Sykes urges participation in Seniors Festival

Source: Bill Sykes media release

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes is urging seniors to take advantage of the Seniors Festival which runs from October 5-12, 2008.

Events and activities have been organised to cater to seniors with a wide range of interests and levels of involvement.

Dr Sykes said, “There will be learning and listening expos in Melbourne as well as theatre, films, open days and many other events of interest to seniors”.

The full range of activities is published in the “Victorian Seniors Festival 2008 Booklet.

“Copies of the booklet can be obtained from Coles Supermarkets throughout the North East. There are details in the booklet on how to make bookings for the events organised for the Seniors Festival”.

“Free public transport will be available in the metropolitan area during the Seniors Festival and importantly for country Victorians, V/Line rail & coach services will be offering free transport from Tuesday October 7 to Thursday October 9, Saturday October 11 & Sunday October 12 2008.”

Dr Sykes continued, “V/Line bookings will open on Tuesday 2 September at 10.00am and may be made by phoning 136 196 or by booking at your closest staffed V/Line Station. Reservations need to be made for all long distance travel but tickets are limited.

Seniors are reminded to travel with their seniors cards and that free travel is valid on economy class services only.

“Free travel will also be available on regional town bus services from Sunday October 5 to Sunday October 12, 2008. Seniors do not need a ticket, and must simply show their Victorian Seniors card on request.

“These concessions, for country seniors are an improvement on previous years and The Nationals will continue to fight for better travel concessions for country seniors which are currently less favourable than those for their city counterparts”.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I encourage seniors to book early for those activities in Melbourne to avoid disappointment and to take advantage of local activities as well.”

Information on ticketing for events can be obtained from Information Victoria on 1800 136 762 (there will be no “over the counter” ticket sales.)

For further information about local activities contact your local council, Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090 or the Seniors Victoria website www.seniors.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival