People leaving their homes and entering residential aged care are going through significant change which can trigger grief and health reactions. This is an information session for carers, service organisations and community members facing this decision. A new project aims to improve social and emotional wellbeing among people in residential care. Come and hear what is planned. Call 5471 1555 to make a booking Wednesday 20 October Bush Walking with Carol Ingersol 9.30am Price: Free Address: Meet at the Uniting Church Car Park - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine An ability to walk for up to three hours over some difficult terrain will be needed for this walk with participants bringing their snacks, drinks and lunch. Call 5474 2372 to make a booking

Wednesday 20 October U3A – American History ‘The Robber Barons’ 10.00am Price: Free Address: Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine Tom Comerford will lead people through some of the fascinating stories of the American robber barons. Sit in on the class and join in this interesting discussion. Wednesday 20 October Carers Expo 11.00am to 2.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Uniting Church Hall - Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine » Are you looking after someone? » What is possible in the way of

support or if you were not there to care for them?

Come and see displays and information about support and services in the area with lucky door prizes. A light lunch and snacks will be provided. Call one of the following to make a booking: Virginia Harkin (Castlemaine Health) on 5471 1498 or Joan Loverso (Commonwealth Carelink) on 1800 052 222

Friday 22 October Symposium: ‘What Size Australia? The Role of Regions in Australia’s Growth’ Associate Professor Trevor Budge and Panel of Speakers 1:30pm to 3:30pm Price: Free Address: Garden Room, Buda Historic House and Garden - Hunter Street, Castlemaine This symposium will provoke much thought and discussion about population planning and the issues which need to be considered. Panel members from education, health and Local Government will present their perspectives, followed by question time from the audience. Call 5471 1735 to make a booking Saturday/Sunday 23-24 October Goldfields Quilters Biennial Exhibition 10.00am to 4.00pm Price: $5.00 Address: St Mary’s Hall - Corner Lyttleton and Hargraves Streets, Castlemaine Every two years these beautiful quilters show us all how it is done. Make the effort to come down and see their amazing work. Call 5472 3335 for further information

Monday 25 October Tai Chi in the Park 9.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (weather dependent) otherwise the Uniting Church Hall A gentle form of exercise, involving movement and balance suitable for seniors with or without arthritis. The class is conducted by CHIRP’s physiotherapist and is well supervised. Call 5479 1000 to make a booking

Monday 25 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A new ball game suitable for seniors that is low impact, non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Reminiscent of netball but at a walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information Tuesday 26 October Walk in the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join this group of people and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information

Tuesday 26 October Life Activities Club Information Session 6.00pm to 7.00pm Price: Free Address: Ray Bradfield Room - Victory Park, Castlemaine Are you thinking about retiring from paid work and looking for enjoyable things to do with other people out of the usual daytime hours? Come and discuss the idea of starting up a Life Activities Club in Castlemaine to support people through the social changes associated with leaving the paid workforce. On the October Airways Radio Play – Anxious but Not Alarmed Price: Free Address: WMAFM - Voice of the Goldfields, 107.5 FM Imagine two Social Workers and a paranoid old man who sees terrorist plots around every corner and you have the makings of this radio play of humour and intrigue. WMA Community Radio and three erstwhile resident actors have plotted together to come up with this radio production so keep your ears peeled for this clever production and see if it is really rain in the background or just someone splashing in a jar of water. Call 5472 4376 for information

October in the Market Building Seniors Graffiti Art 10.00am to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Market Building - Mostyn Street, Castlemaine The U3A Art Group has created a seniors graffiti wall to show a positive image of ageing. This will be on display throughout the week in the Market Building.

Monday 25 October Lifeball 2.30pm to 4.00pm Price: $3.00 Address: Wesley Hill Stadium - McGrath Street, Castlemaine A new ball game suitable for seniors that is low impact, non-competitive, inclusive and fun. Reminiscent of netball but at a walking pace. All welcome with non marking shoes. Bring your own mug for a post game cuppa. Call 5471 1802 for more information Tuesday 26 October Walk in the Gardens 9.00am to 10.30am Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - Central Barbeque Area, Downes Road, Castlemaine Each Tuesday morning, CHIRP’s Community Nurse, Carol Waddington, is at the Botanical Gardens greeting walkers and taking their blood pressure. Join this group of people and take a healthy walk around the gardens. Call 5479 1000 for information

Tuesday 26 October Life Activities Club Information Session 6.00pm to 7.00pm Price: Free Address: Ray Bradfield Room - Victory Park, Castlemaine Are you thinking about retiring from paid work and looking for enjoyable things to do with other people out of the usual daytime hours? Come and discuss the idea of starting up a Life Activities Club in Castlemaine to support people through the social changes associated with leaving the paid workforce. On the October Airways Radio Play – Anxious but Not Alarmed Price: Free Address: WMAFM - Voice of the Goldfields, 107.5 FM Imagine two Social Workers and a paranoid old man who sees terrorist plots around every corner and you have the makings of this radio play of humour and intrigue. WMA Community Radio and three erstwhile resident actors have plotted together to come up with this radio production so keep your ears peeled for this clever production and see if it is really rain in the background or just someone splashing in a jar of water. Call 5472 4376 for information

October in the Market Building Seniors Graffiti Art 10.00am to 3.00pm Price: Free Address: Castlemaine Market Building - Mostyn Street, Castlemaine The U3A Art Group has created a seniors graffiti wall to show a positive image of ageing. This will be on display throughout the week in the Market Building.

The Castlemaine Copy Centre was established in 2001 by Windarring Central Highlands Association for People with Disabilities. This service provides Supported Employment

and Training for people who have disabilities.

Proudly Printed by Castlemaine Copy Centre