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The White Hat Guide to Seniors Events in Melbourne

There are many government-funded organisations which receive many millions of dollars in funding to promote activities and services to seniors in Victoria and Melbourne. We so not seek or receive such funding so our information is independent of the usual government spin. For information about 'official' and  commercially funded events we suggest you read the "official" press releases from government bodies or go to government or government-funded tourism websites.

For the rest of you, we hope you will find some events and information of interest below.

Seniors Information Victoria

A free service offering information and advice on all issues of interest or concern to older people.

Ground Floor, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 135 090

Golden Days Radio

A community radio station featuring music and entertainment from the early years of radio up to the 1950s. Broadcasting 24 hours a day on 95.7 FM.

Enquiries: (03) 9257 7488

Melbourne Open House

A free open day in some of the city's more significant buildings. They are all within walking distance and provide a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne's past and present.

Planning public open days can be a bit of a nightmare. It might be OK to take a small group of invited guests into some ‘private’ areas, but for a public open day you need to deal with insurance, the danger of graffiti on irreplaceable surfaces, disability access (or obtaining legal dispensation for not providing it) and a host of other issues. It is not surprising then that the list of venues for Melbourne Open House has been changing with some deleted and some added.

Some of the buildings are commonly open to the public and so in that case the Open House is more of a rebadging. Others are not normally open so here are our recommendations in order, not of importance but of rarely presented opportunities:

  1. Manchester Unity Boardroom – this is a rare opportunity to view this Melbourne Art Deco boardroom with its custom-made furniture. We discuss its significance in the Melbourne’s Hidden Gems in our article at The White Hat Guide to the Manchester Unity Building.
  2. St Paul’s Cathedral – On most days you can wander around the Cathedral yourself (provided there is not a service in progress) so you may want to leave a more leisurely visit to a later date. However the Bell Tower and Bridge Gallery over the Nave and Main Church will be open to small groups over people over 12 years of age. Be warned, this involves steep climbs and some scary heights so it is not for the faint hearted. It also involves a ladder so we would warn ladies not to wear a short skirt, unless of course you are looking to make new friends. These spaces are rarely open to the public so take this opportunity while you can. I would expect long queues for this one. Because it does not open until 12.30 you may want to visit the Chapter House first (see below).
  3. Chapter House at St Paul’s Cathedral. Those involved with ceremonies or concerts at St Paul’s may be familiar with the panelled wood and old world atmosphere of the Chapter House. However, the general public rarely get to see this tranquil space in the centre of the city.
  4. Council House 2 (CH2). For those who have not taken the opportunity of the open days and guided tours we have told you about in the past this is an opportunity to examine some best-practice implementations of environmentally sustainable design.
  5. Plaza Ballroom. Those in the corporate world are probably familiar with this space from business breakfasts and conferences. In fact some of you possibly heard me as the speaker at such an event recently and therefore know what White Hat looks like. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see the ballroom, now restored to its wonderful ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ architectural style, then Melbourne Open Day presents a good opportunity.
  6. The Capitol Theatre of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin is one of Melbourne’s more important buildings. We only put it further down the list because regular small group tours are available on most weeks.
  7. Nicholas Building – built for the Aspro king is well worth a visit. However much of the character of this building is tied up with its tenants. I don’t know whether any of the (often Bohemian) artists’ studios will be open to the public. If not, try returning for the open studio days which occur about twice a year. You can find details of the next one at The White Hat Guide to the Nicholas Building.
  8. Melbourne Town Hall – Again, regular small group tours are available each week so we suggest you give higher priority to the places that are rarely open.
  9. The Labyrinth at Federation Square – It is good to know it is there and how and why it works. However it is included in the regular daily tours of Fed Square so you may wish to visit on another day.

Free
10am to 5pm, Sunday 20 July 2008

Our rating:
Five Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat

Bike Tour

A free bike tour for mature people to share their experiences.
2nd Wed of Month

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Enquiries: (03) 9654 4443

Public Art

There is much public art to be seen on the streets at any time of day as well as in many public buildings. More information on public art in Melbourne. In addition, public bodies such as the City of Melbourne sponsor temporary artworks and installations in laneways and public spaces.

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Free

White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery

Melbourne Cemetery is an ideal introduction to Melbourne's history - particularly with the entertaining and informative guide from White Hat. The final resting place of many famous Australians including Peter Lalor, judge Redmond Barry, Sir Robert Menzies, John Gorton, Marcus Clarke, Burke & Wills, Sir Isaac Isaacs, Walter Lindrum and many more. As chosen and recommended by the Qantas In Flight magazine in May 2007. More information on the cemetery tour >>.
1pm to 3pm, selected Wednesdays and Sundays

Melbourne General Cemetery - main entrance -

$15 per headBookings: (03) 9329 6055

Morning Tai Chi session

Led by Tai Chi Australia
7.30-8.30am, Tuesdays

Federation Square -

FreeEnquiries: (03) 9655 1900

Rupertswood Mansion Grand Open Day

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one.

To celebrate Australia Day Weekend for 2008 Rupertswood Mansion will have a grand open day. Exhibitions of photographs and artefacts related to The Ashes, the property, the Clarke family will be in display. Morning/Afternoon tea & gourmet lunches served in the drawing room. Tickets at door.
11am to 4.30pm, Monday 28th January 2008

Rupertswood, 3 Macedon Street, Sunbury -

$12, students (12-18) $6Enquiries: (03) 9740 5020

Open Garden at The Melbourne Club

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one.

The enclosed city garden of The Melbourne Club will be open to the public. Enter via Ridgeway Place (off Little Collins Street just down from Spring Street). This wonderful city garden with its magnificent plane trees is rarely open to the public, so don't miss this opportinity to venture inside the grounds of the Melbourne Club.

Our rating:
Five Hats

Hat Hat Hat Hat Hat
10am to 4.30pm, Sunday 3rd February

The Melbourne Club -

$5

Bolobek Plant Fair

Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.)

Visitors can purchase choice perennials, rare trees and shrubs, Australian natives, bulbs, succulents, sculpture, specialist tools and books from over 40 exhibitors. There is also an opportunity to wander and enjoy the unique setting of the wonderful gardens.
10am to 4.30pm, 1 & 2 March 2008

Bolobek, Mt Macedon Road, Macedon - (Mel ref 609 G10)

$10, children under 18 free

Labassa Open Day

This historic mansion is managed by the National Trust and open on the third Sunday of the month (except December). Informative house tours occur at 11am and 2.45pm and weather permitting, exterior tours at 1 pm. Refreshments in the Servants Hall throughout the day. A special exhibition occurs from 3.30pm featuring women's clothing from the 1880s.
10.30am to 4.30pm, 3rd Sun of month (exc. Dec)

Labassa, 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield -

Adults $8, Concession $5.50, Families $20Enquiries: (03) 9527 6295 or (03) 9509 6596

Go Fishing in Victoria - Bendigo

Catch a new hobby by attending one of the free family fishing festivals throughout Victoria. There's activities for the whole family including demonstrations, stalls, entertainment, prizes and giveaways. Instructed fishing workshops for children aged 4-16 years include introduction to fishing, casting, knot tying and fishing.
10th August 2008

Kennington Reservoir, Bendigo -

Call 136 186 to pre-register

Cruden Farm Open Garden

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch designed and planted the herbaceous borders, picking garden, shrub walks and tree-shaded lawns at the heart of her sublime garden with its famous lemon-scented gum avenue. In early spring drifts of blossom and the thousands of daffodils by the lake contribute to this place of rare beauty. Refreshments will be available, or you are welcome to bring a picnic
10am-4.30pm, Sunday 31 August 2008

Cruden Farm, (enter via Cranhaven Rd), Langwarrin - (Mel ref 103 G6) -

$10 adults, no charge for children under 18

Go Fishing in Victoria - Lilydale

Catch a new hobby by attending one of the free family fishing festivals throughout Victoria. There's activities for the whole family including demonstrations, stalls, entertainment, prizes and giveaways. Instructed fishing workshops for children aged 4-16 years include introduction to fishing, casting, knot tying and fishing.
20th September 2008

Lillydale Lake, Lilydale -

Call 136 186 to pre-register

Victorian Seniors Festival Week

The festival celebrates the diverse and dynamic contributions of people aged 60 plus. Events include theatre, cinema, touring shows, music and walks. Many events are discounted or free - as long as participants have their Victorian Seniors Card.
5th to 12th October 2008

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Enquiries: 1800 136 762

Melbourne Medieval Fayre and Tourney

Medieval, English Civil War, Napoleonic Wars, American Civil War and Early Australian Colonial. Melbourne peridos all have historical re-enactment and re-creation groups, involved in these periods of history who preserve aspects of historical life from these historical periods and bring them forward into the 21st century. All these things will once again be brought together in this Unique Victorian Event, the only one of its kind in Victoria, with performances of Historical Encampments, Clothes, and War, using Swords, Pikes and Muskets from the various periods of history, for the entertainment and experience of the Victorian Public. The event also brings forth Craft Guilds and Associations continuing the traditions of the past with their Crafts. The event with its food stalls and merchants selling their wares, will once again be full of excitment and a great and inexpensive family day out. Adults and Children over 16 | $ 9.50 Children 7 - 15 | $ 4.25 Children under 6 | Free Family Pass (2 Adults & 3 Children) | $ 26.35 Receive a 15% Discount when you book and pay for your Tickets before 1st October 2007
14 & 15 November 2008

The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Rd, Berwick -

Enquiries: info@mmfat.org.au

Government House Open Day

As part of Australia Day, citizens and visitors are invited to visit Government House, inspect many rooms not normally open to the public and enjoy a picnic on the lawns. Music and entertainment throughout the day.
10am to 3.30pm, 26 January 2009

Government House -

Free entryEnquiries: (03) 9655 4211

Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony

Be part of the official Flag Raising ceremony as Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria, leads the Australia Day Affirmation and officiates as the National Flag is raised. The winner of the Australia Day Anthem Singer Competition will present the National Anthem. The formal Australia Day ceremony includes a Service Guard of Honour and the RAAF Band. At approximately 11.35am there will be a flypast by RAAF FA-18s (depending on availability and weather conditions).
11am, Saturday 26 January 2009

Melbourne Town Hall -

Free

Australia Day Peoples March

Come and watch the thousands of Victorians, from all walks of life and from all over the world, who will walk together in the 2009 Australia Day People’s March along Swanston Street to Alexandra Gardens. You are invited to join the Governor, Premier, Lord Mayor, members of the Consular Corps, Flag Raising Officials, Australia Day Ambassadors and new Australian Citizens at the end of the March and walk to the Alexandra Gardens. Starting from the Melbourne Town Hall.
11.35am, Saturday 26 January 2009

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Free

Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series

Fairfield Amphitheatre comes alive again this February with the Summer Series Concerts every Sunday evening.Kick back and relax with a picnic supper at these weekly, family-friendly, free outdoor shows whilst you enjoy music from all over the globe, but don’t forget to bring a cushion and a hat. Refreshments will be on sale on the day or BYO
5pm to 8pm, Sundays, 1 to 22 February 2009

Fairfield Amphitheatre, Fairfield Park - (Mel ref 30 J12)

FreeEnquiries: 1800 010 069

SAGE- Sucessful Aging, Growth and Enhancement

The aim of SAGE is to encourage people over 45 to learn psychological insights to help them age more effectively and enjoyably. SAGE is all about growing old positively, focusing on opportunities and challenges rather than what we don't have or have missed out on.
11am to 1pm, Friday 20th June

St Michael's Centre, 120 Collins St, Melbourne -

$15 including lunchEnquiries: (03) 9813 3400
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White Hat works hard to make information on these pages current and correct. However with many thousands of entries, much of it changing daily, errors may occur. Always verify the information by using the phone numbers supplied with each event or venue before making a special trip or using this information for any other purpose. If you believe some information is incorrect, please contact us at corrections@whitehat.com.au and we will attempt to verify or change the information
DISCLAIMER: White Hat makes no claim as to the accuracy of this information and takes no responsibility for incorrect or incomplete information  or for actions based on the information in these pages, and accepts no liability to any person or organisation for the information contained in these pages.
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TOURISM NEWS
Qantas In Flight Magazine chooses White Hat Cemetery Tour as its featured Australian tour for May

There are many fine historical tours throughout Australia including cemetery tours. From these, the prestigious Qantas In Flight Magazine has chosen the White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery as its featured Australian tour for the May 2007 edition. This tour was also featured by ABC radio on 24 May and will feature in a documentary series on Burke and Wills to be shown on European television in 2008. The tour has been operating for many years and has won praise from a wide range of sources. This is not a dry and stuffy tour but in keeping with all White Hat offerings it is Informed, Intelligent, Independent (and occasionally) Irreverent. You can find details of the tour at White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at Qantas In Flight Magazine.

 

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