Older People

Eligible pensioners can apply to get a discount of up to $250 on their Council rates.

See our Pay Your Rates page for details or call us on (02) 4227 7111.

Council offers two types of compassionate bin services for people who can't physically move their bins, and for kidney dialysis patients.

For details and application forms, visit the Wollongong Waste website or call us on (02) 4227 7111.

Wollongong City Libraries offer a great range of free programs, activities and resources year-round.

Join one of the free regular programs, including craft groups, cards and games mornings, history groups and more. Libraries also offer free tech and tea sessions for anyone wanting help using their digital devices.

The vast library collection includes large print, audiobooks, easy reads and titles in a range of community languages to help you enjoy reading at any age.

A Home Library Service is available for residents who are housebound due to frailty, illness, injury or disability.

Visit one of the seven locations, check out the libraries’ website, or call (02) 4227 7414 for more information.

Wollongong Art Gallery is one of the largest regional art museums in Australia. Entry is free and we are open Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, and Saturday to Sunday 12pm – 4pm (excluding public holidays).

As well as high quality exhibitions year-round, Wollongong Art Gallery also hosts a wide range of programs including talks, workshops and tours.

Visit the Wollongong Art Gallery website or call (02) 4227 8500 for more information.

The Wollongong Botanic Garden is free and open every day, offering a range of programs, tours and events. Support for visitors with mobility challenges including scooter hire is available.

Visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden website or call (02) 4227 7667 for more information.

Wollongong City Leisure Centres offer plenty of facilities to keep you fit at any age, including a gym and indoor heated pool.

Our facility at Beaton Park also offers specialised programs specially for people over 50.

Visit the Leisure Centres' website or call (02) 4227 7755 for more information.

Each year we present a great programs of events as part of NSW Seniors Festival.

Seniors Festival 2025 was held from 3 - 16 March. We'll update our website with details of Seniors Festival 2026 when we get closer to the date.

Old Boys Social Club is a program of free events and activities for older men. 

Libraries host regular Old Boys Games Mornings where you can enjoy cards, board games, chess, and cribbage sessions in the company of fellow mature older men.

The Vale Golf Course at Russell Vale is the friendliest golf course on the coast.

They have regular special offers and can provide extra support for players and visitors who need it.

Visit The Vale website or call (02) 4283 5322.

Important changes to Community Transport: Wollongong – Shellharbour

From Tuesday 1 July 2025, Coast and Country Community Services has been funded by the Commonwealth and State governments to provide community transport for people living in the Wollongong and Shellharbour areas.

Coast and Country is a specialist provider with a track record of providing high quality services in areas including the Shoalhaven, Bega Valley and Kiama.

We have been working closely with the new provider to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to services. Please note that existing bookings made with Community Transport Wollongong - Shellharbour will automatically be transferred to Coast and Country Community Services from 1 July.

For all new transport bookings from 1 July, please contact Coast and Country on 1300 411 345.

If you have any questions about these changes, please contact us on (02) 4227 7111.

We currently provide Social Support and activities for people who are 65 years or over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are 50 years or older. This service is funded by the Australian Department of Health.

If you are interested in Social Support services, you must be registered with My Aged Care.

Visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.

My Aged Care

This is an Australian Government service for people over 65, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50. Visit the My Aged Care website to access a broad range of services and information.

NSW Seniors Card

Permanent residents of NSW who are aged 60 or over and work 20 hours or less per week can apply for a NSW Seniors Card. This card gives you discounts and special offers at thousands of businesses across NSW.

For details or to apply, visit the NSW Seniors Card website.

Ageing and Disability Abuse

If you suspect abuse is happening to someone, or if you’re an older person or a person with disability experiencing abuse, you can report it to the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.

To use this service with the help of an interpreter, call 131 450 and tell the operator the language you need.

Visit the NSW Ageing & Disability Commission website for more information.

Planning Ahead Tools

Legal Aid NSW’s Planning Ahead Tools website is a great resource to help you manage legal, health and financial decisions such as wills, power of attorney or enduring guardianship.

Council on the Ageing NSW

Council on the Ageing NSW (COTA) is the peak organisation for people over 50 in New South Wales. Visit the COTA website for more information.

Seniors Rights Service

Seniors Rights Service is a community legal centre that provides advocacy, legal advice and education to older people in NSW. Visit their website or call 1800 424 079 for more information.