It is one of the largest events of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has been running for more than 60 years.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NSW Seniors Festival is set to run from March 25 until April 3, 2022, and Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis is hopeful residents will have more freedom to celebrate the event next year.

Mr Gulaptis said the NSW Government are handing out grants of up to $10000 to “make sure the party reaches every corner of the Clarence Valley in 2022”, and he is calling on Clarence Valley Council (CVC) and not for profits to apply for money for local projects to make it a party to remember.

“This could be for programs offering access to expert advice, information, tools and resources, opportunities to connect seniors with local organisations and services, or an outdoor and physically active workshop,” he said.

While the pandemic had made social isolation a worsening concern for older locals, Mr Gulaptis said programs which unite people and stave off loneliness are really positive for mental health.

“The Nationals in NSW Government’s Seniors Festival message is that you matter,” he said.

“You might not be working anymore, you might not have much family nearby, but you do matter.”

Applications for grants are open from 2 August to 30 August 2021.

To apply, please visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au