Victorian Seniors Card holders in Werribee can explore the whole state for free, with complimentary travel from 8 to 15 October as part of the 35th Victorian Seniors Festival.

Member for Tim Pallas welcomed the scheme, saying the eight days of free public transport will help older Victorians get to as many festival activities and highlights as possible.

In Werribee some of the Festival’s events include a Mental Health Week Launch on Wednesday 11 October from 10.00 am 12.30 pm at the Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway Werribee.

The free travel applies to Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses and regional trains, coaches and buses.  Seniors need to carry their Seniors myki and Victorian Seniors Card with them and touch on and off as usual. Seniors will not be charged during the eight days of free public transport.

This is the first year where the eight days of free public transport has been extended to V/Line travel, in addition to all other metropolitan and regional services.

Approximately 140,000 older Victorians are expected to attend the 1,500 events and activities which will be held state-wide for seniors to enjoy with family and friends.

This year’s festival celebrates diversity and inclusivity and will provide a strong mix of social, cultural and educational events for older Victorians who make such a valuable contribution to our society.

The Seniors Festival also recognises the generosity of many older Victorians who give so much of their time to volunteer services. Volunteers in Victoria figures show 40 per cent of seniors aged between 65 and 74 volunteered in some way in 2014.

For more information about events and activities, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival or pick up a free Victorian Seniors Festival program at any Coles store, local library, council office or neighbourhood house. You can also call 1300 135 090 to have a program sent to you.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“We are thrilled to give our seniors a free ride across the eight days of the festival. We hope all older Victorians can get along and enjoy the huge program of events on offer.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Jacinta Allan

“We want as many older Victorians as possible to attend a Seniors Festival event with their friends and family, so we’re proud to be offering free rides for seniors on all forms of public transport.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Tim Pallas

“Our seniors make such a huge contribution to Victorian society, so we hope they can all celebrate their involvement during the Festival – and get to one of over 1,500 events with their friends and family.”