Community organisations and councils, including those in the Glen Innes region, are being encouraged to apply for funding under the 2027 NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program.
Applications are now open, with $200,000 available to support local events celebrating older people and strengthening community connections across New South Wales.
The announcement follows the success of this year’s festival, which included Glen Innes Severn Council’s “Re-Wired: Connection, Creativity & Curiosity for Seniors” event. The initiative was among 38 grant-funded events delivered across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW, attracting more than 8,500 attendees.
The 2027 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 1 to 14 March under the theme “Discover, Connect, Celebrate”. Grant funding is available for events that encourage older people to connect with their communities through activities such as arts, sport, music, technology, health, wellbeing and recreation.
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the festival remained an important opportunity to recognise older people and strengthen community participation across the state.
“The NSW Seniors Festival is a highlight on our state’s annual events calendar and we want to see older people from all corners of the state enjoy the benefits.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is investing in the NSW Seniors Festival Grants program to empower councils and community organisations to run high quality events and boost social participation in the communities they know best.”
The NSW Government also delivers four major NSW Seniors Festival events each year: the Premier’s Gala Concerts, the NSW Seniors Festival Expo, Comedy Shows and Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts.
Harrison said the festival was an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution older people make to communities across New South Wales.
“The NSW Seniors Festival represents an annual celebration of older people in our state who deserve to feel valued for their incredible contribution to our collective wellbeing.”
Applications for the 2027 NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program close on Wednesday, 12 August.
For more information, including eligibility and examples of previously funded events, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-seniors-festival-grant-program-2027.
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