Hi there Reader, It's Diane here. I hadn’t been to Chadstone in years — and wow, has it changed! It just keeps growing. You could easily spend a full week exploring it properly, especially with all the new food options. On my visit, I stumbled across a clever AI-powered recipe tool in their latest food precinct. With a little help from a very friendly concierge, I gave it a go. I’m coeliac, so I added that into the notes, chose Italian and salmon, and within seconds it had suggested five...
10 days ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader, I recently had a brilliant afternoon at Playing Second Fiddle! It’s not often a show has the whole room beaming, but this one did — and then some. One audience member summed it up perfectly when they simply shouted, “Fantastic!” alongside the applause. And honestly, they weren’t wrong. Created by the talented Victoria Mantynen, Sincerely Yours is more than just a performance program. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and musical theatre. After the music, you’re...
17 days ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, There’s something special about autumn in Melbourne, isn’t there? The air gets that little bit crisper, the parks put on a show, and suddenly a cup of tea outdoors feels like a real treat. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the small things I still want to squeeze in before winter arrives — maybe a slow garden stroll, a midweek matinee, or finally trying that café with the courtyard seating everyone keeps talking about. Our contributor, Kaye, recently captured this autumn magic so...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, Last week, I had the chance to attend the Older Women’s Recipes for Respect event here in Melbourne — and I’m so glad I did. To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of Elder Rights Australia before this, but what an eye-opener it was. The stories shared by the women who spoke were honest, powerful, and at times deeply emotional. I found myself nodding along, remembering moments from my own life, and feeling incredibly moved. While the event celebrated strength and respect, it also...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, I feel so lucky that we’ve been able to share so many fantastic ticket giveaways and exclusive deals with you lately! From Comedy Festival shows to last week’s incredibly generous offer of over 10 double passes to the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, it’s been wonderful to help fill seats, support local acts, and give our subscribers the chance to enjoy a free or cheap night out. As Margaret wrote after attending the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: “Loved the concert, Amy....
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Did anyone else make it to the Flower and Garden Show over the weekend? We had such a blast! From stunning floral displays to creative garden ideas, there was so much to see (and plenty of inspiration to take home). If you missed it—or just want to relive the highlights—check out our video over on Facebook! Speaking of great outings, we recently spent a Sunday afternoon exploring Williamstown with our newest contributor, Dimi, and her grandkids—and what an adventure! If you’re...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, Navigating seniors card discounts can be tricky, right? With so many offers out there, it’s not always easy to tell what’s available and how to claim them. That’s why we’ve been on a mission to find the best deals for you! We’ve put together three handy posts to help you get the most out of your Seniors Card: Discounts on Attractions: Discover the best discounted experiences around Melbourne. Discounts on Food & Drink: Dine out for less with these tasty offers. Using your...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there Reader, I’ve got a few great things to share this week, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. Have you ever tried ready-made meals? Lately, I’ve been making life easier with The Dinner Ladies. Their hearty, homemade-style dishes are a lifesaver—just heat and eat! If you’re after something easy and delicious, I highly recommend them. Now, onto this week’s inspiration: Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Get ready for big laughs with world-class comedians hitting the stage....
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader, One year ago today, I sent out my very first newsletter for Seniors in Melbourne. Back then, there were just 25 subscribers (mostly friends and family!). Now, there are thousands of you who open these emails each week, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. What started as a way to encourage my parents, Chris and Terrie, to rediscover Melbourne has grown into something even more special. Not only has this community expanded, but so has my team of contributors—all retired (or...
2 months ago • 3 min read