Older people
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.
Recreation for seniors
Engaging in a hobby, exercise class or social activity can offer sense of purpose and belonging which is vital for a person's general wellbeing.
Below are a range of recreation options available for local seniors.
Please note: Council has taken all care to ensure the information is current at the time of publication, however, services and activities are subject to change at any time.
Readers are encouraged to contact organisers directly to confirm all details before attending any activities.
Social and friendship groups(PDF, 136KB)
Arts, education and hobbies(PDF, 123KB)
Exercise, sports and wellbeing(PDF, 119KB)
Computers and technology(PDF, 113KB)
Programs for seniors
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.
Program details:
Group 1 – Start Date - Monday 10 March 6 weeks finishing Monday 14th April 2025
Group 2 – Start Date – Monday 2 June for 6 weeks finishing Monday 14th July 2025
Tweed Heads South Community Centre - Hall Kitchen
18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads
Cost: $20 for the full 6-week program
Bookings essential
To book or enquire, please fill out this form.
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.
Program details:
Group 1 – Wednesday 2 April for 8 weeks finishing 21 May start time 10.15am
Group 2 – Wednesday 1 June for 8 weeks finishing 23 July start time 10.15am
Group 3 – Wednesday 6h August for 8 weeks finishing 24 September start time 10.15am
Program starts 10.15 am Tweed Shire Council Administration Building – South Sea Islander Room
10 - 14 Tumbulgum Road Murwillumbah
18 Heffron Street Tweed Heads
Cost: $30 for the full 8-week program (Morning tea provided)
Bookings essential
To book or enquire, please fill out this form.
Shop Don’t Drop – Learn how to shop and pay bills online safely
Learn how to shop and pay bills online safely with Shop Don’t Drop, an important 10-week program focused on online safety and increasing basic digital literacy. The program helps people search the internet safely, recognise online scams, and know the basics of online shopping.
Program details:
Group 1 – Monday 7 April finishing Monday 23 June start time 9am
Group 2 - Monday 6 November finishing Monday 15 December start time 9am
Tweed Shire Council Administration Building - Harvard Room
Brett Street Tweed Heads
Cost: $30 for the full 10-week program
Bookings essential
To book or enquire, please fill out this form.
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 one-on-one sessions with students from St Joseph’s College to learn the basics of using their digital device.
Bookings available by appointment.
To book or enquire, please fill out this form.
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.
Programs details:
(Two sessions available)
Monday 10 March
Session 1: 10 am – 12 noon
Session 2: 1 pm – 3 pm
Tweed Shire Council Administration Building - Canvas & Kettle Room
10 - 14 Tumbulgum Road Murwillumbah
Free event
Bookings essential
To book or enquire, please fill out this form.
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.
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.
Tweed Community Care Forum
Community Services 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.
For more information email communityservices@tweed.nsw.gov.au.