What’s happening?
The Crisafulli Government has awarded $300,000 in Age-Friendly Community Development Grants to seven local councils across Queensland.
These grants support a range of initiatives designed to make communities more inclusive and supportive for older residents. Redland City Council is among the recipients, receiving $45,000 to trial and deliver interactive pilot programs through its libraries in partnership with local organisations.
Why it matters
These initiatives aim to reduce social isolation, improve accessibility, and celebrate the contribution of seniors in their communities. Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm said the government was committed to building an age-friendly state.
“We want to see a state where seniors lead healthy and productive lives, are connected to their community and cared for when support is required,” Minister Camm said.
“Age-friendly communities are not just great for older people – they’re great for everyone.
“From our first days in office, this government committed to ensuring our policies, programs and services are age-friendly and inclusive.
“I am delighted to know these local initiatives will contribute to that vision.”
Local Impact
In Redland City, the funding will go toward developing and trialling interactive pilot programs in partnership with Council libraries and local organisations. These programs will be tested and refined before being delivered across library branches city-wide. The initiative supports greater social connection and lifelong learning among older residents, reinforcing Redland’s commitment to age-friendly living.
By the Numbers (with context)
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$300,000 in total grants have been distributed to seven councils across Queensland, spanning urban, rural, and remote communities.
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$45,000 was awarded to Redland City Council, earmarked for a library-based community program co-designed with local partners.
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Other councils received funding between $29,680 and $50,000, supporting diverse projects like accessibility mapping, children’s storybooks, seniors cafés, and intergenerational storytelling.
Zoom In
Redland City’s focus on libraries as community hubs offers a powerful platform to engage older residents through co-designed interactive sessions. These pilot programs aim to strengthen local connections and explore new ways to support healthy ageing.
Zoom Out
Across Queensland, the range of funded projects reflects a broad strategy to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by seniors. From cattle station meetups in the northwest to intergenerational art in the southeast, the grants promote tailored, place-based solutions that value seniors’ voices and experiences.
Councils and Projects Funded at a Glance:
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Brisbane City Council – $50,000 for co-designed Seniors cafés exploring age-friendly Brisbane.
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Bundaberg Regional Council – $29,680 to assess age-friendliness across WHO’s eight domains.
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Burke Shire Council – $35,000 for social connection initiatives to reduce isolation.
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Flinders Shire Council – $30,000 for intergenerational projects and business accessibility upgrades.
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Noosa Shire Council – $45,000 for ten intergenerational sessions fostering social participation.
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Redland City Council – $45,000 to develop and trial interactive library programs.
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Somerset Regional Council – $42,200 for a collaborative storybook addressing cognitive decline stigma.
Each project is designed to reflect the needs of local seniors, encouraging collaboration between government, communities, and service providers.
What To Look For Next?
Councils will begin delivering their funded projects over the coming months. Communities can expect updates on program outcomes, with potential for successful models to expand into other areas. Redland City residents are encouraged to visit local library branches to take part in upcoming age-friendly activities.
