Hello Reader,

It's Kathy here!

Revisiting familiar places at different stages of life can be surprisingly moving — and full of new discoveries. Thanks to the City of Melbourne, I recently joined their Chalk and Walk activity at Fawkner Park, part of the summer seniors program. Yes, sanctioned chalk graffiti! But this park was a very different place to the one I knew as a teenager back in the early 1970s.

Back then, Fawkner Park meant winter softball matches — freezing winds, muddy slides, slippery balls and plenty of laughter. Returning decades later on a warm Saturday morning, the park felt transformed. Leafy oak avenues, golden elms, newly planted gingko trees, outdoor sculptures, and a wonderful Seniors Centre buzzing with activity.

Our small group — adults and children together — was warmly welcomed by Nick, our guide. Armed with chalk and a few simple rules, we set about creating colourful messages for the community. Some were thoughtful, some philosophical, all uplifting. It lasted just an hour, but it was refreshing, social, and quietly joyful.

There’s so much happening this summer, and many activities are free. I’m already planning a return visit for Fawkner Park’s historical walking tour on 7 March. Maybe I’ll see you there!

You can explore the full Fawkner Park Summer Series program, and we’ve also rounded up more social activities here worth trying if you’re keen to get out and about.

Warmly,
Kathy

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​Bravery, Resilience & Strength​ A free exhibition honouring the women who have served in Australia’s armed forces, on until May. Read about Angie's visit

“ HERstory, is the work of artist Carla Edwards. She photographed and interviewed over 200 women in Australia who have served in war and peace from 1942 to today’s integrated Army, Navy and Air Force. ​ The Shrine’s exhibition is a selected group of portraits representing military women based in Victoria and shares some of their lesser-known stories of bravery, resilience & strength. ​Read more here.​ — Angie

PARTNER CONTENT ​The Guildford Files​ Behind Bourke Street, uncover the old warehouses, service lanes and quiet corners revealing how the city has reinvented itself over time. Join a tour

​100+ Years of History​ Inside, history hangs on the walls and echoes in the grand architecture. A free and fascinating stop next time you’re in town. Take a look

PARTNER CONTENT ​Stay Steps from the River​ Enjoy modern comfort, river views and easy access to dining, shows and strolls along South Wharf. Mention Seniors in Melbourne for the Leisurely Days package. Plan your stay

​Laugh Your Way Through Melbourne​ Get ready for big laughs, clever humour and plenty of familiar faces. Read our guide to making the most of the MICF. See what’s on

PARTNER CONTENT ​Feel Good, Every Day with KURK®​ Discover a clean and simple way to support your health. KURK®’s liquid turmeric uses clinically proven micellar curcumin to target inflammation at its source. Plus, enjoy free delivery Australia-wide and a 60-day money-back guarantee. SHOP NOW

​Smooth Sounds by the Bay​ Settle in for a day of live jazz, relaxed vibes and great local talent. Get your toes tappin'

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​16 Best Victorian Seniors Card Discounts to Melbourne Attractions​
• ​Finding Italy in Melbourne: Lygon Street and beyond​
• ​Using Your Seniors Myki and Navigating Public Transport in Melbourne​

Enter our Weekly Giveaway

​Flower & Garden Show Double Pass Giveaway​ WIN one of five double passes to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, returning this March with stunning displays and inspiring garden ideas. ENTER NOW

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Cluedo the Play (until 16 Mar 2026). Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench?
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• ​Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations (12 Feb 2026 – 27 Jan 2027). A free exhibition at State Library Victoria exploring centuries of romantic devotion, heartbreak and bold confessions through intimate letters, diaries and rare manuscripts that celebrate defiant expressions of the heart.
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• ​West Gate – Melbourne Theatre Company (10 Mar – 18 Apr 2026). A powerful new Australian drama by Dennis McIntosh that revisits the 1970 West Gate Bridge collapse of 1970 — one of the country’s worst industrial disasters — exploring the human cost, resilience and stories of working‑class Melbourne with a stellar cast at Southbank Theatre’s The Sumner.
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• ​Order Up: A City Fed by Many Cultures (until 5 Apr 2026). At Immigration Museum, this immersive exhibition uses thousands of handwritten restaurant dockets, soundscapes and visuals to celebrate Melbourne’s multicultural food heritage and the diverse communities behind its legendary dining scene. Free entry for pension cards.​
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• ​Twelfth Night – Shakespeare Under the Stars (until 28 Feb 2026). The Australian Shakespeare Company’s beloved outdoor production of Twelfth Night brings Shakespeare’s comedy of love, disguise and mischief to life under the sky at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne’s Southern Cross Lawn.
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• ​Encore! (28 – 30 May 2026). A joyous concert celebration of musical theatre favourites, featuring much-loved songs performed live in a vibrant, feel-good showcase for theatre fans.

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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