NSA has about 300,000 members and the Knox branch is one of the most active, meeting each month to hear guest speakers, plan events and share a meal.

Branch president John Giles and vice-president Robert Murray have been actively involved since the branch opened.

Attendances have increased from 30 people each month to about 60.

Mr Murray said the group provided an avenue for social activities that many of its members might otherwise miss out on.

"A lot of people who come to the meetings are widows or widowers, and quite often this is the major social contact they have," he said.

"Often they live on their own and that can make it difficult to communicate with other people. By coming here they get an opportunity to meet and have lunch."

Mr Giles said that while the minimum age for joining the NSA was 50, the branch's younger members mixed easily with its older members and people of all backgrounds were welcome.

"We want everyone to feel that they have got somewhere to go. We don't bar people of any type; anyone who walks into a meeting and becomes a member is instantly part of the group. No one is different in the group, we are all friends."

Apart from providing the chance to meet and hear speakers, the NSA advocates on behalf of its members to all levels of government.

Of particular concern to the organisation is improving residential aged-care services and strengthening the financial security of its members.

"The Knox branch is represented on policy committees at local government level," Mr Giles said.

He said the branch regularly organised group activities for its members, but tried to do so in an economical fashion.

"We try to keep the costs down to a level that people can afford. Understandably, not all seniors have a lot of money."

The branch organises theatre nights, day trips, a Christmas party and a Christmas in July event.

Speakers who have addressed the branch included a Qantas pilot, Weary Dunlop's former secretary, a poet and an ambulance officer.

Mr Giles said the branch's members had built many significant friendships. "We are all older people getting out and enjoying life."