The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a new $3.6 million pilot program over three years to better integrate social and wellbeing support for older people and carers in New South Wales.

The Connecting Seniors and Carers Program builds on the foundations of the Connecting Seniors Grant Program with broader support to cover seniors and their carers.

Service features include linking older people and their carers to local services designed to support
wellbeing, independence, and community connection.

Under the new program, four local organisations will operate as ‘community connectors’ linking older
people and their carers to vital services and community groups across 16 Local Government Areas in regional NSW.

The organisations are:

 Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative (servicing Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs)

 Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation (servicing Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling and
Wentworth LGAs)

 CareWays Community (servicing Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong LGAs)

 Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated (servicing Ballina, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs)

 Carers and Seniors will benefit from access to wraparound support including:
o Information, education and advice
o Needs assessment
o Outreach and engagement
o Short-term case planning and coordination
o Outbound referrals to My Aged Care, Carers Gateway or NDIS.

Seniors and carers may be linked to additional support including financial wellbeing, legal, family and
relationship or community engagement services.

An independent review into the Connecting Seniors Grant program had recommended a focus on
providing a clear entry point into the service system and wraparound flexible support.

The new program aligns with the priorities in our Ageing Well Seniors Strategy and NSW Carers
Strategy to promote social inclusion, community participation, and boost health and wellbeing.
All organisations were selected through a targeted tender process which assessed their experience and capacity to deliver on the appropriate service model.

This is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing efforts to support older people and carers in our state, so they can live active, healthy lives.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“We know older people and their carers often report barriers to accessing the support they need.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program
designed to provide simpler and clearer pathways to support for those who need it most.
“The four organisations funded through this new program have strong local service footprints and are
well placed to empower seniors and carers to remain connected to the communities they know and
love.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle said:
“This multi-year funding means an important and longstanding organisation in our community can focus on what they do best – delivering services to people in need.
“Looking after our local ageing population is so important. It is vital to assist in managing issues our
seniors might experience, such as social isolation, loneliness, a lack of respect and even elder abuse.”

Quotes attributable to Manager of Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative Rosemary
Bishop:

“Springwood Neighbourhood Centre greatly appreciates the opportunities that the Connecting Seniors and Carers funds will being to people across the Blue Mountains and in Lithgow.

“We know that this funding will increase the connection that carers enjoy with their community and it will support seniors to live healthier and happier lives.

“This pilot will enable us to work closely with our community and our network of service providers to
design sustainable services for the future.”

Further information on the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program can be found here:
https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-
2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-and-carers-program.html

MEDIA: Jacob Wilson | Minister Harrison | 0484 251 780

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre’s intergenerational work has a prevention focus and has been
codesigned with long day care, pre-schools and before and after school services. Families gain support from volunteers that are grandparents or are in aunty/uncle roles. Through this program, seniors form strong friendships and contribute to several of our programs.