Living your best life

By Jaclyn Symes
Northern Victoria upper house MP

THE Victorian Seniors Festival has returned for October!

Now in its 42nd year, the festival delivers a massive program full of free or low-cost events and activities across the state.

The Allan Labor Government, local councils, and community and cultural organisations will deliver over 2000 events celebrating older Victorians.

The festival features everything from country concerts, dances, and high teas to exciting new events celebrating our community’s diversity.

There are several fantastic events happening in the local community, and I encourage you to attend as many as you can.

There are a number of free local events happening over the month in Mildura, Irymple, Ouyen and Merbein.

You can find events close to you by visiting the festival’s online event calendar at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival-calendar and by contacting Mildura Rural City Council.

The Allan Labor Government is continuing to invest in services that people need most throughout the Mallee region.

People who have experienced rough sleeping in the Mildura area will be supported out of homelessness and into their own homes through a new supportive housing program.

Last month the Minister for Housing Harriet Shing announced that Homes Victoria and Mallee Accommodation and Support Program are partnering to deliver six homes under the Labor Government’s Regional Supportive Housing Program.

This program is the first permanent supportive housing of its kind in regional Victoria for people who have experienced rough sleeping.

It means more people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping in regional Victoria will have the safety, security and support they need.

The Mildura project will be well-located.

Construction of the proposed homes is expected to start this year and be completed in the second half of 2025.

In addition to this supportive housing project, Homes Victoria and Mallee Accommodation and Support Program partnered to build three youth housing units in Mildura, funded through the Labor Government’s Youth Housing Capital Grant program.

You can read more about these projects on my website jaclynsymes.com.au.

My office is always available to help with state government matters. To contact my office, call 5783 2000 or email me at jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au.

Digital Editions


  • Artist’s national nod

    Artist’s national nod

    A LOCAL artist has been named a finalist in a national creators award, putting the spotlight on the people who have built communities through their…

More News

  • Man wanted on warrants

    Man wanted on warrants

    POLICE are appealing for public assistance to help locate Andrew Greenaway. The 34-year-old man is wanted on warrants for multiple offences, including recklessly expose emergency service worker to risk. It…

  • Fur-bulous fun at dog show

    Fur-bulous fun at dog show

    DOGS of all shapes, breeds, and sizes descended on Quondong Park in Red Cliffs last weekend for the Mildura and District Kennel Club’s All Breeds Championship Show. It featured Pomeranians,…

  • Right-wing activists ejected for Anzac ceremony heckles

    Right-wing activists ejected for Anzac ceremony heckles

    MELBOURNE: Associates of a prominent anti-immigration group were among those ejected from an Anzac Day dawn service after the cohort was accused of heckling acknowledgement of Country ceremonies at other…

  • Tigers lift when needed

    Tigers lift when needed

    ROBINVALE Euston were left to rue missed opportunities as underdogs Red Cliffs surged late to claim a 16-point victory under lights at John James Oval on Anzac Day. In a…

  • Stark warning from ex-PM on rise of the ‘manosphere’

    Stark warning from ex-PM on rise of the ‘manosphere’

    MELBOURNE: A concerted, organised and strategic pushback by the “manosphere” against gender equality can’t be swept under the rug, Australia’s only female prime minister says. But advocates also need to…

  • Early voting opens for Farrer

    Early voting opens for Farrer

    EARLY voting for the Farrer by-election opens Tuesday 28 April. The Midway Community Centre in Buronga will be open for early voting, with the exception of Sunday 3 May, with…

  • Games galore in Langtree Mall

    Games galore in Langtree Mall

    HOBBY gamers in Sunraysia will be able to get their fix of Dungeons and Dragons and Catan with the opening of the Good Games store in Langtree Mall on Wednesday.…

  • Honouring Anzac legacy

    Honouring Anzac legacy

    LARGE crowds came out to the dawn and midday Anzac Day services in Mildura in support of service personnel. Mildura RSL sub-branch president Brad McGlashan said it was great to…

  • ‘A soldier is not alone’

    ‘A soldier is not alone’

    RED Cliffs honoured Anzac Day with a march from the Old Court House to Barclay Square, followed by a service and wreath laying. Vietnam War veteran Frank Tierney spoke of…

  • Imps home in a thriller

    Imps home in a thriller

    THE encounter between Mildura and Imperials reached no great aesthetical heights on a warm day at Brian Weightman Oval but it did keep the fans rapt until the final siren.…