A new range of activities to help NSW seniors reduce social isolation will soon launch after the NSW Government provided $840,000 in funding as part of the 2025 Connecting Seniors Grant Program.
From singing to storytelling, cooking classes to croquet lessons, the funded projects will empower older people to engage with their communities and combat loneliness in innovative ways.
Some old favourites from 2024 will also be making a comeback, including water safety classes, Foodies Clubs and Community Circles.
Activities will be delivered across NSW through 28 organisations divided into five categories including Aboriginal, Multicultural, Creation, Enhancement or Expansion, and Local Council.
The Aboriginal and multicultural categories are new this year and projects include activities such as Aboriginal dance workshops, technology mentorship, excursions, and a range of classes such as exercise and art.
In 2024, COTA NSW’s Voice of Solitude: Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults in NSW found 60 per cent of people aged over 50 were lonely with 25 per cent experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, and 50 percent feeling socially isolated.
The Connecting Seniors Grant Program builds on previous grant rounds, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW. The program supports the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.
The addition of Aboriginal and Multicultural categories in 2025 aligns with the NSW Government’s Closing the Gap commitments and the Multicultural NSW Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
Since its launch in 2020, the grant program has funded more than 120 projects with over 30,000 seniors taking part across 82 Local Government Areas across NSW.
For more information about the Connecting Seniors Grant Program and the full list of recipients, visit: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-grant-program-2025.html
Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
“With 28 projects funded in 2025 across the state, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
“These projects can provide a social lifeline for seniors who often live alone. They help older people stay connected and age well.
“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.
“Congratulations to the recipients – I’m looking forward to seeing our seniors make excellent use of the programs and activities on offer.”
Ian Westmorelandfrom Kintsugi Heroessaid:
“We are thrilled to receive this grant which will enable us to use the power of storytelling to inspire and provide hope to seniors who may be experiencing life challenges like elder abuse, loneliness and social isolation.
“Focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the seniors who share their stories will be invited to speak at community events around the Hornsby LGA area to encourage other seniors to engage and connect.”
