Support for vulnerable Australians seeking access to aged care services extended

January 15, 2026

Care finder, a free service designed to help vulnerable older people who have limited supports, has been extended for another 3 years. 

Care finder assists individuals in navigating and accessing support services within their community, helping clients to understand available aged care services, arrange assessments, and find and choose the right services. The service also assists individuals in accessing other community supports.

Following re-funding, we conducted a rigorous open tender process in October 2025.

The following providers will be delivering care finder across the following south east Melbourne local government areas (LGAs) from 1 April 2026:

  • Inner South LGA Cluster (Bayside, Port Phillip, Glen Eira, Stonnington and Kingston):
  • Bayside City Council
  • Better Health Network
  • Outer South LGA Cluster (Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia):
  • Better Place Australia
  • Each
  • Mentis Assist
  • Peninsula LGA Cluster (Frankston and Mornington Peninsula):
  • Each
  • Housing for the Aged Action Group

We'll be working closely with current and new care finder providers to transition clients over the coming weeks where required.

Thank you to all the organisations who have contributed to the success and effectiveness of care finder to date. These organisations have supported at least 1,800 south east Melbourne residents since the program’s launch. You can learn more about the impact care finder partner organisations have made for vulnerable older people in our 2024–25 annual report. 

Care finder is currently funded until 30 June 2029.

Latest news

October 6, 2026
October is Mental Health Month - an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it.
October 1, 2026
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), replacing the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) that was established during Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 30, 2026
SEMPHN's 2026 Stakeholder Survey has found stakeholder experience improved across almost every measure, with stakeholders continuing to identify responsive staff, practical support and collaborative relationships as key strengths.