Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison has urged eligible organisations in Maitland to apply for the grants, which range from $10,000 to $100,000 out of a total pool of $600,000 across the state.

"We want community service providers and community based groups to think of innovative ideas that could help seniors keep in touch by utilising things like phone calls, teleconferencing, online platforms or other methods of communication," said Ms Aitchison.

"With so many seniors now missing their regular social activities, we want to encourage programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes.

"While we want seniors to stay at home to protect their health, we need to ensure they have the appropriate levels of emotional support," Ms Aitchison said.

"Older people over 65 (or over 55 in the Aboriginal community) are the most vulnerable age groups for COVID-19. They are being advised to follow social distancing rules, so we need to find ways to replace the normal daily routines and face-to-face catchups."

"With a little imagination, there are many ways that seniors and service groups could adapt their activities to take advantage of new technology to keep seniors connected." Social inclusion is a key priority of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is part of the NSW Government's key commitment to meet the needs of our ageing population.

Applications for the Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors During COVID-19 grants program are now open until April 26. For more information: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/combatting-social-isolation-for-seniors. Seniors are urged to get the latest COVID-19 information at: www.health.nsw.gov.au