The Liveable Communities Grants Program provides grants of up to $100,000 to innovative projects that help older people stay healthy, stay connected, get or keep a job, or live in their community close to family or friends. 

The NSW government promised to build stronger communities for older people, and this program plays a big part in delivering on that promise.

Everyone deserves to live in safe, vibrant and inclusive communities and be proud to call them home.

By investing in projects like these, the NSW government is helping older people to live healthier and happier lives.

The first year of the program was a success, with 24 funded projects encompassing health, wellbeing, and creative arts, and included initiatives that connect older people with their communities, address elder abuse, and support older workers.

A number of funded projects target older people in Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Projects must align with one of the government’s five identified ageing priority areas of health and well being; working and retiring; housing choices; getting around and inclusive communities.

Applications close September 30.

For more information, visit www.ageing.nsw.gov.au/about_us/news/liveable-communities-grants-program, email LiveableCommunitiesGrants@facs.nsw.gov.au  or call (02) 8753 9418.

Adrian Piccoli

Member for Murray 

THE July wet weather has impacted on the state’s primary producers, with some winter crops heavily waterlogged.

The wet weather continued into July providing most of the state with above-average to near average rainfall.

The majority of the central west, Riverina, far south, central and southern tablelands, Hunter Valley, Sydney basin and south east received 25 to 100 mm.

Areas of the south coast, central tablelands and south west slopes received over 100 mm.

Areas of below-average rainfall occurred over the north west, in the far northern tablelands and along the mid-north to north coast.

Relative to historical records, rainfall during July was above average across 33 per cent of the state and near-average across most of the remainder.

The wet conditions have restricted pasture growth in some areas, while growth improved across areas of the coast, north west, central west, Riverina and far south. Growth was generally maintained across the far west.

Topsoil moisture remained at high levels during July, particularly in the central, southern and south eastern areas of the state and across some areas of the far west.

Relative to historical records, July topsoil moisture levels were well above average to extremely high across much of inland NSW and areas of the south coast.

Significant run off occurred during July, particularly across central and southern NSW and areas of the south east. T

The Bureau of Meteorology’s streamflow forecast indicates high streamflows are likely across most NSW monitoring stations during August to October.

We have seen the early sown winter crops perform reasonably well, although the wet, cold and cloudy conditions have slowed their growth. 

The wet conditions have made topdressing and weed, insect, pest and disease control difficult, with aerial application the only option in many areas.

Ian McGowen 

Seasonal conditions co-ordinator

NSW DPI