Groups or organisations that provide fun and interactive events and activities for people over the age of 60 in the Shoalhaven are encouraged to apply.

The Seniors Festival 2022 Grants provide small grants up to $1,000 to fund a range of exciting and diverse events and activities that will support people over the age of 60 to reconnect with each other and their community during the Seniors Festival.

The NSW Seniors Festival takes place from tMarch 25 to April 3 2022 with a theme to 'Reconnect.

This event offers people over the age of 60 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents over the age of 55 opportunities to connect back in with their community following the challenges that the community have faced over recent years in particular the isolation experienced during COVID-19.'

Shoalhaven City Council Director City Lifestyles Jane Lewis urged people to apply for a grant.

"The Seniors Festival 2022 Grants provides funding opportunities for community groups and organisations to enable them to design and deliver events and activities that support and enhance the lives of people aged 60 and over in the Shoalhaven," she said.

With Seniors Week and Youth Week run consecutively in 2022 there are opportunities for eligible applications to include inter generational activities.

When children and young people actively engage with older Australians it has been shown to provide great mutually beneficial outcomes for both groups and for communities more broadly.

The community are encouraged to submit an idea that engages people over the age of 60 years with younger people.

The grants aim to provide accessible opportunities for residents over 60 to reconnect socially in their local community. Opportunities that allow people to maintain strong social connections, remain active and engaged leads to a stronger sense of belonging and improves health and wellbeing.

In response to feedback from previous grant rounds, this year's application process has been simplified to ensure it's as quick and easy as possible, so that community groups and organisations can focus on designing and delivering great activities and events for our community.

Eligible activities may include art exhibitions, exercise sessions, learn a new skill classes, food, music and movie events as well as inter generational activities.

Grant applications can be completed online, and must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday December 22 2021.

Grant applications can also be submitted by email, mail or in person to the front counter at Council's Nowra Administration Building.

For more information, and to apply visit Council's website.