Most Territorians will tell you that the quality of living there is one of the best kept secrets in Australia, but last year more than 400 seniors discovered it too.
"In the last 12 months, over 400 seniors relocated to the Territory and applied for their Seniors Cards through the Seniors Card scheme administered by COTA NT for the Northern Territory," said Sue Shearer, CEO of COTA NT.
"This sets a record for the number of new Seniors Card members joining the scheme in one year since COTA NT took over the management of the Seniors Card scheme 2017.
"This is fantastic news as we know the Territory lifestyle, discounts and other offers for seniors are among the best in Australia. And it appears that other seniors from interstate and overseas are realising this too."
In the last financial year, the Seniors Card scheme membership grew with over 193 Seniors Card members moving to Darwin suburbs, 40 to Darwin rural areas, 22 to Alice Springs and 144 to Palmerston.
Katherine saw 10 new Seniors Card members and nine relocating to remote communities. Some of these seniors have some from as far afield as Scotland, New Zealand and the Philippines.
The average age of these new Seniors Card members is between 60 and 65.
"This is a terrific outcome for the Territory as we know seniors contribute to the community economically and socially, and are very loyal with spending locally," Ms Shearer said.
"We welcome them and are confident they will enjoy the Territory lifestyle. And of course, we hope this interstate and overseas migration continues."
Businesses in the Northern Territory who can offer a discount on their goods and or services to seniors can join the Seniors Card scheme for free and advertise directly to seniors.
Total membership of the NT Seniors Card scheme is 30,572; 1748 new cards were issued in 2020/21 FY plus 956 replacement cards; 2153 new cards issued in the 2021/22 plus 1041 replacement cards.
Click here for more information about the scheme.
