Strong Seniors EOI 2027

This is a preview of the Strong Seniors Application Form form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00AM 27 July 2026 (AEST)
 

Strong Seniors 2027

Instructions

  • Please provide a response to all relevant questions on the pages;
  • When you have completed all of the questions on a page, click on Next Page to view the next page of the application form;
  • Click Save Progress periodically to ensure you do not lose any information you have entered;
  • You can jump to any page in application form by using Application Form Navigation table on the right side of the form;
  • Once you have completed all of the pages of the form, the last page of the form will provide you with the opportunity to Review your application.  If you are happy with your application you can then click Submit, if you have answered all of the required questions a Confirmation Message will be displayed to acknowledge receipt of your application.
  • Please be aware that submissions are due by midnight Sunday 30 August 2026 (AEDT).

If you have any queries, please phone and leave a message for the Community Wellbeing Team at (02) 9392 5863 or email seniors@innerwest.nsw.gov.au 

  • If you have access requirements that cause difficulty submitting material online and you need assistance, please call 9392 5000. To talk with a free interpreter call 131 450. 
  • 9392 5000. نحن نتكلم لغتك.131 للتحدث مع مترجم مجاني اتصل بالرقم 450اطلب منهم الاتصال بمجلس الغرب الداخلي على الرقم 
  • Μιλάμε τη γλώσσα σας. Για να μιλήσετε δωρεάν σε διερμηνέα καλέστε το 131 450. Ζητήστε τους να καλέσουν το Δήμο Inner West Council στο 9392 5000. 
  • Parliamo la vostra lingua. Per parlare gratuitamente con un interprete chiamate il numero 131 450. Chiedetegli di chiamare il Comune di Inner West al numero 9392 5000. 
  • Falamos a sua língua. Para falar com um intérprete gra tuitamente ligue para 131 450. Peça-lhes para ligar para o Inner West Council no número 9392 5000. 
  • 我們能說您的語言。 如需免費傳譯服務，請致電131 450， 然後請傳譯員致電9392 5000接通 Inner West市政府。  
  • เราพูดภาษาของท่าน คุยกับล่ามได้ฟรีที่เบอร์ 131 450 ขอต่อสาย Inner West Council ที่เบอร์ 9392 5000. 
  • Chúng tôi nói ngôn ngữ của quý vị. Muốn nói chuyện có thông dịch viên miễn phí, hãy gọi số 131 450. Yêu cầu họ gọi cho Hội đồng Thành phố Inner West qua số 9392 5000. 

Seniors Festival 2027

Strong Seniors 2027

Inner West Council invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations, providers and sole traders to deliver targeted, evidence-based programs that support older people’s physical and cognitive wellbeing.

The Strong Seniors Program is designed to seed and support high-quality, outcomes-focused programs that address identified service gaps across the Inner West. The program prioritises initiatives that improve strength, reduce falls risk, and support cognitive health — while helping older people remain active, independent and connected to their community.

All applications must clearly align with one or more of the Strong Seniors priority program areas. These focus areas reflect the strongest evidence for improving health outcomes and are central to the intent of the program.

Programs may be fee-based; however, applicants are encouraged to include a free trial or subsidised component to support accessibility and participation.

There is $10,000 in total funding available, with successful applicants eligible to receive up to $5,000 (inclusive of GST).

Successful programs are expected to commence in early 2027 (from February), with exact timing to be confirmed in consultation with Council.
 

If you have any queries, please contact Mark Jones, Community Wellbeing Coordinator: +61 2 9392 5844 or via email: mark.jones@innerwest.nsw.gov.au

We are looking forward to receiving your application.  

GUIDELINES

Eligibility Criteria

Objectives

Projects should:

• Deliver structured, evidence-based programs that improve strength, balance, mobility and/or cognitive function
• Reduce risk factors associated with falls, frailty and functional decline
• Support independence, confidence and quality of life for older people
• Provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for participation
• Deliver clear, measurable health and wellbeing outcomes
• Demonstrate potential for sustainability beyond the initial funding period
• Align with Council strategies including the Healthy Ageing Strategy, Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2026, Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan and Community Strategic Plan 2041

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a sole trader, incorporated organisation, or community group (or auspiced by one)
• Deliver programs within the Inner West LGA (Djarrawunang, Baludarri, Gulgadya, Midjuburi, Damun wards)
• Demonstrate relevant qualifications, experience and sector expertise
• Provide Public Liability Insurance $20m and any relevant licences or certifications
• Submit one application per individual or organisation

Not Eligible

Applications will not be considered if they:

• Do not align with the Strong Seniors Program objectives or priority areas
• Deliver activities outside the Inner West LGA
• Are primarily social or recreational without a clear, evidence-based health or wellbeing outcome
• Cover ongoing operational, staffing, or administrative costs
• Are submitted by Council staff, Councillors, political parties, or government agencies
• Do not demonstrate a clear and measurable benefit to older residents
• Are existing or ongoing programs within the Inner West without a clearly defined new or enhanced evidence-based component

Council may prioritise new or significantly enhanced programs that address identified service gaps.

Program Requirements

Funded programs must:

• Be evidence-based and aligned with recognised best practice (e.g. clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, or established program models)
• Clearly target one of the priority program areas
• Be structured and outcomes-focused (not general or unstructured activity)
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes (e.g. improved strength, reduced falls risk, improved functional capacity or cognitive outcomes)
• Be safe, inclusive and appropriate for older participants
• Be delivered by appropriately qualified and experienced facilitators

Programs are expected to commence from February 2027.

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Structured strength and progressive resistance training programs for older adults
• Falls prevention programs with a demonstrated evidence base
• Programs supporting people living with chronic conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or similar)
• Programs combining physical and cognitive outcomes
• Evidence-based programs that support transition into ongoing activity pathways

Funding and Support

Successful applicants will:

• Receive up to $5,000 (incl. GST)
• Enter into a funding agreement with Council
• Provide a simple project plan, budget and delivery timeline
• Report on participation, outcomes and key learnings
• Acknowledge Council’s support in promotional materials

Council may also provide in-kind support, including:

• Access to Council venues (subject to availability and agreed conditions)
• Promotion through Council communication channels
• Guidance on accessibility, risk management and community engagement

How to Apply

EOIs must be submitted via SmartyGrants.

There is $10,000 in total funding available, with a maximum of $5,000 per project (inclusive of GST).

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SmartyGrants will close midnight Sunday 30 August 2026.

For successful applicants

Agreement

A formal agreement will be sent to successful applicants. Inability to comply with the agreement may result in withdrawal of support. Applicants who do not meet their obligations under the grant agreement may not be eligible to apply for further grant support from Inner West Council. 

Payment and GST 

Payment information will be provided with the letter of offer. Grants will be paid in full upon receipt of a tax invoice (maximum of $5,000). Organisations registered for GST should add GST to the grant amount. 

Recognition of assistance 

Successful applicants must acknowledge the Inner West Council for their activity at the activity and in any promotional material in relation to the activity. 

Activity Variations 

If there are significant changes to the funded activity, applicants must contact Council to confirm that the variation is acceptable prior to the activity. This includes but is not limited to, activity start and end dates, venues, fees and charges. 

Ready to Apply?

Ready to apply?

The application will ask for key information about yourself as project lead for your proposal including contact information and organisation/business details as applicable.

You will need to provide key information about the proposed project including proposed location, title, description, target audience and project timeline.  A balanced budget proposal is to be provided and there is an option to upload supporting material.

Please ensure you have all this information ready to input into your proposal. Incomplete and unsubmitted proposals will not be considered.