Intergenerational celebrations in Maribyrnong this October

Published on 02 October 2024

This October, we will be hosting celebratory events for both the younger and older members of our community - with Children’s Week from 19 to 27 October, and the Seniors Festival from 1 to 31 October.

During Children’s Week, Maribyrnong’s youngest residents are invited to take part in a range of free activities reflecting this year’s theme of ‘Children have the right to a clean and safe environment’ – as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Older people are encouraged to participate in the state-wide Victorian Seniors Festival embracing this year's theme – ‘Explore. Engage. Evolve’ – inviting older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people, and changing how we think about ageing.

These special events celebrate age diversity in Maribyrnong - offering activities uniquely tailored to each the youth and senior demographic, while also providing activities suitable for all ages to enjoy, encouraging intergenerational connections and lasting memories.

As part of Children’s Week, younger residents can engage in sculpting with unconventional materials, repurposing everyday items into masterpieces. Older children can sign up for the Junior Bike Safety Skills workshop, designed to raise awareness about road safety, proper helmet use, and how to navigate challenges on the road – all in a traffic school setting.

For older people, events such as a Theatre program, Yarning Circle, Morning Tea and Melodies, Seniors BBQ, Pickleball, and Walking Football will be available as part of the Seniors Festival. Victorian Seniors Card holders can also explore metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria with free travel from Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 October 2024.

Activities that target both age groups include Art and Nature, where younger and older participants can collaborate on a painting using nature as inspiration. Facilitated by the Council’s Park Ranger, attendees will stroll along the Maribyrnong River, learning about local plants while connecting with nature.

Another intergenerational activity on offer is the Butterfly House, where attendees have a chance to get up close to these beautiful insects, with open-ended play activities for participants who are both young and young-at-heart.

During Children’s Week, Council will also be launching a new gender equality resource for parents of children from birth to twelve years, to support families to understand the importance of equal parenting and offer ways to model and talk about this with children. This initiative reinforces Council’s strong commitment to gender equity and how positive attitudes about different genders can be nurtured in the early years and support their learning and development from childhood onwards.

Maribyrnong City Council Children’s Week activities are supported by the State Government.

For more details on Children’s Week events and activities, please visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/childrensweek 

For more details on Seniors Festival events and activities, please visit: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival

Maribyrnong City Council is a child safe organisation committed to child safety and supporting the best interests of children in all its operations. Council actively promotes the safety, participation and empowerment of all children, with a zero tolerance to child abuse.

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