Seniors Expo 2019 Recap – and how to claim senior benefits

Seniors Expo 2019 Recap

The 2019 Seniors Expo has come and gone for another year.

This year brought thousands of attendees to the newly built Sydney ICC in Darling Harbour, some of the exhibitors ranged from Bunnings Warehouse, The Cancer Council to NSW Golfing, and also included the NSW Premier’s Concert!

The Seniors Eexpo allowed attendees to get real face-to-face conversations with industry leaders, and to my surprise when attending, showed how much benefits seniors are missing out on.

The NSW Government were able to bring along several of it’s departments to help showcase how going online and being in the know, can help seniors citizens benefit financially and also making applications and processes simple. Some of the highlighted benefits you might not be aware of, can be found below.

  • Australian Tax Office You may have missing super that you are unaware of, ATO now offers free ‘lost super’ checks for you which can found at ato.gov.au/super

  • Sydney Trains (Opal Pensioner Card) – One of the most popular benefits for senior citizens is applying for a Senior/Pensioner Opal Card, which allows for a maximum $2.50 a day travel to anywhere in NSW. To see if your eligible and to apply please go to transportnsw.info

  • Regional Coach Trials – NSW Trainlink are also offering new coach services to better connect regional communities. Senior/Pensioner Opal Card holders can now travel to regional towns such as Tamworth to Dubbo, Young to Sydney, or Goulburn to Syndey for only $2.50.

  • Birth Certificate Application – Applying for a birth certificate has never been easier, applying can now be done online, via post, by phone, or at a registry office. You can now have commemorative birth certificates created to make it unique and personal to you, designs include Bananas in Pyjamas, Play School, or your favourite NRL Team. You can now apply for these online at bdm.nsw.gov.au

  • NSW Fire & Rescue – You can now call your local fire station to schedule a free Home Fire Safety Check. Your local firefighter team can identify any risks or issues in case of an emergency and can help you be prepared if the worst was to happen. Visit fire.nsw.gov.au to learn more or contact your local fire station.

  • NSW Ageing Strategy – NSW Government has now launched a new strategy to help participate, contribute and be included in community activities. The strategy can now be viewed at facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/ageing

  • Tech Savvy Seniors – Provides free or low cost training to all seniors wanting to learn the use of computers, tablets or smartphones. Visit Tech Savvy Seniors for more information

  • Guide to Concession Cards – Learn more about what type of concession cards you could be eligible for. Including Pensioner Concession, Health Care, or Commonwealth Seniors Card. For more information please visit humanservices.gov.au/concessioncards 

  • Seniors Card Directory – If you have a Seniors Card you have a whole selection of discounts associated available to you, that you may be unaware of. This helpful directory can thoroughly go through all the information and discounts that you can receive, which include holidays, day out trips, leisure & lifestyle activities, general shopping, household goods and professional services. One of the more popular discounts that senior card holders have access to is Woolworths shopping online discounts. The directory can be found at http://www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/discounts/discount-directory

  • Open Academy – Wanting to learn a new skill? Open Academy now offer short music or dance courses for adults and seniors. These courses can give you the skills to carry on the pursue of your musical or dancing talent. Learn more at openacademy.sydney.edu.au

The Seniors Expo dates haven’t been set for 2020, but I would encourage anyone to attend. A free day, with some fantastic knowledge gained, fun show-bags and a concert to top it off.