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

Nurse Practitioner standing in front of Safety Beach Medical logo
February 3, 2026
To mark Primary Health Care Nurses Day (4 February ) , South Eastern Melbourne PHN is celebrating a local general practice that has successfully supported one of its nurses to step into a Nurse Practitioner role, strengthening access to care for patients and supporting a more sustainable general practice workforce.
January 28, 2026
Updated guidance for allied health professionals working in aged care is now available
Five women at a white table in an office, discussing work with a laptop and documents.
January 21, 2026
Relationship Matters is running a free program for women experiencing challenges with anger management.