Darebin Seniors Month
Darebin Seniors Festival 2026
Join us this October as we celebrate older people and their valuable contribution to our community through the Darebin Seniors Festival 2026.
Throughout the month, local community groups, organisations, businesses and Council services will offer a diverse range of free and low-cost activities designed to help older people connect, learn, be active and have fun.
Festival launch event – Thursday 1 October, 11am–1pm
The Darebin Seniors Festival will officially launch at Preston Market on Thursday 1 October, with live entertainment, community information stalls, interactive activities and opportunities to connect with local services and community groups. Not-for-profit community organisations, performers and local groups have been invited to get involved in this exciting event.
Learn more about the launch event
Download a copy of the 2026 Darebin Seniors Festival Launch Event Flyer:
English(PDF, 484KB)
Chinese (Simplified)(PDF, 1MB)
Greek(PDF, 986KB)
Italian(PDF, 970KB)
Macedonian(PDF, 983KB)
For enquiries about the Darebin Seniors Festival, please contact us on olderandactive@darebin.vic.gov.au.
Festival program
Browse events by your local area:
You can also download the program guide: Darebin Seniors Month 2026(PDF, 550KB)
For enquiries about the Darebin Seniors Festival, please contact us on olderandactive@darebin.vic.gov.au.
Alphington and Fairfield
7 October – Fairfield Connections: Coffee with a Cop
Meet local police over coffee and connect with others in a relaxed community setting.
Wednesday 7 October: 11am–12pm
Venue: Treble Cafe, 21 Railway Place, Fairfield
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0401 042 194
10 October – Fairfield Connections: Health Workshop
Learn practical health and wellbeing tips to support healthy ageing.
Saturday 10 October: 11am–12pm
Venue: Fairfield Wellness Centre, 145C Station Street, Fairfield
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0401 042 194
14 October – Money Matters: Scams and AI
Enjoy lunch while learning how to identify scams and safely navigate emerging AI technologies.
Wednesday 14 October: 12pm–2.30pm
Alphington Community Centre, 2 Kelvin Road, Alphington
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9499 7227
14 October – Fairfield Connections: Coffee with a Councillor
Enjoy a casual coffee and conversation with a local councillor
Wednesday 14 October: 11am–12pm
Venue: Three Locals Cafe, 127 Station Street, Fairfield
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0401 042 194
21 October – Fairfield Connections: Guided Meditation
Experience guided meditation techniques to support relaxation and wellbeing.
Wednesday 21 October: 10.30am–12pm
Venue: Brahma Kumaris Centre, 13 Railway Place, Fairfield
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0401 042 194
21 October – Money Matters: Managing on a Limited Budget
Learn practical budgeting strategies, ways to reduce financial stress and how to access available supports.
Wednesday 21 October | 12pm–2:30pm
Venue: Alphington Community Centre, 2 Kelvin Road, Alphington
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9499 7227
25 October – Fairfield Connections: Author Talk
Join fellow book lovers for a community literary discussion and author presentation.
Sunday 25 October: 3pm–4pm
Venue: Fairfield Community Centre, 84 Arthur Street, Fairfield
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0401 042 194
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Bundoora and Kingsbury
Mondays in October – Bundoora Golf: Ladies Coffee and Clubs
Enjoy social golf, coffee and friendship in a relaxed women-only environment. Suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Mondays in October: 10am–12pm
Venue: Bundoora Park Public Golf Course, 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free on 5 October, $12.50 every other Monday
Contact: 03 9469 3880
Fridays in October – Come and Try Lawn Bowls
Learn the basics of lawn bowls in a fun, social and beginner-friendly environment.
Fridays in October: 5–7pm
Venue: Kingsbury Bowls Club, Dunne Street, Arch Gibson Reserve, Kingsbury
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0490 744 649
Wednesdays in October – Get Active in Darebin: Qigong and Walking Meditation
Experience gentle Qigong movements and a mindful walking meditation through the Homestead gardens.
Wednesday 14, 21 and 28 October: 11:15am–12:15pm
Venue: Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9496 1060
This event is part of our Get Active program.
24 October – Stories of Darebin: Guided History Tour
Discover the fascinating history of Bundoora Homestead and its role in the local community.
Saturday 24 October: 11:30am–12:15pm
Venue: Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Drive, Bundoora
Bookings: Suggested
Cost: $10
Contact: 03 9496 1060
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Northcote and Thornbury
Mondays in October – YourPath Gentle Walking Group
Build healthy habits through gentle walking, social connection and low-impact exercise.
Mondays in October: 12–1pm
Venue: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9088 4600
Tuesdays in October – Melodies at Northcote Senior Citizens Club
Enjoy live musical entertainment followed by afternoon tea and the opportunity to meet with club members.
Tuesdays in October: 12:30–3:00pm
Venue: Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street, Northcote
Bookings: Not required
First visit free, $5 per session thereafter
Contact: 0409 548 456
Tuesdays in October – Northcote Golf: Ladies Coffee and Clubs
Enjoy a relaxed 9-hole round of golf followed by coffee and conversation in a welcoming women-only group.
Tuesdays in October: 10am–12pm
Venue: Northcote Public Golf Course, 143 Normanby Road, Thornbury
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free on 6 October, $12.50 every other Tuesday
Contact: 03 9484 6961
Thursdays in October – Table Tennis
Friendly competition or just a hit with mates. Fun, social hit of table tennis.
Thursdays in October: 10am–12pm
Venue: Narrandjeri Stadium, 281 Darebin Road, Thornbury
Bookings: Not required
Cost: First class free - $5 per session thereafter
Contact: 03 9989 5800
Fridays in October – Greek Dancing for Seniors Health and Wellbeing
Stay active and social while learning traditional Greek dances. Suitable for all abilities.
Venue: Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street, Northcote
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0416 098 162
30 October – Greek Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate Greek Independence Day with music, dancing, singing and traditional delicacies.
Venue: Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0416 098 162
6 October – Terracotta Plate Painting and Museum Tour
Explore Islamic art on a guided museum tour and create your own painted terracotta plate.
Venue: Islamic Museum of Australia, 15A Anderson Road, Thornbury
Bookings: Required
Cost: $14
Contact: 1300 915 171
6 October – Darebin Bicycle User Group Intro Ride
Join a social guided bike ride to Bundoora Park, including morning tea and a farm tour.
Venue: Jika Jika Community Centre, 1B Plant Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 8470 8578
7 & 21 October – YourPath Powerlifting for Older Adults
Learn fundamental lifting techniques to build strength and bone health in a supportive coaching environment.
Wednesday 7 and 21 October: 2.30pm–3.15pm
Venue: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9088 4600
8 October – Bent Street Social Dance
Dance to ballroom favourites including waltz, foxtrot and cha-cha. Afternoon tea is included.
Thursday 8 October: 1.30–3.30pm
Venue: Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street, Northcote
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free on 8 October, $5 every other Thursday
Contact: 0417 889 959
12 October – Move Well, Live Well
Physiotherapist-led chair exercise followed by refreshments and friendly conversation. Suitable for all abilities.
Venue: Jika Jika Community Centre, 1B Plant Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0461 567 859
12 October – Rosella's BBQ
Join other LGBTI+ seniors for a welcoming community BBQ and social gathering.
Monday 12 October: 11am–1pm
Venue: Jika Jika Community Centre, 1B Plant Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0407 303 901
13 October – Global Grooves and Sing-a-long
Enjoy songs and music from around the world. Morning tea included.
Tuesday 13 October: 10am–12pm
Venue: Yanada House, 92 Dennis Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 8470 8970
More information
23 October – Seniors Crafternoon & Conversation: Tea, Craft and Life’s Big Questions
Craft, cake and conversation about life and planning for your future.
Friday 23 October: 2.30–4.30pm
Venue: Northcote Library Meeting Room, 32–38 Separation Street, Northcote
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0405 812 965
24 October – Singing in the Spring
Enjoy a special performance by the Cultures Together Choir and celebrate community through music. Light refreshments provided.
Saturday 24 October: 2pm–3.30pm
Venue: Northcote Senior Citizens Centre, 18A Bent Street, Northcote
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0482 053 886
30 October – Active Adults Morning Tea
Wrap up the month with good company, great conversation and new connections.
Friday 30 October: 11am–12.30pm
Venue: Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 180 Victoria Road, Northcote
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9088 4600
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Preston
1 October – Tai Chi for Seniors
Discover the health benefits of gentle Tai Chi suitable for all fitness levels and abilities.
Thursday 1 October 11am–12pm
Venue: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
2 October – Your Phone Can Do That? Everyday Tools You're Missing
Discover practical smartphone features including translation, scanning and accessibility tools for everyday life.
Friday 2 October: 10.30am–12pm
Venue: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
4 October – Seniors Get Together: Golden Rhythms
Celebrate Ghanaian culture with music, dancing, entertainment and community connection.
Sunday 4 October: 3–8pm
Venue: Preston Shire Hall, 286 Gower Street, Preston
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0426 925 631
8 October – Growing Stronger: Celebrating Community & Ageing
Join Ged Kearney MP, Darebin Council and others for a morning tea and services expo.
Thursday 8 October: 9.30am–12pm
Venue: Preston City Hall, 284 Gower Street
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 8470 8724
11 October – Chinese Moon Festival Celebration
Celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival with cultural activities and community connection. Lunch afterwards – charges apply.
Sunday 11 October: 10am–1pm
Venue: Preston City Hall, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0403 111 220
14 October – A Very Seniors Lunch (90+)
Celebrate and honour Darebin residents aged 90 years and over with a special lunch.
Wednesday 14 October: 12–2pm
Venue: St George's Restaurant, Melbourne Polytechnic, 77 St Georges Road, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free for 90+ and carer/friend
Contact: 0418 351 034
16 October – Identifying and Avoiding Scams
Learn how to recognise common scams and protect yourself online and offline.
Friday 16 October: 10:30am–12pm
Venue: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
22 October – Falls Prevention and Healthy Ageing
Learn practical strategies for staying safe, active and independent while connecting with local services.
Thursday 22 October: 10am–1pm
Venue: Darebin Intercultural Centre, 350 High Street, Preston
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0430 096 595
29 October – Author Talk: How to Dress for Old Age
Join authors Peta Murray and David Carlin for an engaging discussion on ageing, identity and living well.
Thursday 29 October: 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
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Reservoir
Wednesdays in October – Golden Oldies Badminton Social Club
Enjoy social badminton followed by morning tea and conversation with a welcoming over-50s group.
Wednesdays in October: 10am–12pm
Venue: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir
Bookings: Not required
Cost: $5.50, free morning tea and board games on 7 October
Contact: 03 9471 4935
Wednesdays in October – Walking Futsal
Try a low-impact version of soccer designed for all fitness levels and abilities.
Wednesdays in October: 12–1pm
Venue: Darebin Community Sports Stadium, 857 Plenty Road, Reservoir
Bookings: Not required
Cost: First class free. $5 per session thereafter
Contact: 03 9471 4935
Tuesdays & Thursdays in October – Prime Strength Training for Older Adults
Build strength, balance and confidence through beginner-friendly small-group gym sessions.
Venue: Reservoir Leisure Centre, 2A Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9496 1050
6 October – Rebetiko: Instruments, Sound and Story
Explore the history, music and instruments behind the Greek blues tradition of Rebetiko.
Tuesday 6 October: 6–7pm
Venue: Reservoir Library, 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
Fridays from 9 October – Tablets, iPads and Smartphones for Seniors
Learn how to use your tablet, iPad or smartphone for photos, email, apps and staying connected with family and friends.
Fridays from 9 October: 2–4pm
Venue: East Preston Community Centre, 7 Newton Street, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: First class FREE, $31 for full course
Contact: 03 9462 6077
20 October – Don't Bin It, Sell It
Learn how to safely sell household items online and reduce waste.
Tuesday 20 October: 6–7.30pm
Venue: Reservoir Library, 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
21 October – Games and Afternoon Tea
Enjoy social games, afternoon tea and the opportunity to meet new friends.
Wednesday 21 October: 12.30–3pm
Venue: East Reservoir Senior Citizens Club, 7A Strathmerton Street, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 0417 663 949
22 October – Come and Try Bocce
Learn the popular sport of bocce with expert guidance. Morning tea provided.
Thursday 22 October: 10.30am–12:.30pm
Venue: Lazio Marche Club, 237 Broadway, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 03 9489 2103
27 October – Docutopia Screening: Some Kind of Heaven
Watch a fascinating documentary exploring life inside one of the world's largest retirement communities.
Tuesday 27 October: 6–7.45pm
Venue: Reservoir Library, 23 Edwardes Street, Reservoir
Bookings: Required
Cost: Free
Contact: 1300 655 355
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