October 26, 2009: The growing success of Seniors Week across the Bega Valley has prompted the Bega Valley Shire Council once again to provide funds for community groups to run events as part of the 2010 celebrations.

Council’s community development officer Melissa Blain-Woodley will co-ordinate next year’s activities and encourages non-profit community groups to apply for funding up to $500 to host an event.

"Seniors Week is designed to offer a range of activities that focus on the issues and concerns of older people in the local area, as well as encouraging and celebrating the positive contributions older people make to the community. The theme for Seniors Week 2009 is ‘Live Life’," she said.

"Council funds a wide range of activities promoting positive community attitudes towards older people, as well as activities that encourage the participation of older people.

"The aim of Seniors Week is to:

• Raise issues, ideas and concerns of older people;

• Develop strategies to address the issues important to older people;

• Increase the community’s awareness of older people and the issues that are important to them;

• Promote older people’s contributions to the community;

• Share information and resources; and

• Have some fun

"The grants need to reflect the main aims of Seniors Week and will be assessed in meeting program objectives, as outlined in the application form.

"Previously, Council has supported a number of successful events such as art exhibitions, photography competitions, music events and workshops," Ms Blain-Woodley said.

Seniors Week will again feature the very popular Golden Gig with the Senior of the Year award a highlight. Information about these will be available shortly.

Application guidelines are available at Council’s website, www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, November 20, 2009 and successful organisations will be notified by late December 2009.

For further information phone Melissa Blain-Woodley at Council on 6499 2317.