enny Aitchison, Member for Maitland, is pleased to announce that applications for the 2016 NSW Seniors Week grants program are now open. $200,000 is available under this program for applicants across NSW.

NSW Seniors Week is the largest annual celebration of seniors in the southern hemisphere.

Hundreds of seniors across Maitland are expected to participate in the 2016 NSW Seniors Week. The week will comprise of events celebrating seniors and their contribution to communities across NSW.

Community groups, volunteer organisations and local councils can now apply for a grant which is broken into a two tiered structure:

• The first tier has funding available up to $1,000 for community groups to deliver local events and activities

• The second tier supports local government and larger community organisations in the delivery of public events during NSW Seniors Week, with funding ranging from $1,001 to $5,000, for events which meet the 2016 NSW Seniors Week campaign objectives.

“I encourage local community organisations and Maitland City Council to apply for grants” said Ms Aitchison. “If you are planning to hold an event during Seniors Week in 2016 I would strongly encourage you to submit an application”.

The 2016 Seniors Week will be held from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 April 2016.

Applications for the 2016 NSW Seniors Week grants program close on Friday, 4 September 2015. All applications need to be completed online at www.seniorsweek.com.au