Warrnambool Seniors Festival 2026
Bookings open on Tuesday September 1.
We recommend booking early as some activities can book out quickly.
Download the Warrnambool Seniors Festival 2026 Program here
Throughout the month of October, we invite you to Connect, Create and Celebrate with us as we recognise the incredible contribution seniors make to our community.
This year’s festival features a diverse program of activities, events, workshops and entertainment designed to suit a wide range of interests, abilities and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with friends, discover a local group, or simply enjoy a great day out, there’s something for everyone.
We are proud to launch this year’s festival by celebrating our local nominees for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards, recognising the outstanding individuals who make a positive difference through their dedication, volunteering and community spirit.
The Warrnambool Seniors Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, knowledge and life experiences of older Victorians while encouraging people to stay active, connected and engaged.
We look forward to seeing you throughout October!
Fiona Fitzgerald
Community Programs Coordinator, Warrnambool City Council
Victorian Seniors Festival 2026
The Victorian Seniors Festival is a major state-wide festival for and involving seniors.
The festival runs from 1–31 October every year, with free and low-cost events right across Victoria.
Free public transport for Seniors Card cardholders is available from Saturday 3 – Sunday 11 October 2026
Celebration Day at Federation Square – Saturday 3 October 2026; FREE
ACMI Seniors Film Festival – Monday 5 – Sunday 11 October; FREE
Find out more about the Victorian Seniors Festival
Victorian Senior of the Year Awards
Come and celebrate our local award nominees for 2026 at the Warrnambool Seniors Festival launch on Friday 2 October. The launch will be held at Archie Graham Community Centre from 1.20pm-3pm. We are looking forward to recognising their valuable contributions to our community.
About the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards:
For more than 30 years, these important awards have celebrated the contributions and achievements of older Victorians who share their skills, time and energy with our community. These awards are presented annually each October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
Award categories
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards include 6 award categories:
- Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards – recognises local community champions that significantly contribute to positive ageing in their community.
- Emerging Impact Award – recognises an individual who is new to volunteering and is making a significant impact in their local community.
- Positive Ageing Award – recognises an individual who improves the wellbeing of older people in their community by promoting positive and active ageing.
- Promotion of Multiculturalism Award – recognises an individual for a significant contribution to promoting the benefits of cultural diversity in their local community and across Victoria.
- Veteran Community Award – recognises an individual for their exceptional contribution to the veteran community. The recipient of the award does not need to be a veteran.
- Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year – recognises an individual for their outstanding and lasting contribution to their local community and Victoria. This category is not open for nominations. Eligible nominations from all categories will be considered for this award.
“Just because someone is ageing, it doesn't mean that they haven't got any ambition. Life doesn't stop then. In fact, that's when it can really kick in and get going.”
Virginia, 2024 Victorian Senior of the Year Ageing Well Award recipient.