Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh encourages local organisations to apply for funding for activities supporting the delivery of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival.
Mr Singh said the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supports initiatives that encourage people aged 60 or over to stay healthy, engaged and active.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate or build on the diverse skills and interests of seniors in our community in areas like art, sport, health or technology,” Mr Singh said.
“The 2021 NSW Seniors Festival included e-safety sessions, drumming circles, movie nights and gardening workshops, and I’d like to see local groups come up with even more creative and fun activities for the 2022 festival.”
Local councils, community groups and not-for-profit organisations are among those who can apply for grants of up to $10,000.
There’s a focus on COVID-safe activities and programs.
“Let’s create opportunities for all seniors in our community to be active, connected and social – no matter their location, language or ability level,” Mr Singh said.
“Social isolation is a growing concern for our ageing population, so programs which unite people and stave off loneliness are really positive for mental health.”
The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere and has been running for more than 63 years.
Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said the program reinforces the NSW Government’s dedication to older people, outlined in the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031.
The Seniors Festival will run from 25 March to 3 April 2022. Applications for grants are open to 30 August 2021. Apply here: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-seniors-festival-grants
