Docklands offers warm welcome to seniors

Seniors will be the guests of honour in Docklands next month during the 2014 Seniors Festival.

Docklands is one of the major features of the festival program, thanks to the Docklands Chamber of Commerce’s involvement in the Docklands Age Friendly Partners Program.

According to Docklands Chamber of Commerce president Joh Maxwell, the chamber has been working with the Seniors Program, the Department of Health, the City of Melbourne, resident representatives and the local business community to present Docklands during the festival.

“The Docklands Chamber of Commerce are proud to participate in the Seniors Program and will continue to work with the business and residential community to welcome seniors to our area, not just during the festival but all year round.”

Between October 5 and October 12 Seniors Card holders can enjoy a range of free activities in Docklands.

One of the major highlights of the festival is free ferry tours of Victoria Harbour on board the MV Grower, which will depart half hourly from the Melbourne City Marina and Waterfront Plaza between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Seniors can also enjoy free tours of the historic Mission to Seafarers building at 11am and 3pm from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10 along with complimentary morning tea. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 9629 7083.

Free rides for grandparents are also on offer at Wonderland Fun Park during Grandparents Day on both October 5 and 12.

The Docklands Blues Music Festival is also on during the Seniors Festival, with 22 bands performing across five stages around the Harbour Town and spiegeltent precinct on October 5 during the free event (see our story on page 2).

Seniors can also enjoy a free afternoon of jazz at the Wonderland Spiegeltent on Friday, October 10, with the Pearly Shells performing at 1.30pm.  

Mrs Maxwell said the Chamber of Commerce would be conducting a survey during the festival to find out what seniors have enjoyed and what activities or services the business community can develop to make the Docklands experience even greater.

“For the seniors who participate in this survey there will be an opportunity to win a ‘Docklands Experience’, which will include a variety of gifts, vouchers and entertainment opportunities to be used on your next visit to Docklands,” she said.

Mrs Maxwell said she looked forward to the Seniors Festival becoming an annual event for Docklands.

“The Docklands Chamber of Commerce thanks all within the business community who have contributed to bringing the festival to like and look forward to this being an annual Docklands event.”

For more information about Seniors Festival events in Docklands see http://www.docklandscc.com.au/seniorsfestival/