Funding for 2022 Seniors Festival

Organisations from across the St George region are being encouraged to apply for grant funding for activities that support the delivery of the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival.

Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, said the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supports initiatives that encourage people aged 60 or over to stay healthy, engaged and active.

“The 2022 Seniors Festival is an opportunity to keep our senior citizens social and engaged with the community after the difficult past 18 months that we have endured,” Mr Coure 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 2021 NSW Seniors Festival was widely enjoyed by local residents and I want to particularly thank 3Bridges for their work with the Oatley Seniors Group and for putting on some fantastic events this year.”

Local councils, community groups and not for profit organisations are among those who can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

“The 2022 Seniors Festival has a focus on creating fun and engaging activities which can operate in a COVID-safe manner. I have already been engaging with local organisations and I cannot wait to see next year’s festival for myself.”

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has been running for more than 60 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.

“We are committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits that come with living longer. This is our thanks to seniors for their decades of supporting families and communities, which they continue to do as role models, carers and volunteers,” Minister Ward said.

The 2022 Seniors Festival will be run from 25 March to 3 April, 2022.

Applications for grants are now open and will close on 30 August 2021. For more information and to apply, please visit: seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-seniors-festival-grants