Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead is encouraging local organisations, councils and community groups to apply for the 2016 NSW Seniors Week grants program.

Next year’s NSW Seniors Week will be held from 1 to 10 April.

Mr Bromhead said that $200,000 under the program is available across NSW and applications are now open and close on 4 September 2015.

“Seniors Week is an important celebration with more than 250,000 seniors participating across the state, but it would not be possible without the help of organisations that plan the events,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Events can be cultural, musical, food driven or educational – and whatever the event, it is a celebration of our seniors and their commitment to our community.

“The NSW Government has provided $200,000 overall for this popular initiative to ensure the week contains even more fabulous events for our seniors in 2016.”

The grants program is broken into two tiers:

Tier 1 of funding of up to $1,000 for community groups to deliver local events and activities.

Tier 2 of funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for local government and larger community organisations to support the delivery of public events during Seniors Week which encourage greater participation of seniors in our communities.

Mr Bromhead said the grants are an opportunity to thank our seniors for the great contribution they have made and continue to make in our community.

“If you are planning an event to be held during 2015 NSW Seniors Week, I encourage you to submit an application,” Mr Bromhead said.

Applications for the 2016 NSW Seniors Week Grants program close on Friday, 4 September 2014 and must be submitted online at www.nswseniorsweek.com.au.