Ballarat Seniors Festival
1 - 31 October
The annual Victorian Seniors Festival celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of older people within our community and the City of Ballarat is delighted to bring you a jam-packed offering of community events throughout the month of October.
There are many and varied opportunities to participate in free or low-cost events and activities and we really do encourage as many people as possible to be involved.
2026
Rainbow Coffee
Rainbow Coffee is a weekly get together for those in the LGBTQIA + Community over a cuppa and food on a Thursday morning.
Seniors Card holders will receive free coffee and cake during October!
When: Every Thursday in October, 10am-12pm
Where: Our Kitchen Social Cafe, Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East
Cost: FREE EVENT
Bookings: Not required
Enquiries: Email rainbowballaratcoffee@gmail.com
Rainbow Memoir Workshop
LGBTI+ organisation Switchboard (https://www.switchboard.org.au/) is bringing the Life Memoir workshop to Ballarat for Seniors Festival - supported by City of Ballarat. Join us for a welcoming and reflective space to explore your life experiences through guided storytelling and gentle writing prompts. Developed and co-facilitated by Psychologist and Author Peter Quarry. This is an LGBTI+ facilitated workshop and Allies are welcome to join. There will be an LGBTI+ only workshop held later in the year.
What to expect?
* Guided life reflection activities
* Gentle writing prompts
* Optional sharing in a supportive group space
* Time for connection and conversation
Morning tea and refreshments provided.
When: Tuesday 13 October 10am – 1pm
Where: Ballarat Library Co-Lab. 178 Doveton Street North, Ballarat
Cost: Free.
Bookings: required via Ageing Well Humanitix (https://events.humanitix.com/ballarat-seniors-festival-rainbow-memoir-workshop) or call Ageing Well Services on 5320 5500
Ageing With Pride Mystery Picnic
Join the City of Ballarat Ageing Well Services Team as we celebrate the Ballarat Seniors Festival and our Pride community. Travel by bus to a surprise destination where you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, a stop for morning tea and a picnic lunch. A fantastic opportunity for older LGBTI+ adults and Allies to socialise, explore and celebrate being part of a welcoming and inclusive community.
When: Tuesday 20 October 9:30am – 3pm
Where: Leaving from Eureka Centre carpark. 102 Stawell Street, Eureka. (Free all day parking available)
Cost: $10
Bookings: required via Ageing Well Humanitix (https://events.humanitix.com/ageing-with-pride-mystery-picnic) or call Ageing Well Services on 5320 5500
2025
Ageing with Pride Social Group
Friday, 3rd October, 10am - 12 noon
Come and join our Community Connectors for morning tea as we celebrate our older LGBTIQA+ communities and allies. This group provides a welcoming space to meet new friends and have a chat about all things ageing with pride.
When: Friday, 4th October, 10am-12pm
Where: Ballarat Library
Doveton Street, Ballarat
FREE EVENT
Enquiries: call 5320 5500 and ask to speak to Jeneene or Tara, or email
communityconnector@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Rainbow Coffee
Thursday, 2, 9, 16 and 23 October 10am - 12 noon
Come and join Rainbow coffee group throughout October. Seniors Card holders will receive free coffee and cake on the City of Ballarat.
When: 10am-12pm
Where: New attendees - address available on request via Rainbow Coffee email (rainbowballaratcoffee@gmail.com) or Ageing Well services.
FREE EVENT
Enquiries Call Ageing Well Services on 5320 5500 or email rainbowballaratcoffee@gmail.com
A Queer Little Library at the Seniors Expo
Wednesday 22 October, 10am – 2pm.
A Rainbow Little Library was at the Ballarat Seniors Expo, as part of the City of Ballarat's Engaged Communities stall.
2024
Ageing with Pride Social Group
Friday, 4th October, 10am - 12 noon
Presented by the Ageing Well Services Community Connector team. Come and join us for the first monthly Ageing with Pride Social Group. Open to all of the over 55 pride community and their allies, the group provides a welcoming space to meet new friends, engage in some games and creativity and learn more about supports to age well in Ballarat.
When: Friday, 4th October, 10am-12pm
Where: Ballarat Library
Doveton Street, Ballarat
FREE EVENT
Enquiries: 5320 5719 or
communityconnector@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Rainbow Coffee
Thursday, 10th October 10am - 12 noon
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA + community, come and have a cuppa and cake at Lily’s Cafe.
Show your seniors card and you’ll get a free
cuppa and cake thanks to the generosity of the
City of Ballarat.
When: Thursday, 10th October, 10am-12pm
Where: Lily’s Cafe - Eureka Centre
102 Stawell Street, Eureka
FREE EVENT
A Queer Little Library at the Seniors Expo
Tuesday 1 October 10am—2pm
A Rainbow Little Library was at the Ballarat Seniors Expo, as part of the City of Ballarat's Engaged Communities stall.
2023
The Birdcage - LGBTIQA+ film screening
Come and enjoy this free classic movie ‘The Birdcage’ and celebrate the queer seniors’ community in Ballarat.
Uncoordinated Queers Lake Walk
Uncoordinated Queers is celebrating Seniors Month with a walk this Sunday, 22nd October.
Bring yourself, your dog, maybe an umbrella and lots of smiles.
We will be meeting at the Olympic rings' monument at 12pm.
We will walk at our own pace towards the Pipers then circle back along the shore to the rings.
If you want to walk futher, go for it!
As always everyone is welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/uncoordinatedqueers