There was something for everyone as residents travelled across the council area attending the free events via buses from Corowa, Howlong, Mulwala, Oaklands and Urana.
The festival started on Monday, March 2 where 184 guests enjoyed a great morning at the ‘Taste of Life’ event at the Corowa RSL Club. The crowd was entertained by the ever-popular duo the Hoffmans who gave it their all with a mix of Country, Rock and Roll, 50’s-90 Covers, Comedy and even some Opera thrown in!
After lunch, guests enjoyed complimentary wine tasting; a bit more music and some lucky winners took home a bottle of wine from the lucky door prizes. Each person attending received a ‘Learn how to read and understand food labels’ pocket size card and a copy of the new Federation Ageing Well Resource.
Gray Matter Trivia was a hit with local trivia buffs on the Wednesday. The Urana Bowling Club was packed and everyone had a fantastic time. A delicious roast lunch followed by fruit salad and ice-cream ensured everyone went home with a full tummy!
As volunteer MC, Greg Mallon proved to be a bit of a natural at engaging the crowd! Along with Tammy Cabban from Seniors Rights Service who came all the way from Sydney to host a special round on on-line safety. Congratulations to the ‘Howlong Tourists’ who took out the top prize on the day and enjoyed a basket of chocolate goodies.
The Spring into Life Expo at the Howlong Golf Resort provided great value. Over 100 people took the opportunity to speak face to face with 27 service providers and local sporting groups that service the Federation Council region. This was a great way to find out that vital information on how to live life to the fullest after 55. A diverse program of guest speakers kept everyone informed on ageing well along with a buffet roast lunch.
The mystery was revealed on Thursday when 130 lucky seniors experienced lunch as the newly opened Balldale Hotel on the Roving Retirees Mystery Bus Tour. Many chose to sit in the beautiful outdoor dining area, soak up the sunshine and have a glass or two of vino. Each guest received a small gift back with information relevant to seniors and chocolates.
The festival ended on Sunday, March 15 when 180 people gathered at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. Guests enjoyed a delicious two-course meal while listening to local Yarrawonga performer, Daine Runnalls.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said the council’s Ageing Well Advisory Committee was imperative to the success of the seniors event and provided great guidance and support to council staff in relation to planning what events to hold and event assistance during the festival.
“The Festival of Fun for Seniors is an initiative of the Federation Council to celebrate the contribution that senior residents make to the community,” he said.
“Council would like to acknowledge the sponsors, venues, guest speakers and volunteers who helped to ensure the events could be provided free of charge. Council would like to extend a special thank you to the Corowa RSL Club and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort who really got behind these events by providing the entertainment and in-kind support at their events.”
Mayor Bourke said it was pleasing to see such a great level of support and enthusiasm from the community for this event and council would like to thank the seniors who attended and helped celebrate the 2020 Seniors Festival in the Federation Council region.
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