New funding categories helping seniors connect - Central Coast News

Two new categories, Multicultural and Aboriginal, have been added to the Connecting Seniors Grant Program for 2025 aimed at expanding opportunities for community groups and local councils to provide social connections and support to seniors.

A total of 28 grants worth $30,000 each are on offer across five categories, with a focus on intergenerational projects to foster enhanced social connections linking older and younger people.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the Connecting Seniors Grant Program helped strengthen the social lives of thousands of seniors.

“Take a visit to our community venues on any day of the week and tour our community centres and community-run clubs you will witness a hive of activity, where it is easy to see how grant programs like Connecting Seniors are making a real difference, keeping our seniors engaged and active,” Tesch said.

“I encourage community groups and Council to put pen to paper and submit their inspiring ideas as part of their grant application, to foster meaningful and lasting connections for our senior community.”

Examples include social gatherings, salsa dancing lessons, song clubs or other inclusive activities.

The Aboriginal Grants category targets projects led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

The Multicultural Grants category focuses on projects led by multicultural organisations that support people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“I will be delighted to see the fruitful projects funded under the Connecting Seniors Grant Program being brought to life to keep our seniors engaged and active,” Tesch said.

The grant program delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment in the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031 to promote inclusion for older people.

Applications for the 2025 grant program close on October 21.