General News
10 October, 2025
Seniors festival now underway
THE Warrnambool Seniors Festival is now underway, with a booked out event celebrating Fletcher Jones helping to kick things off in style.
Almost 100 people were in attendance to learn, listen and share stories about Fletcher Jones, both the man and the business.
Presenters included Julie Eagles and Tonia Wilcox from FJ Stories and Janet Macdonald from the Warrnambool and District Historical Society.
Warrnambool mayor Cr Ben Blain said that it was a fitting event for the first week of the Warrnambool Seniors Festival.
“If the essence of what Warrnambool is and what we value was ever embodied within a single person, it was Sir Fletcher Jones,” he said.
“The story of Fletcher Jones is also the story of Warrnambool, which is in turn, the story of mid-20th century Australia.
“So it was great to see so many people come along to share their experiences, or to learn more about a local icon.”
Cr Blain said that the event perfectly embodied the ethos of the festival.
“It was a chance to meet new people, reconnect with some old acquaintances, learn something new and share stories over a cuppa,” he said.
“And that’s what the Warrnambool Seniors Festival is all about.
“There are over two dozen events on throughout October, so check out the program and get involved.”
This week’s program has included poi twirling for beginners, a pride in ageing event, a watercolour painting lesson, a tour of the Warrnambool Community Garden and a bus trip to the WAMA Foundation Centre for Environmental Art at Budja Budja / Halls Gap.
Another highlight on October 15 is the Colour My World concert, featuring the songs of Petula Clark, who famously knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts at the height of their popularity.
And after the inaugural event in 2024, the popular Wheelie Convey returns on October 22, this year, incorporated into the Seniors Festival.
To find out more about the Warrnambool Seniors Festival, and for bookings, visit whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au or call the Archie Graham Community Centre on 5559 4920.
