Hello Reader,

Paul here. On 10 June 1990, my brother Mark and I shambled up the carpeted stairs at the Shamrock Hotel in Bendigo to celebrate our grandfather's 80th birthday. Family had driven in from the Mallee, Wangaratta and Melbourne. Mark and I arrived straight from a bachelor and spinsters' ball in Deniliquin.

It's always been natural for the Farrell side of my family to gather in Bendigo, and just as natural to meet at the Shamrock Hotel — which is exactly why I'm returning there next week to lead a tour.

In 1901, Dame Nellie Melba spent such a fitful night at the Shamrock that she demanded the post office clock across the road be stopped, so irritated was she by its chiming. In 1983, Prince Charles and Lady Di stayed there too. Not once did they complain about that clock.

Pa's 80th drew less commotion than the royal couple, but a measure of pageantry all the same. We gathered in the Federation Room, my uncles ribbing the stragglers in from Deniliquin, and someone always ready with a speech about Pa's proclivities for swearing at sheep and holding forth on the city papers.

Next Saturday, 5 September, I'm returning to Bendigo to lead a walking tour with Seniors in Melbourne. We'll meet at Southern Cross Station at 8.45am for a 9am departure, taking in green hills and chimney smoke, then walk past Bendigo's golden-era buildings before lunch at the Shamrock. Alas, no detour to Deniliquin.

​Find out more and book your spot here.​

Chat again soon,
Paul

P.S. Big news for theatre lovers — the Ian Potter State Theatre reopens on 3 October, and Arts Centre Melbourne is marking the occasion with Housewarming (9–12 October), four days of free performances spanning dance, circus, music and theatre from some of Victoria's finest artists, directed by Michael Kantor. Book here and get in quick!

Let's Explore Melbourne and Beyond

​400 Rare Treasures on Display​ A first edition of Jane Austen's Emma, a 4,000-year-old tablet, and punk fanzines — all free to see at State Library Victoria. What will you discover? Explore the exhibition

“ The 2026 focus is on women writers, but be sure to find the display case featuring The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (published 1886), a stunning 16th-century illuminated manuscript, the nostalgic examples of pulp fiction, intricate moveable books, early engravings of plants & birds and tiny miniature books including the smallest in the Library’s collection. ​Read more here.​ — Angie

PARTNER CONTENT ​Save on La Bohème Tickets​ La Bohème plays at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne from 7-18 November and Opera Australia have offered our community 20% off tickets! It's such a beautiful, moving opera, and the Regent is a gorgeous venue to see it in. Discount is offered for a limited time only and is available for A, B and C Reserve seating only. Get the discount here

​Everyone's Favourite Craft Fair​ Quilts, workshops, and hundreds of stalls fill the MCEC this September. Terrie says it's a fantastic day out — see what's new for 2026. Use our discount code SENIORS10 to save 10% at checkout! See what's on

​From Dive Bar to Deco​ Once one of Melbourne's roughest pubs, this heritage-listed corner has been transformed. Nadine shares what she found upstairs, from the décor to the food. Read Nadine's review

​Marjie's First-Ever Facial​ Bamboo peels, steam, a face mask and a neck massage — Marjie's honest review of her first facial covers what's involved, what it costs, and what to ask before booking. Plus — we're giving one away! Details below. Read the review

PARTNER CONTENT ​Reader-Recommended Holiday Parks​ Two fellow readers told us how ParkBooker took the stress out of caravan trip planning. See our top 5 picks and their tips for getting the most from it. See our picks

​Day Trips, No Car Needed​ Skip the parking and traffic — readers share their favourite train and bus day trips, from wildlife sanctuaries to hill town rambles. Which one will you try first? Pick a day trip

Popular Picks: This Week’s Top 3

• ​Father’s Day Melbourne: Gift Ideas, Lunch Spots & Outing Inspiration​
• ​17 Best Melbourne Rooftop Restaurants with Lift Access​
• ​A New Virtual Reality Journey Through the Cosmos Has Landed in Melbourne​

Community Giveback

This quarter, Seniors in Melbourne has partnered with Travellers Aid to support the team helping Victorians travel with confidence every day. Find out more →​

Enter our Weekly Giveaways

​Win an Organic Facial at Daylily Beauty​ Enjoy 45 minutes of calming skincare, gentle treatments and a soothing neck, shoulder and scalp massage. Enter now for your chance to enjoy a little well-deserved pampering. ENTER NOW

​Win a Double Pass to Margaret Preston​ Explore the bold colours, striking prints and Australian landscapes of one of the country’s most influential modern artists. Enter now for your chance to experience this major NGV exhibition. ENTER NOW

Congratulations to last week's winners, Kaye B and Marie D, who each scored a double pass to see Silvie Paladino at Hamer Hall next month!

WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Footy Fever Walking Tour (Sun 30 Aug 2026). Join Paul Daffey for a guided tour through the home of Australian football, exploring iconic landmarks and the stories behind the game’s greatest moments. This 90-minute tour visits highlights including Yarra Park, the Avenue of Legends and the Cordner Entrance, offering a fascinating look at the history of the AFL. Tickets $50. Book here.​
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• ​BLOOM – Bendigo & Heathcote (14 Aug – 31 Oct 2026). Celebrate spring across the Bendigo region with more than 60 experiences, including colourful flower displays, the Cornella Canola Walk, open gardens, food and wine events and Bloom After Dark. Read more here.​
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• ​Dayelsford Winter Sounds (27 – 30 Aug 2026). This boutique music festival transforms historic churches, country halls, bush schoolhouses and even vintage trains into intimate live music venues. Featuring acclaimed Australian artists across unique regional settings, Winter Sounds combines great music with the cosy charm of a Daylesford winter. Learn more here.​
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• ​Yarra Valley Bloom & Graze (12 - 13 Sept 2026). Before the blossoms fully open, CherryHill Orchards kicks off spring with a weekend of local producers, wineries, market stalls and entertainment across the orchard. Book your spot here.​
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• ​Kindred People (1–5 Sep 2026). Experience an Indigenous-led festival on Boonwurrung Country, bringing together artistic performances, cultural experiences and opportunities to listen, learn and connect. The program includes dejeemba yalinwa on 5 September, a free community day. More here.​
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• ​Another Reader Outing: Parks & Gardens Cruise (Mon 19 Oct 2026). Enjoy a relaxed morning cruise along the Yarra with Seniors in Melbourne, including tea, coffee and guided commentary. Meet fellow readers and explore Melbourne from the river as you take in the city’s parks and gardens. Melbourne River Cruises, Berth 2 Southbank Promenade. Tickets $32.80. Book here.​

​seniorsinmelbourne.com.au​

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