ACT Minister for Ageing Joy Burch today opened the 2011-12 Seniors Grants and Sponsorship Program.

The ACT Government’s Seniors Grants provide funding for activities and events that promote positive ageing in the ACT, Ms Burch said.

The primary aim of the Grant Program is to support older Canberrans to maintain their wellbeing and to remain active in their community.

Previous funded projects have included the ‘Young Enough to Grow’ seniors land care project; the Grand Party in the Park held during Seniors Week; the use the resourcesof the Lu Rees Children’s Literature Archives to engage residents of retirement villages; and the Seniors Multicultural Information and Learning Exchange project.

These Grants form part of the ACT Government’s commitment to a more age-friendly city and are a component of the ACT Strategic Plan for Positive Ageing.

The Government’s 2012-14 Positive Ageing Action Plan will be launched later this year after feedback from the Older Persons Assembly on 30 September 2011.

The Program will provide a total of $100,000 to the community with a maximum of $15,000 available for each approved project.

This year will see the introduction of a simple on-line application process. Applications close on 19 September 2011 and successful applicants will be announced in October.

For more information go to www.ageing.act.gov.au