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The Warrnambool Seniors Festival was recognised with a high commendation at the recent LGPro Positive Ageing and Wellbeing Awards.
The festival has been run successfully for many years and in 2024 and 2025 the Victorian Government provided top-up funding to enable the festival to become more inclusive and welcoming for priority groups including First Nations Elders, LGBTI+ seniors, people living with disability, vulnerable men, and multicultural communities through a diverse range of free or low-cost activities.
The award citation included the following:
The festival focuses on helping older people feel connected, included, and welcomed. Across the last two years, 59 events with this goal in mind attracted more than 2,400 participants.
Participants commonly reported feeling happier, more confident, and more socially connected after attending, reflecting the festival’s strong impact on wellbeing and its role in reducing social isolation.
Council CEO Andrew Mason said it was wonderful recognition for the festival and for Coordinator Community Programs Clare Vaughan, who has been at the helm of the festival over the past eight years.
“After a career as a teacher Council was fortunate to have Clare join our team. She has delivered great health and wellbeing outcomes for a really diverse section of the community,” Mr Mason said.
“Clare and our Healthy Engaged Communities team have built social connections, run education and fitness programs and in recent years have added an amazingly productive courtyard garden at the Archie Graham Community Centre.
“Clare is retiring soon and leaves a tremendous legacy. Happily, she’ll remain connected and involved with many of the people and activities at Archie.”
Clare was present to receive the commendation along with Council’s Service Manager Healthy Engaged Communities Maree Wyse.
“Warrnambool Seniors Festival aims to bring seniors together for the fun of it,” Clare said.
“The fun comes from learning and experiencing new things, meeting new people and having a sense of belonging.”
The award category for "Events inclusive of residents from priority groups" with Macedon Ranges Shire Council announced as the overall winner for its Aged Care Volunteer Visiting Scheme.