Older people in Ballina and the Northern Rivers are being invited to a free seniors forum and regional consultation at Ballina RSL Club on Thursday, 22 October.
National Seniors Australia (NSA) will host the event at the Riverside Function Centre, 1 Grant Street, Ballina. NSA Community Engagement Manager Karen Furnivall said the day was designed to bring people together.
“The NSA Ballina Seniors forum is an opportunity for local seniors to come together to hear practical information, advocacy updates, and enjoy community connection in a warm and friendly environment,” said Ms Furnivall.
The morning forum is open to all and runs from 9am to 11:30am, with doors opening at 8:45am. It will cover NSA advocacy priorities and current campaigns, tips to save money and make the most of NSA member benefits, and ways to stay connected through local branches and community activities. Speakers will also explain government services available to older Australians and offer practical information on navigating retirement and later life. Morning tea will be served.
A facilitated regional consultation will follow from 11:30am to 1pm. Places are limited to 20 people, and lunch will be provided for those who take part.
“The forum will be followed by a Regional Consultation that aims to explore and discuss both the supports and limitations to living a good life in later years for people in regional communities,” said Ms Furnivall.
The session will focus on late-life housing in regional communities. It will look at the housing older Australians want, the barriers they face and the design features that support ageing well and independence. Insights from the session will feed into NSA research and reporting to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
“As part of the consultation, participants will be invited to share their views, concerns, and experiences on housing in later life including designs, wants, and shortfalls. The information and insights gained from the consultation can help both NSA and government to identify community needs and priorities as well as inform decision making and policy development,” Ms Furnivall stated.
Ms Furnivall said cost-of-living pressures were weighing on many older people.
“Like many Australians, older Australians are also experiencing the impact of cost-of-living pressures as they try to contend with competing priorities and expenses. Add to this, concerns around access to timely and high-quality Support at Home services and aged care, access to affordable and suitable age-friendly housing, as well as the proposed cut to the Private Health Insurance Rebate for Australians 65+ and older Australians are certainly feeling concerned,” said Ms Furnivall.
She said the issues were sharper in regional areas such as Ballina.
“For many older Australians in regional communities, including Ballina, the combined effects of unaffordable and age-appropriate housing, tight rental markets, and exposure to natural disasters can create housing insecurity. When these pressures are added to limited services, transport barriers, and social isolation, it can become more difficult for older Australians to remain safe and independent in the communities they call home,” said Ms Furnivall.
Everyone who registers will receive a free goodie bag on the day. Registrations can be made at https://go.nationalseniors.com.au/EV-2026-10-22-Ballina-Seniors-Forum-HC_01a-LPRegistration.html
“NSA encourages all seniors within the Ballina community to come along and join NSA for this free, engaging, and informative community event. Register now to secure your place before we’re booked out!” said Ms Furnivall.
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