Hello Reader,

If you’re looking for a reason to head into the city, I’ve got a double feature for you this week. Two free exhibitions are on right now at NGV Australia (Ian Potter Centre) at Fed Square, and they make a lovely pair.

On the ground floor, Plant Life: The Nature of Design looks at how plants have shaped the way we make things. There’s a chair made from banksia seed pods and, my personal favourite, a lounge chair that isn’t built at all but grown, its shell formed by mushroom mycelium. You can read our guide for the full tour.

Then head up to Level 3 for Passage: The Art of Atong Atem, the first major Australian solo exhibition from Melbourne-based photographer Atong Atem. Her portraits are vibrant and richly layered, with patterned textiles, paint and symbolic objects, and they draw on family archives and African studio photography. It’s a very different mood from downstairs, which is exactly why they work so well together.

Both are free and open daily, with Plant Life on until 7 February and Passage until 14 June, so there’s no rush.

And while you’re there, we highly recommend making a lunch of it. Chocolate Buddha, just across Fed Square, is one of our regular haunts. The owner Angela is often out front serving customers herself and always up for a chat. Flash your Seniors Card and you’ll get 10% off the bill, a generous discount we take advantage of often. If you fancy exploring a bit further, nearby Flinders Lane also has plenty of lunch spots worth ducking into.

Warmly,
Amy

P.S. Have you completed our survey? It closes next week. Please click here to complete our community survey and be in the running to win one of five $50 Ticketek vouchers. It only takes 8 minutes and helps us plan how to build and grow this newsletter.

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Inside Robin Boyd’s Home​ Step inside the celebrated architect’s South Yarra home, hear stories of its lively past and see how the Boyds lived in this remarkable space. Take a look

“ Across the suburbs from where I lived, architect Robin Boyd was turning the “normal” three-bedroom family home on its head. He created instead, a home of two pavilions, linked by a relaxing and light-filled covered courtyard. He arranged it all to capture light, provide space for entertaining and showcase style and innovation. ​Read more here.​ — Marjie

PARTNER CONTENT ​Journey Through the Cosmos Without Leaving Melbourne​ Step into a spectacular virtual reality adventure through galaxies, molten planets and a black hole. This 40-minute immersive experience brings the wonders of space surprisingly close. Explore the Cosmos

​Lunch With A Train View​ Settle in for a relaxed pub lunch in the Dandenong Ranges, where a historic steam train can add a little extra theatre to the afternoon. See the hotel

PARTNER CONTENT ​Stay Close, Skip the Bustle​ Generous rooms, easy trams and a short walk to Albert Park, all close to the city. Seniors card holders save 20% at this St Kilda Rd hotel, bringing room rates as low as $127 per night. To book, use this link and enter the promo code MELBSEN or call direct and quote the code (03) 9529 8888. Book and save

​A Paris Love Story​ Puccini’s beloved opera returns in a fresh Melbourne production, with snowy Paris scenes, beautiful music and a moving story of love, friendship and loss. Experience Opera Australia

PARTNER CONTENT ​Beautiful Blooms Delivered With a Designer Touch​ Send a little joy with Fig & Bloom’s beautifully crafted bouquets, featuring premium flowers and stylish arrangements made for special moments. Send some joy

​Film Classics Take The Stage​ Three much-loved films are coming to Melbourne theatres, bringing familiar characters, memorable stories and fresh stage adaptations. Find out what to expect before booking. See the shows

Where To Next?

​The Mountains Without a Car​ Nadine takes on the Blue Mountains by train, bus and foot, sharing practical advice for enjoying Katoomba and Leura without driving. Follow her journey

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Melbourne Laneway Walking Tours: Flinders Lane and Hardware Lane with Paul Daffey​
• ​10 Thoughtful Australian-Made Gifts for Someone Special​
• ​Cedar Quartet: Hear Melbourne’s AFCM 2027 Fellowship Ensemble Before They Head to Cairns​

Community Giveback

This quarter, Seniors in Melbourne has partnered with St Mary’s House of Welcome to support the team helping people experiencing homelessness find practical support and connection every day. ​Find out more →​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Win Tickets to Noël! Noël!​ Celebrate the festive season with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, featuring beautiful carols, radiant vocals and joyful musical surprises. Enter for your chance to enjoy this much-loved Christmas tradition live. ENTER NOW

Congratulations to last weeks winners: Anita S won tickets to see My Fair Lady at the State Theatre, and Mary L who won a year's subscription to the Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall.

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​City of Literature: 3-hour Walking Tour (Thursdays, 10 am – 1 pm). This tour is ideal for curious readers, history lovers and anyone interested in the cultural forces that shaped Melbourne. 3-hour walking tour, including coffee or tea mid-way. Tickets $60. Book here.​
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• ​Loose Fit: Provisional and Participatory Practices from East Asia (until 11 Dec 2026). Explore contemporary architecture projects that rethink how buildings and communities take shape, with drawings, videos and installations highlighting collaboration, adaptable design and resourceful use of materials. Design Gallery, Uni of Melbourne. Free entry.​
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• ​Brahms’ German Requiem (19 & 21 Nov 2026). The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Gala features Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel performing spiritual works before the orchestra and MSO Chorus present Brahms’ moving German Requiem, a powerful musical reflection on grief, remembrance and comfort. Tickets from $76.​
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• ​Siren Call (2–22 Nov 2026). Artist Lois Bashan explores the myths and mysteries of the sea through a film inspired by the history of Princess Pier, reflecting on immigration, wartime departures, adventure and the unknown. Gasworks Arts Precinct. Free entry.
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• ​Burrata Festival (13–15 Nov 2026). Celebrate all things burrata with Italian food specials, free tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations and a Burrata Trail around the market. Friday evening is ticketed, while the Saturday and Sunday festival activities are free. Prahan Market. Tickets from $15.​
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• ​Yarra Valley Cherry, Wine & Dine Experience (20 Nov - 24 Dec 2026). Start with a two-course lunch at Rochford Wines, before heading down the road to CherryHill Orchards Coldstream for two hours of all-you-can-eat cherry picking. From $98.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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