Toowoomba Seniors connect over a cuppa and learn about cost-of-living help

• In 2023 the Palaszczuk Government is continuing to deliver Seniors Expos and Seniors Savings Pop-ups across the state.
• The Palaszczuk Government is providing more than $725 million in 2022-23 for important concessions and rebates for seniors and other vulnerable people on low or fixed incomes. These include electricity, utility bills, rates and health related concessions.
• Increased funding – $12.2 million over four years with $2.8 million annually ongoing – is being provided to help Queensland seniors access elder abuse prevention services, seniors legal and support services, and financial protection advice.

Toowoomba seniors are today (Tuesday 14 February 2023) attending a Seniors Expo to connect with local services and supports over a friendly morning tea.

The Toowoomba Seniors Expo will feature direct access to information from Queensland Government frontline services and community organisations for some of the almost 34,000 seniors who call the Garden City home.

A range of services that support older people in Toowoomba are funded by the Queensland Government to help older people stay safe, connected and engaged.

This includes the Toowoomba Seniors Legal Support Service which is receiving more than $500,000 annually in 2022-23 and in 2023-24 to provide vital services that prevent elder abuse and assist older people who may be experiencing abuse or who are at risk of abuse.

Seniors Expos also showcase the wonderful work being done in communities by older people.

Seniors Expos and Seniors Savings Pop-ups will continue to roll out across the state during 2023.

Eligible seniors and pensioners can find information on a range of assistance including:

• $372 electricity rebate;
• $80 reticulated natural gas rebate;
• Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme;
• $200 rate rebate;
• $120 a year water subsidy;
• Free spectacles; and
• More

More information about concessions can be found at: concessionsfinder.services.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Craig Crawford:

“Seniors are using these expos to get advice on matters ranging from smoke alarms and cost-of-living savings to staying safe from scams.

“We know our concessions and rebates can save seniors thousands of dollars a year to help ease cost-of-living pressures. Government staff will be at the expo helping seniors to access all the concessions and rebates they are entitled to.

“Seniors have worked hard to build our state, and providing support and connection helps older people lead full and active lives.

“Every Expo we hear that older Queenslanders are economically, politically, socially and culturally active. That’s why it is so important we hear their views.

“In Toowoomba the Older Men’s Network supports and connects older men struggling with isolation. They mentor young people at risk of disengaging with education at the Toowoomba Flexi School and support the reading program at local kindies and childcare.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering a new seniors strategy, and these seniors events are a key way to hear first-hand from seniors.”

Quotes attributable to East Creek Community Centre Manager Sally Fischer:

"We are delighted at the opportunity to connect with locals and encourage them to join in with the East Creek Older People's Action Program.

“We have such a diverse range of activities people can participate in from sharing a meal with our Eating with Friends group, cards, walking groups, and computer skills programs.

“Being part of the expo is also a great opportunity for us to hear about ideas or activities locals think would benefit our community.”

Further information:

East Creek Community Centre is a community based, non-profit organisation providing community services for Toowoomba residents. East Creek work with community groups and individuals throughout Toowoomba and is friendly, accessible, and inclusive.

17 per cent of the Queensland population is 65 and over, according to the 2021 Census results. The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects that by 2050, more than 22.1 per cent of Queenslanders will be 65 years or older.

To find out more about Seniors Expo’s and Savings Pop-ups visit www.qld.gov.au/seniors.

To provide input into the new Queensland Seniors Strategy please visit https://qchub.dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au/seniors-strategy.

To find out more about Elder Abuse Prevention visit www.qld.gov.au/stopelderabuse or call 1300 651 192.

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091