The funding will be used to promote activities for Orange's seniors designed around combatting loneliness and isolation.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the opportunity to create the seniors hub comes at a time of increased challenges and stresses associated with retirement and ageing.

"With a third of all senior Australians living alone, there is a very real need to help people who are feeling isolated," Cr Kidd said.

"The new Hub will be delivering a range activities designed to help our older residents maintain good mental health or work on a smooth transition into retirement for new retirees."

The next step in creating the hub will be setting up a working party and recruiting a staff member to lead the program.

"I'm excited about the way the new approach will involve community members in deciding what happens next," Cr Kidd said.

"We're looking for someone who can develop the programs and resources for the seniors hub. They'll need to build community awareness across the region and also recruit and supervise a wide range of volunteers."

"The Orange Centre (Nguluway Ngurang) does a great job but this is an opportunity to give that centre a real boost of resources and breath of fresh air. It's expected the new activities will be underway early in the new year."

Combined Pensioners Association president Margaret Sutton was delighted by the prospect of a permanent staff member at the centre.

"It needs to be used more," she said.

The $249,818 funding is over three years and comes via the Australian Government's Seniors Connected Program.

The Orange centre is among 12 organisations across Australia that will share in $4.7 million to establish Seniors Connected Village Hubs.

Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said this funding would help turn the centre into a hub of activity to help seniors better connect with their community and live independently.

"These new village hubs would encourage older Australians to socialise and engage in activities like bushwalking, crafts, yoga classes and information nights that support good mental and physical health," Mr Gee said.

"The Hub's activities would range from the social, physical and educational to the artistic and cultural - all aimed at improving the wellbeing of older people.

"We know that digital and social connections are essential to support older Australians to live independently and this is more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic."

Applications close for the seniors hub village project leader on December 19. Details are on Orange City Council's webpage.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Send a letter to the editor using the form below