Humans are social creatures, and we rely on others to help us thrive and grow.
Over 920,000 Queenslanders will be aged 65 years and older this year and most of them will make significant contributions in their communities either in the paid workforce, volunteering, or caring for their grandchildren.
Now in its 63rd year, Queensland Seniors Month provides opportunities for people across all generations to connect and challenge our own stereotypes associated with ageing, discover local programs and services, and volunteering opportunities which may assist in reducing social isolation.
Reinforced by our continued theme of ‘Social Connections’, we aim to increase the social connectedness of communities throughout Queensland. We call it a Connect Fest!
Beginning on the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and including the celebration of National Grandparents Day on Sunday 29 October 2023, Seniors Month provides opportunities that align with the Queensland Government’s and Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland’s vision of building an Age-friendly Queensland.
Funded by the Queensland Government, eligible applicants can apply for a share in $100,000 to host events and activities by applying for a grant of up to $2,000.
Applications for a Seniors Month 2023 Grant are closed.
Is Seniors Month a national event?- Music and concerts
- Live entertainment
- Wellbeing expos
- Cooking classes
- Art classes and workshops
- Dances and dance classes
- Outdoor theatre
- Cinema days
- Story sharing
- Trivia and games
- Forums
- Excursions and bus trips
- Walks and fun runs
- Come and Try Days
- Sports
- Technology classes
- Opportunities to make new friends
Where possible it is best to ask your community what types of event and activities they would like to attend. If at any time you would like to talk out your event idea, please get in contact with Lisa Hodgkinson, seniorsmonth@cotaqld.org.au or phone 07 3316 2908.
- Your SmartyGrants login details
- If you do not have an existing login you can create a free account by registering your details
- Your ABN or ACNC number
- If you do not have an ABN number you will need to complete a Statement by Supplier form – ato.gov.au/forms/statement-by-a-supplier-not-quoting-an-abn/
- A digital copy of your organisations or auspicing organisations Public Liability Certificate of Currency showing the insured coverage amount as $20 million or more to submit to in the application
- Clear details of your event, location, the cultural and social outcomes aligning to the program objectives, estimated number attendees and target audience.
- A budget including your income and expenditure.
Please note you will need to complete an application for each event you are seeking funding to support. If successful, each event will require a separate acquittal.
- sponsorship,
- cash or in-kind support contributions such as venue hire,
- operational costs, including staff wages,
- and organisational contributions.
- Venue hire
- Catering
- Guest speakers, entertainment, musicians, and artists
- Temporary instructors and tutors engaged specifically for the event
- Transport
- Marketing and advertising of the event
- Staff wages and organisational running costs
- Administration fees including phone and postage charges
- Collateral items including banners, signage, flags, computers, computer software, cloth napkins, and crockery
- Gifts of any sorts
- Raffle and door prizes
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland coordinates Queensland Seniors Month on behalf of the Queensland Government and receives funding to collaboratively plan, run and subsidise events and activities.
Both COTA Queensland and the State Government value the contributions people have made – whether as volunteers or in the workforce, community leaders or carers, grandparents, or advocates.