Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies has announced the NSW Government will invest $8.8 million to ensure communities are more accessible and inclusive for seniors.
“This Budget will empower seniors across the State to live better lives by keeping them connected to the community, their family and friends,” Mrs Davies said.
“People over the age of 65 are the fastest growing population group in the State and the NSW Government is delivering on its election promise to support the ageing population by providing access to activities and vital community services.”
Key budget highlights include:
• 600,000 for the Liveable Communities Grants program to fund councils, businesses and non-government organisations to deliver innovative approaches that support and encourage older people to stay engaged in their communities;
• $650,000 for the Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit, which has received almost 10,000 calls since it was established in 2013;
• An additional $50,000 towards a case coordination trial for the Helpline to support complex cases of elder abuse;
• $500,000 for the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program, including 9,500 new training places for older people in metro, regional and rural NSW; and
• $500,000 to continue expanding the NSW Seniors Card program and drive down the cost of living for seniors, which now partners with 5,700 businesses to deliver more than 8,000 deals.
NSW Budget 2018 supports the State’s NSW Ageing Strategy 2016-2020, which responds to the opportunities and challenges of the ageing population.
For more, visit: facs.nsw.gov.au.
Fastest growing population group
PROTECTING seniors from elder abuse, connecting to the digital world and easing everyday living costs are key initiatives to be delivered for older people in the NSW Budget.