Victoria’s Century Club celebrates Seniors Festival
Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Health David Davis today paid tribute to senior Victorians aged 100 years and above for their enduring contribution to the Victorian community.
Premier Ted Baillieu, Minister for Ageing David Davis, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty and Member for Carrum Donna Bauer join senior Victorians aged 100 years and above for a special ‘Century Club’ afternoon tea at Parliament House as part of the 2012 Victorian Seniors Festival.
More than 50 centenarians from across Victoria today joined the Premier, Mr Davis and Member for Carrum Donna Bauer for a special ‘Century Club’ afternoon tea at Parliament House as part of the 2012 Victorian Seniors Festival.
“One hundred years is a great achievement, but it is not just about the numbers – in this room are people who have lived long and varied lives, and witnessed great changes,” Mr Davis said.
“Born before the First World War, your childhoods were in a world vastly different to those of your great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
“This room is full of people who grew into adulthood through the 1920s and 30s – a period of boom and bust leading into the great challenges of the Second World War.
“As mature members of your communities after that war, you were part of the consolidation of Victoria as a prosperous state, and Australia as a great nation.
“You worked hard, participating in the growth of new industries, the raising of families and the enrichment of communities throughout Victoria.
“You witnessed, and some of you are living testament to, the massive changes that post-war immigration brought to Victoria,” Mr Davis said.
Mr Baillieu said turning 100 was a significant milestone and it was a pleasure to honour this exceptional achievement and show the Victorian Government’s appreciation.
“The Victorian Seniors Festival is one of our opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the seniors in our community,” Mr Baillieu said.
“The festival recognises the contribution made by older Victorians through awards such as Senior of the Year, and it is a great showcase for seniors, with hundreds of performances, exhibitions and open days across the state.
“The Victorian Seniors Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2012 with more than 1000 events and a special focus on promoting healthy eating,” Mr Baillieu said.
The Victorian Seniors Festival runs from 7 to 14 October with additional events taking place throughout October. There is also free public transport for Seniors Card holders during this week.
The Festival’s 120 page program is available at all Coles stores, libraries, council offices, neighbourhood houses, University of the Third Age offices and Life Activity Victoria clubs. You can call Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090 for a program or visit Seniors Online at www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au to browse the online Calendar.
