Ever feel like your community forgot its older residents? This $300,000 says otherwise
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Seven Queensland councils have just secured funding—but it’s not just about money.
From social isolation to intergenerational connection, these local projects aim to shift the way we view ageing.
So what exactly is being done to make communities more inclusive for older Australians?
Seven local councils across Queensland received a combined $300,000 in Community Development Grants to fund age-friendly initiatives.
The funding, confirmed by the State Government, targeted councils in south-east, north-west and central Queensland.
Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, said the Government remained committed to building an age-friendly state.
‘We want to see a state where seniors lead healthy and productive lives, are connected to their community and cared for when support is required,’ Minister Camm said.
‘It’s wonderful to see local governments designing activities that ensure the voices of older people shape the communities they live in.’
‘Age-friendly communities are not just great for older people—they’re great for everyone.’
‘From our first days in office, this government committed to ensuring our policies, programs and services are age-friendly and inclusive.’
‘I am delighted to know these local initiatives will contribute to that vision.’
Brisbane City Council received $50,000 to deliver co-designed community projects including five geographically based Seniors cafes, where older residents and local organisations can explore what an age-friendly Brisbane looks like.
Bundaberg Regional Council was granted $29,680 to conduct an assessment of age-friendliness based on the World Health Organisation’s eight domains, aiming to improve quality of life for older residents.
Burke Shire Council received $35,000 for a project addressing social isolation by bringing local organisations together regularly to foster participation, skill-building and knowledge sharing.
Flinders Shire Council secured $30,000 to deliver a two-part initiative involving an intergenerational project connecting older and younger residents, and a collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to install doorbells at businesses and create an accessibility map of Hughenden.
Noosa Shire Council was awarded $45,000 to host ten interactive sessions encouraging intergenerational connections and social participation in partnership with local groups.
Redland City Council also received $45,000 to partner with local organisations and libraries to trial and deliver interactive pilot programs across the City’s library branches.
Somerset Regional Council was granted $42,200 to produce a children’s storybook aimed at shifting attitudes toward people with cognitive decline, with input from primary school students, a local children’s artist and older residents.
The Queensland Government’s continued support for these initiatives reflects a growing focus on inclusive and accessible communities for people of all ages.
Building more inclusive communities isn’t just about local initiatives—it also requires strong healthcare support from the top.
While councils work on improving connection and accessibility at the community level, the State is also investing in systems that directly impact everyday wellbeing.
One major move involves a $100 million funding boost that could ease pressure on hospitals and improve health outcomes across the board.
Read more: State unlocks $100 million funding for its healthcare system! See how these changes can benefit senior Aussies
While these grants may seem modest, they could be the spark that transforms how seniors connect, contribute and thrive in their communities—what changes have you noticed in your area?
From social isolation to intergenerational connection, these local projects aim to shift the way we view ageing.
So what exactly is being done to make communities more inclusive for older Australians?
Seven local councils across Queensland received a combined $300,000 in Community Development Grants to fund age-friendly initiatives.
The funding, confirmed by the State Government, targeted councils in south-east, north-west and central Queensland.
Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, said the Government remained committed to building an age-friendly state.
$300K grant boosts age-friendly projects statewide. Image source: Pexels/cottonbro studio
‘We want to see a state where seniors lead healthy and productive lives, are connected to their community and cared for when support is required,’ Minister Camm said.
‘It’s wonderful to see local governments designing activities that ensure the voices of older people shape the communities they live in.’
‘Age-friendly communities are not just great for older people—they’re great for everyone.’
‘From our first days in office, this government committed to ensuring our policies, programs and services are age-friendly and inclusive.’
‘I am delighted to know these local initiatives will contribute to that vision.’
Brisbane City Council received $50,000 to deliver co-designed community projects including five geographically based Seniors cafes, where older residents and local organisations can explore what an age-friendly Brisbane looks like.
Bundaberg Regional Council was granted $29,680 to conduct an assessment of age-friendliness based on the World Health Organisation’s eight domains, aiming to improve quality of life for older residents.
Burke Shire Council received $35,000 for a project addressing social isolation by bringing local organisations together regularly to foster participation, skill-building and knowledge sharing.
Flinders Shire Council secured $30,000 to deliver a two-part initiative involving an intergenerational project connecting older and younger residents, and a collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to install doorbells at businesses and create an accessibility map of Hughenden.
Noosa Shire Council was awarded $45,000 to host ten interactive sessions encouraging intergenerational connections and social participation in partnership with local groups.
Redland City Council also received $45,000 to partner with local organisations and libraries to trial and deliver interactive pilot programs across the City’s library branches.
Somerset Regional Council was granted $42,200 to produce a children’s storybook aimed at shifting attitudes toward people with cognitive decline, with input from primary school students, a local children’s artist and older residents.
The Queensland Government’s continued support for these initiatives reflects a growing focus on inclusive and accessible communities for people of all ages.
Building more inclusive communities isn’t just about local initiatives—it also requires strong healthcare support from the top.
While councils work on improving connection and accessibility at the community level, the State is also investing in systems that directly impact everyday wellbeing.
One major move involves a $100 million funding boost that could ease pressure on hospitals and improve health outcomes across the board.
Read more: State unlocks $100 million funding for its healthcare system! See how these changes can benefit senior Aussies
While these grants may seem modest, they could be the spark that transforms how seniors connect, contribute and thrive in their communities—what changes have you noticed in your area?
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