Northern Beaches Seniors Directory
Find out about local services and activities for older residents in our Seniors Directory 2023-2024. The directory includes information on support services and groups, education, activity and social groups, health services, and advocacy, complaints, financial and legal information.
Copies of the Directory are available from Council customer service centres, libraries and community centres. Or contact our Community Development Team (Seniors) on 8495 6618 or seniors@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
Meals on Wheels
Council provides a Meals on Wheels service and operates a Community Restaurant at Manly Seniors Centre. The Service delivers meals to people who live in the Manly, Balgowlah, North Manly and Freshwater areas. Meals on Wheels is all about people being able to continue to live comfortably in their own home. Those eligible are the frail/aged, have a disability, or care for someone who is frail/aged or has a disability.
Home Library Services
For those unable to visit the library because of age, disability or are a carer, the Home Library Service maintains a vital connection with all that the library offers.
Pensioner Rates
You may be eligible for a pensioner rebate on your Council rates and charges.
Road Safety
Research shows older road users are most likely to suffer serious injuries from car crashes, particularly pedestrian crashes. Find out about licensing, workshops and resources to help be a safer driver or see some other transport options on our Seniors Road Safety page.
Other useful links
My Aged Care
The My Aged Care website has been established by the Australian Government to help you navigate the aged care system and access government-subsidised aged care. Visit the website or call 1800 200 422 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays.
Carer Gateway
The Carer Gateway is an Australian Government initiative that provides assistance to those who care for a family member or friend. Provides practical information and advice, helps you to get the services and supports you need including respite, provides free phone counselling and coaching to help you in your role and helps you connect with other carers. Phone 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Care Finders
Care Finders is a free service to assist older people who have limited supports, navigate the aged care system and find support services to improve their quality of life. Phone 8405 4484.
Aged Care Specialist Officer - Services Australia
Aged Care Specialist Officers can check you’re eligibility for government-funded services, make a referral for an aged care assessment, help you appoint a representative for My Aged Care, provide financial information about aged care, and connect you with local supports. Call the Aged Care Line to book an appointment at your local Services Australia centre: 1800 227 475
OPAN - Older Persons Support
The Older Persons Advocacy Network offers the following free services: aged care advocacy services that are independent and confidential, information about aged care service provision, referrals and the rights and responsibilities of consumers, and information and education sessions to consumers and providers of Commonwealth funded aged care services. Also provide extensive COVID-19 resources. Visit the website or call 1800 700 600 between 8am and 8pm weekdays or 10am and 4pm on Saturdays.
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia is a peak body advocating for the needs of people living with all types of dementia and for their families and carers, and provide support services, education and information. Dementia Australia has developed COVID-19 Help Sheets for people living with dementia, families, friends and service providers. Dementia Australia also recently launched The Dementia Guide, a comprehensive resource for people living with dementia and their networks. It can be downloaded from the Dementia Australia website or hard copies can be posted. Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Carers NSW
Carers NSW is the peak non-government organisation for carers in NSW and provides information, education and training, resources and referrals to support carers.
Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA)
Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA NSW) is the peak organisation representing people over 50 in NSW. It's an independent, consumer-based non-government organisation. COTA works with politicians, policy makers, and service providers as well as media representatives to ensure the views of those 50 and over are heard and acted upon.
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
You can report concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline by calling 1800 628 221, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can also report concerns via their website. This service is confidential and callers remain anonymous.
NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading safeguards the rights of all consumers and advises business and traders on fair ethical practice. They also provide information and education on scams and cybercrime and you can report scams on their website. Call 13 32 20 from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Seniors Rights Service
Seniors Rights Service is a community legal centre that protects the rights of older people. It provides telephone advice, advocacy, legal advice and educational services. Contact 1800 424 079 for more information.