THE NSW Government has delivered two grants of $30,000 each to Northern Rivers organisations to create a more inclusive community and reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors.<\/p>\n
Beating Hearts of Lismore and Tweed Shire Council’s Age-Well Connect program are two of 28 projects funded across the state by the $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025.<\/p>\n
The NSW Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison, said there was something for everyone in the funded programs.<\/p>\n
“These projects can provide a social lifeline for seniors who often live alone. They help older people stay connected and age well,” Harrison said.<\/p>\n
“It’s important that we provide as many opportunities as we can for seniors to stay engaged with their communities and even try new experiences.<\/p>\n
“Congratulations to the recipients \u2013 I’m looking forward to seeing our seniors make excellent use of the programs and activities on offer.”<\/p>\n
The Tweed has a high proportion of people over 65 at 26.6 per cent compared to the state’s average of 17.6 per cent. Three-quarters of the Tweed Shire is rural, with nearly a third of residents over 60 residing in rural villages, causing limitations and access to services for a large cohort of the senior community.<\/p>\n
Tweed’s Age Well-Connect program will combat senior isolation in the shire through technology classes, cooking workshops, falls prevention, cognitive health initiatives and a jazz festival.<\/p>\n
The Beating Hearts of Lismore will expand its work to connect older adults facing social isolation, dementia or Parkinson’s disease along with their carers. The weekly volunteer-led singing group will continue, and the grant will also support evidence-based dance classes to improve strength, balance and social connection.<\/p>\n
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin congratulated the two organisations and said both recipients would use the funding to support innovative projects in the Lismore and Murwillumbah districts.<\/p>\n
“They are among 28 organisations funded in this year’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program across categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion and Local,” Saffin said.<\/p>\n
“I’m particularly pleased that the wonderful Beating Hearts of Lismore, coordinated by Lismore-based Geriatrician Dr Rachel Jones and her volunteers, will be able to enrich the lives of more local seniors.”<\/p>\n
Since its launch in 2020, the Connecting Seniors Grant Program has funded over 120 projects and engaged over 30,000 seniors across NSW.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE NSW Government has delivered two grants of $30,000 each to Northern Rivers organisations to create a more inclusive community and reduce isolation and loneliness among seniors. Beating Hearts of Lismore and Tweed Shire Council’s Age-Well Connect program are two of 28 projects funded across the state by the $840,000 Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025. […]<\/p>\n