Older people

Older people in the Tweed

The Tweed has twice the state average of residents over the age of 65.

Council values the contribution seniors make to our community. We also recognise the needs of older people and encourage healthy ageing.

We advocate for and support older members of the community through our Community Development Officer – Ageing and Disability.

Dementia friendly Council on the Ageing Community Care Forum Programs for seniors Ageing Well in the Tweed Ageism Awareness 

Tweed Seniors Festival

Programs for seniorsA picture of 5 seniors sitting n a bench at Jack Evans Boat Harbour

Council supports older people with a range of programs designed to keep seniors, independent, and connected to their community.

These programs are supported by NSW Government.

MisterChef – Learn the basics of preparing nutritious meals (for senior men)

Learn the basics of preparing nutritious meals with MisterChef, a 6-week cooking program for older men with little to no cooking experience to help them gain confidence in the kitchen. This program is ideal for those who now find themselves responsible for meal preparation for the first time.

For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 07 5569 3110.

Stand Together – An essential fall prevention program

Grow confidence with Stand Together, an essential 8-week fall prevention course designed to educate seniors on everyday hazards, improve their strength and balance, and help them stay independent.

For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 07 5569 3110.

Tech Generations – Get support using your device given from a local high school student

This unique intergenerational initiative involves seniors being taught how to use their device by local high school students.

Seniors can book free one-on-one sessions with students from Tweed River High to learn the basics of using their digital device.

Tech Generations runs every 2nd Thursday during the school terms at South Tweed Community Centre, 18 Heffron Street, South Tweed.

For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 07 5569 3110.

Free

Act Now, Stay Secure – Learn practical tools to manage cyber security risks

These one-off invaluable sessions are for older people and vulnerable residents and offer practical tools to manage cyber risks so people can stay safe online.

For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 07 5569 3110.

Fun Activities for Banora Seniors (FABS)

Council supports The FABS Program which offers a range of recreational activities such as social, hobby and gentle exercise groups for seniors.

Find out more about FABS

Dementia friendly communities

Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with normal social or working life.

The Tweed has one of the highest rates of dementia in NSW. This is mostly due to the high number of people over the age of 65. Over 70% of people with dementia live in the community.

Council encourages staff to become Dementia Friends, to understand dementia and how to support someone with dementia.

See national dementia helpline and dementiafriendly.org.au.

Ageism awareness

Ageism awareness involves recognising and challenging negative stereotypes, discrimination, and mistreatment based solely on age, which negatively impacts peoples' health, confidence, and opportunities.

Council supports initiatives like Ageism Awareness Day, which aim to highlight ageism's widespread effects—including in employment, healthcare, and advertising—and empower communities to foster a more inclusive and respectful society for all ages. 

Dementia friendly sites

Council works with Dementia Australia to create a dementia friendly community. A number of organisations and businesses have come on board as dementia friendly sites.

Dementia friendly sites have been assessed and registered with Dementia Australia:

  • Cudgen Leagues Club
  • Kingscliff Bowls Club
  • Maddie and Lil Boutique
  • Real Estate 2487
  • St Cuthbert’s Church
  • Tweed Byron Ballina Community Transport
  • Tweed Mall
  • Tweed Meals on Wheels
  • Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre
  • Tweed Regional Libraries
  • Tweed Regional Museum (Murwillumbah)
  • Twin Towns Uniting Church

Council on the Ageing (COTA) – Living Longer Living Stronger

Living Longer Living Stronger is a safe, effective and affordable exercise program to help people from 50–100 years plus to improve their physical strength, balance, coordination and endurance.

Participants will receive an individual assessment and program but will take part in a class that is designed for people of all levels of ability.

Visit the COTA site for information on trained local providers in Northern NSW.

Also see healthy ageing walks.

Ageing Well in the TweedAgeing Well in the Tweed cover.PNG

Council's Ageing Well in the Tweed Strategy 2024–2029(PDF, 1MB), sets a clear roadmap to support the region’s growing population of older residents with actions to support residents feel safe, supported and included at every stage of life.

Actions include establishing a Seniors Advisory Group, improving access to public spaces and transport, supporting positive ageing initiatives, and strengthening the local aged care and health network.

The final Strategy was shaped by community input, including workshops during the 2024 Tweed Seniors Festival, a public survey, and feedback from service providers.

Tweed Community Care Forum 

Community Care staff are involved in the forum to support initiatives for older people. The forum improves communication between service providers and develops greater understanding of service needs in the region. Forums are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 9:30 am in the Harvard Room, Tweed Heads Administration Building. Attendance can be online or in-person.

For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au or call 07 5569 3110.

Also see

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