Seniors in Melbourne is a travel website dedicated to inspiring and supporting those aged 60+ in planning midweek adventures across Melbourne and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration.
Join a 90-minute politics tour this November
|
Hello Reader, Paul here. About a decade ago, I was shocked to learn of the presence of the Eight-hour Day Monument on the corner of Russell and Victoria streets, on the northern edge of the city. The monument had been there for decades. I had just never noticed it. In my defence, many Melburnians fail to notice the Eight-hour Day Monument, possibly because we expect a certain bulk from our historic markers. This one is slender, as far as monuments go. During the Gold Rush era, workers formed the Eight Hours League to campaign for an eight-hour day based on the maxim of eight hours’ work, eight hours’ rest and eight hours’ play. In April 1856, stonemasons who were working on the construction of Melbourne University put down their trowels to execute a planned protest. The stonemasons marched from the university site to Parliament House in Spring Street. The march eventually led to an Act of Parliament that made it illegal for bosses to demand that anyone work more than eight hours. It was the first such Act to be passed anywhere. The success of the campaign led to the construction in 1903 of the monument. In 1924, the monument was moved to its location diagonally opposite Victorian Trades Hall. On two days next month — including on the day of the Victorian state election — I will conduct politics tours for the voting members of Seniors in Melbourne. I will take two tours on both days, with the morning tours beginning at Trades Hall and the afternoon tours outside the Old Treasury Building. The tours will go for 90 minutes each — not eight hours. Warmly, P.S. Politics not your thing? I also lead a range of city walking tours, full of the stories and surprises behind Melbourne's streets. Browse my walking tours here and find one that suits.
Let's Explore Melbourne and BeyondPopular Picks: This Week’s Top 3
Community GivebackThis 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 GiveawayWHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars
Instagram | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Linked In Did someone forward you this email? Sign up for free here and receive it in your inbox each week. Our newsletters sometimes contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. |
Seniors In Melbourne
Seniors in Melbourne is a travel website dedicated to inspiring and supporting those aged 60+ in planning midweek adventures across Melbourne and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration.
Hello Reader, There’s a little extra sparkle at the Arts Centre this month. The Ian Potter State Theatre has officially reopened, six months ahead of schedule, after its first major refurbishment since 1984. We were lucky enough to join some of the heartwarming celebrations over the weekend, and it was a joy to see that grand golden curtain, with its hand-painted wildflowers and lyrebird’s tail, once again welcoming a crowd. The Arts Centre tour was wonderful, and if you’ve never been behind...
Hello Reader, This quarter, I'm delighted to introduce our newest Community Giveback partner: St Mary's House of Welcome in Fitzroy. For me, this one starts with my mum. She has never walked past someone in need without stopping, whether it's buying a copy of The Big Issue or pausing for a chat with a woman sitting on the street. Her curiosity about people's lives, and her quiet longing to help, is what inspired me to choose a cause like this one. Homelessness can feel overwhelming in its...
Hello Reader, If your October calendar isn't already bursting at the seams, what are you doing? The Victorian Seniors Festival launches tomorrow, and it's going to be a bumper month of events, discounts and things to do right across Melbourne and regional Victoria. We've spent the past few weeks combing through the program, and we've pulled together our pick of the best deals on offer — some from businesses who've kindly partnered with us to reach our wonderful community, others we've simply...