Two new grant programs have been launched to strengthen prevention of older persons' abuse and support the safety, dignity and inclusion of senior Territorians.
Delivered for the first time by the Department of People, Sport and Culture (DPSC), the grants represent a dedicated investment in community-led prevention, early intervention and awareness-raising across the Northern Territory.
With the Territory's senior population projected to exceed 35,000 by 2036, targeted action to prevent abuse and strengthen supports - particularly in regional and remote communities - is a growing priority.
The funding is being delivered through two distinct programs:
Older Persons' Abuse Grant Program
Now open for applications, this program offers grants of $3,000 to $15,000, with a total funding pool of $50,000 for the 2025-26 round.
The program supports locally designed and delivered initiatives that directly address older persons' abuse in the Northern Territory.
Funded activities may include:
community education sessionsprofessional development for frontline workers such as police, health or banking staffculturally appropriate awareness campaignsevents that create safe spaces for older people and families to learn, connect and seek supportintra-territory travel to deliver activities in regional and remote communities.
Priority will be given to projects delivered in regional and remote areas and those addressing financial abuse, psychological abuse and neglect - the most commonly reported forms of abuse in the Territory.
Applications close 31 May 2026, or earlier if funding is exhausted.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Grant
A separate one-off $20,000 grant has also been established to support activities marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2026.
This grant will support Territory-wide awareness and community engagement aligned with the global day of action, encouraging innovative and inclusive approaches that reach diverse communities.
Priority will be given to organisations that:
plan activities across multiple locations in the Territorydemonstrate strong alignment with grant objectivespromote accessibility and inclusionrecognise links to the Northern Territory Seniors Policy 2021-2026.
Applications close 6 March 2026 for activities delivered around 15 June 2026.
Older persons' abuse remains a significant and often underreported issue in the Northern Territory. Data from Darwin Community Legal Service indicates that around 15 per cent of Territorians experience older persons' abuse. About 70 per cent of victims are women, and 90 per cent of perpetrators are family members - most commonly adult children. Financial abuse, verbal abuse and neglect are the most prevalent forms.
Department of People, Sport and Culture CEO Samantha Livesley said the grants mark an important step in strengthening community-led prevention.
"Older persons' abuse is a serious and often hidden issue that affects far too many Territorians.
"For the first time, we are providing dedicated funding focused specifically on prevention and awareness, empowering communities to develop responses that reflect local needs.
"These grants will support practical initiatives - from frontline training to culturally safe education and community events - that help ensure older Territorians remain safe, connected and respected.
"As our senior population grows, investing in prevention and community capability is essential."
Preventing older persons' abuse is a priority under the Northern Territory Seniors Policy 2021-2026 and remains a focus of the Minister's Advisory Council for Senior Territorians.
Applications for both grants are now open via GrantsNT here or contact the Office of Senior Territorians on (08) 0999 3861 or email [[email protected]].
