Strengthening communities: Our collaboration with National Seniors Australia Broadbeach

At the heart of our community engagement efforts is a commitment to supporting initiatives that make a real difference. A prime example of this dedication is our partnership with the National Seniors Australia Broadbeach Branch. This not-for-profit organisation champions the needs of older Australians, ensuring they live their fullest lives while representing their voices on critical issues like age discrimination, retirement income, and healthcare. 

We are proud to provide financial support to the Broadbeach branch, funding vital transport services for seniors and bolstering their essential fundraising efforts.

Marketing and ESG Coordinator Maddison Mangan highlights the impact of this partnership on the Broadbeach branch, stating, “Our support for National Seniors Australia’s Broadbeach branch is crucial in helping them address local needs. Their programs, from transport assistance to financial support, make a tangible difference in the lives of seniors in our community. We’re proud to play a part in enhancing their ability to deliver these vital services and foster a supportive environment for older Australians.”

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To gain deeper insight into their impactful work, we recently spoke with Matt Johnston from the National Seniors Australia Broadbeach. Here’s what he shared:

Could you tell us about the National Seniors Australia Broadbeach and how the branch supports the local community?

“At the Broadbeach Branch, our main focus is member engagement. Just as engagement is crucial for retention in HR, it’s vital for us too. New members join seeking camaraderie, meaningful interactions, and diverse experiences. To meet these needs, we create a monthly program featuring communication, guest speakers, lunch outings, and friendly cards and correspondence.”

What are some of the key initiatives and programs that the branch is currently focusing on to enhance the wellbeing of older Australians?

“When Stockwell reached out offering support, our committee identified four key areas where additional funding could significantly benefit our members:

• Transport assistance: Addressing mobility challenges with transport support.
• Home delivery services: Facilitating the delivery of essential items.
• Gift card giveaways: Offering gift cards at monthly meetings is a great way to recognise individuals that contribute to branch activities. During this cost of living crisis, gift cards are also a valuable way of promoting community engagement. 
• Home care support: Providing assistance with home maintenance and personal care.

Currently, our focus is on transport assistance and gift card giveaways, with other initiatives planned for the near future.”

How has the monthly donation impacted your branch’s ability to provide transport and prizes for fundraising initiatives?

“The main impact of the partnership has been instilling confidence in our committee to develop assistance programs for our members. This support is crucial for enhancing the lives of older Australians and strengthening our community.”

What are some of the key benefits or outcomes you have observed from the

partnership, both for your branch and the seniors you support?

“The key benefit of the partnership has been the confidence it has given the committee to advance assistance programmes for our members. Stockwell’s contribution, which accounts for one-third of our income from various sources such as donations, raffles, and meeting attendance, enables us to budget for the 2024/25 period. This allows us to allocate 80% of our income back to members through assistance programs, function subsidies, and various giveaways as part of our engagement strategy.”

Could you tell us more about the importance of National Seniors Australia?

“We play a vital role in helping older Australians live their best lives. The Broadbeach branch also fosters camaraderie by hosting events such as Christmas in July and end-of-year luncheons, which keeps engagement high and strengthens our supportive community.”

As Australia’s leading independent voice for older Australians, we operate nationally, representing the views of those over 50 to all levels of government. Our advocacy efforts address age discrimination, mature-age employment, retirement income, healthcare, aged care, and the cost of living. Through advocacy, research, and policy development, we have positively influenced aged care reform, age pension increases, the removal of the superannuation guarantee age limit, and support for older workers.”

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Maddison Mangan concludes, “Our ongoing partnership with National Seniors Australia Broadbeach exemplifies our commitment to making a real difference. By supporting their efforts, we help ensure that older Australians receive the care and support they deserve.”

Click here to learn more about National Seniors Australia – Broadbeach.