Wanted: Big Ideas

The search for Queensland’s most creative, age-friendly ideas is on with the opening of a new grants program to help create more inclusive communities.

The Advancing Queensland: Age-friendly community grants will range from $25,000 up to $100,000 to help councils, organisations, not-for-profit groups and the community turn big ideas into action to help make life better for seniors.

Launching the new program at Innovation NQ (iNQ) in Townsville today, Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke urged Queenslanders to start brainstorming and get involved.

“We need big thinkers who share our age-friendly vision to create concrete outcomes for older people,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This first round of grants will focus on transport, housing and outdoor spaces – if we can help seniors in these areas we will help them stay involved in their communities – a good thing for all Queenslanders.

“This is Queensland’s time to shine and to lead the way in new thinking. We need to be passionate and curious about ways we can make long-term changes and it is my hope that these grants mean that people will be brave and put their bold ideas forward.”

iNQ President Dr David Cole said he was delighted the launch was held at Townsville’s first ever industry-led innovation centre.

“iNQ was formed to support and nurture local entrepreneurs and innovators who want to have a regional, national or global impact,” Mr Cole said.

“I’m very excited and keen to see more innovators take on the age-friendly community challenge to see how they can better support the seniors in North Queensland.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the grant program was a key initiative from the Government’s Queensland: an age-friendly community strategy.

“Our vision for an age-friendly Queensland has been guided by the World Health Organisation’s age-friendly community model, and highlights eight areas that directly influence the quality of life and wellbeing of older people,” Mr Stewart said.

Over the next three years the Palaszczuk Government will commit $1 million to the grants program, which is the first of its kind in the state.

Applications for the first round of the Advancing Queensland: an age-friendly community grants program close at 5pm, Friday 16 June 2017.

For further information or to apply, visit www.qld.gov.au/agefriendlygrants

Source
Media Release
Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
The Honourable Coralee O’Rourke