Taree Aged Services Expo 2026
Come along for free tea, coffee and information and sound advice from a range of services including:
- Home care providers
- Aged care services
- Dementia information and support
- Carer support
- Legal services
- Mobility equipment
- Transport services
- Financial information and more
Date: Thursday 10th September 2026
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Manning Entertainment Centre, 33 Manning River Drive, Taree.
This expo is being hosted by the MidCoast Dementia Alliance with MidCoast Council.
For more information, contact Jane O’Dwyer on 0418 769 494 or Jane.ODwyer@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.
‘Celebrating our Seniors’ Photography Exhibition
The Live Your Best Life: Celebrating our Seniors exhibition highlights people who are actively supporting their health and wellbeing, through photography and personal stories.
The exhibition reflects the richness and vitality of seniors in our community who continue to live life to the fullest and challenge stereotypes. We hope their stories will inspire others through their attitudes, experiences and everyday actions.
The exhibition is currently on display at the Yalawanyi Ganya exhibition space in the Taree Council administration building until 28th August. Selected works from the exhibition will then be on display at the Forster Civic Centre from 1st - 26th September.
This is a great place for a morning out; the Junction Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 2.00pm to grab a coffee.
To get you excited, see the electronic magazine of the exhibition. Hard copies are available at the exhibition.
Creative Ageing Portal
Evidence demonstrates the powerful impact that the arts can have on the health and wellbeing of older people – enhancing quality of life for people who are seeking to remain fit and well as they age and for people who live with a chronic condition such as dementia or depression.
Health benefits through arts activities, such as dancing and singing, include improved mobility and motor control, improved heart and respiratory function, greater self-esteem and confidence, less reliance on medication and personal care, higher social engagement and beneficial effects on mental health.
Such activities are increasingly important for the Mid North Coast region, which has one of the highest ageing populations in NSW with 32.7% of the region’s population aged 60 years and over.
Creative Ageing, as part of the Arts Mid North Coast website has a range of events, exhibitions and opportunities to get involved. See here for more details and information: Creative Ageing | Arts Mid North Coast
Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club
Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club is a friendly, welcoming hub for people over the age of 45. The club meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Cavanbah Centre.
You can join weekly activities including indoor bowls, dancing, and games. A computer club and needlecraft and quilters club also meet weekly at the centre.
Cavanbah is a modern community facility that can hold up to 200 people. It's set in landscaped gardens with free parking.
It's a great place to visit, try some new activities and meet people in the area.
See more here: Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club | LiveUp
Coffs Harbour Suicide Bereavement Support Group
Do you know someone who would benefit from a safe and supportive space after losing a loved one to suicide?
Our Coffs Harbour Suicide Bereavement Support Group offers a compassionate environment where people can connect with others who understand, share at their own pace, and receive mutual support. Facilitated by Lifeline North Coast, the group meets monthly and provides a space to walk alongside others in grief.
When: Sessions are held on the second Monday of every month
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Where: Lifeline - North Coast, 2/115 West High Street, Coffs Harbour.
If you know anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, we encourage you to forward this email and let them know about this special support group
HOW TO FIND OUT MORE OR JOIN THE GROUP
If you would like more information about our Suicide Bereavement Support Group or you would like to attend, we invite you to contact Sunjii on 0411 212 686 or sdoohan@lifelinenc.org.au
SING Australia
Love to sing? Want to join in with welcoming, inclusive, and fun people on a Monday afternoon?
We meet every Monday (except on public holidays) from 3 pm to 5 pm to enjoy good company and share the joy of singing.
There are no auditions, no musical reading requirements, and no pressure! We have a break at 4 pm for a cuppa (BYO cup, everything else is provided) and a chat.
Meeting location: The Pavilion, Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, 41 York Street, Coffs Harbour.
Not everyone can sing on their own, but everyone can sing with others.
The practice venue is accessible.
To find out more, please visit the website: Home - Sing Australia
Extension of CHSP until mid-2029
The Federal Government has announced that the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will be extended until mid-2029, redesigned, and retained as a separate program from Support at Home. They recognised the importance it plays in providing person-centred, preventative and essential support for older people. They have also issued an open invitation for CHSP providers to be part of the consultation and planning process, as to how to improve the program. Read more on the Australian Ageing Agenda website
After months of advocacy and consultation, this is a welcome announcement for many across the sector. There have been strong calls for CHSP to remain separate from Support at Home, while also being improved and strengthened to better meet the needs of older people and the sector.
Consultation on the program’s long-term future will begin this year, including consideration of how:
- block funding can be continued
- contributions can be made fair and equitable
- early intervention services can help reduce pressure across the broader aged care system.
This is an important step forward, and we look forward to contributing to the consultation and helping shape a strong, sustainable future for CHSP.
Read more about the sector response on the Australian Ageing Agenda website.
Ageing Australia National Conference 2026
The Ageing Australia National Conference is back for 2026, heading to the Sydney International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 24 -26 November. The leading event of the year for aged care, retirement living and seniors housing.
Featuring renowned keynote speakers and thought leaders, this is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best, explore innovative practices and gain fresh perspectives to help shape the future of aged care in Australia. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear dynamic discussions, inspiring presentations and rich networking with professionals dedicated to advancing the sector.
This will be your opportunity to connect with sector leaders, explore innovative ideas and share best practices that will help shape the future of ageing in Australia. With an inspiring line-up of speakers, extensive networking opportunities and a vibrant trade exhibition, this is the must-attend event of the year.
Read more details here: 2026 National Conference | Ageing Australia conferences
Suicide Prevention Training
Training helps us learn how to keep ourselves and our communities strong.
Training sessions are designed to be accessible to all members of the community 18+, so no prior knowledge is required.
There is no charge as they are funded by the Department of Health, and lunch is provided.
Opening conversations around suicide is vital to increase awareness and help prevent suicide in our communities – but knowing exactly how to do that can be daunting. Over 10 million Australian adults are estimated to know someone who has died by suicide. One in two young people are impacted by suicide by the time they turn 25 and 9 lives are lost by suicide every day.
The Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention training educates people about suicide, challenging attitudes, teaching basic engagement and suicide intervention skills.
You will gain increased confidence in your ability to identify people who may be at risk of suicide, communicate appropriately, ask a person if they are considering suicide and conduct a suicide intervention.
Dates:
Grafton - 29th September 9am - 4pm
Dorrigo - 22nd September 9am -1.30pm
Val’s LGBTI+ Ageing and Aged Care News
Listed below are a range of resources to share to assist service providers and staff to understand and meet the needs of older LGBTI+ people and your aged care obligations.
Video: Older LGBTI+ People: supporting & promoting rights-based aged care - and read the accompanying resource here.
Video: Trauma awareness & working with older LGBTI+ people in community aged care - and read the accompanying resource here.
See more here about Val's wonderful training options on the La Trobe University website.
Trauma-informed Resource for Aged Care teams working with First Nations participants
The Healing Foundation has released its easy-to-use fact sheet for aged care workers, managers, nurses, lifestyle staff, support workers and home care teams.
The resource explains how everyday aspects of aged care including uniforms, strict routines, loss of control over daily decisions, or shared rooms can unintentionally bring back memories of childhood separation or institutionalisation. It offers practical ways to reduce distress: providing clear choices, involving trusted advocates, using gentle language and body language, and creating environments that support dignity and autonomy.
The fact sheet was co-developed with survivors and sector partners to guide safe, respectful care for ageing Stolen Generations survivors and their families. It also supports the sector as it adapts to the Aged Care Act, which came into effect on 1 November 2025. The new Act requires services to provide rights-based, trauma-informed and culturally safe care. This resource from The Healing Foundation is designed to complement this shift, offering practical, survivor-led guidance that helps services meet the Act’s expectations in a supportive, constructive way.
“Survivors have told us what harm looks like and how we can be safer, and this resource reflects their voices and lived experience,” The Healing Foundation CEO Shannan Dodson said.
“By listening to survivors and applying trauma-informed, culturally safe approaches, we can ensure older Stolen Generations survivors receive the care, respect and understanding they deserve.”
HF_Understanding_Trauma_Fact_Sheet_Aged_Care_Dec2025_V3_WEB.pdf
Contact: resources@healingfoundation.org.au
Learn more: www.healingfoundation.org.au
FREE Online Country Fire Authority Bushfire Safety Q&A for the Care Sector
Please note this session is targeted at Victorian providers, but may be of interest to providers nationally.
Due to the declaration by the BOM of an active El Niño last month, CFA have brought this year’s Bushfire Safety Q&A forward to help you have the best chance to prepare for what could be an early fire season.
Our Q&As are a place for support workers and service providers to:
- hear about the upcoming fire season
- learn about new and updated resources
- ask us questions about bushfire safety.
This year CFA will also be joined by Katherine Burton and Tim Nelson from Abound Communities. When bushfires threatened regional Victoria in January 2026, Abound Communities coordinated the evacuation of residents and staff from Currie Park Retirement Village in Euroa to Shepparton and back again. Join to hear:
- how they managed the response
- what they learnt
- what they want you to know.
Date: Tuesday, 8th September 2026
Time: 2pm - 3.30pm
Register here: Attend an event | Fire Safety for the Care Sector | Engage CFA
Who We Think We Are: the role of identity in making decisions as we get older
Aged care has embraced dignity and person-centred care. It has paid far less attention to identity — the person's sense of who they are — and the part it plays in how people make decisions and adopt behaviours.
That is the focus of this session. Whether an older person seeks help, stays on a medication or rejects it, or accepts support at all often relates less to clinical factors and more on whether the action sits comfortably with their identity as an older person. Things that threaten our identity tend to be resisted, while we more readily accept and adopt things that align with who we already are. Identity, in this sense, functions as a barrier or a driver of behaviour — and this is something the sector has barely begun to focus on.
Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am
Carers NSW: Exploring Carer Stress and Restrictive Practices
This 90-minute workshop recognises that family and friend carers play a vital role in supporting safe, positive ageing. Restrictive practices can arise from stress, lack of awareness, and fear, rather than any intent to harm. Join us to learn how to identify and respond to carer stress, and explore practical ways to reduce the risk of restrictive practices.
Date: Tuesday, 22nd September 2026
Time: 2pm to 3:30pm
Cost: FREE for CHSP and other aged care staff and volunteers
Register here for Carers NSW: Exploring Carer Stress & Restrictive Practices workshop
Support at Home: Getting ready for the personal care contribution change
Support for providers to prepare for the new personal care contribution settings which take effect from 1 October 2026. The Provider readiness checklist helps providers prepare for the change. It is separated into 2 phases. Phase 1 explains how providers can make sure their organisation, ICT, stakeholders and participants are prepared in time for 1 October 2026. Phase 2 explains how providers can apply the required changes, resolve issues and monitor performance. These sessions cover the practical impact of the changes and how providers should prepare.
Date and Time: Thursday 3rd September, 11.30am - 12.15pm
Register here: Getting ready for the personal care contribution change | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Aged Care Reform overview with Paul Sadler
With so many changes taking place across the Aged Care sector, it can be difficult to keep up. Join Paul Sadler for an expert update on the latest reform-related changes shaping the sector. This is your opportunity to hear directly from an experienced voice, gain clarity on what the changes mean for your organisation and learn how to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, prepared and ahead of the changes.
Date: Tuesday 15th September
Time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Register here on Eventbrite for the Aged Care Reform overview with Paul Sadler
Elder Abuse Awareness Training
Elder abuse can happen in many ways and is often underreported. Many older people who experience abuse never seek help - because they feel ashamed, fear repercussions, or the harm comes from someone they trust, including family.
Did you know abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, social or sexual, and includes neglect? Join OPAN and our panel of experts to recognise the signs of abuse, learn what to do if you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, and find out where to get help.
Watch here: Elder abuse: Protecting rights, preventing harm
OPAN’s free education and information sessions support providers to meet their obligations under the Aged Care Act and Aged Care Quality Standards.
Topics include:
- the rights of older people and provider responsibilities
- advocacy and self-advocacy
- complaints and the Serious Incidents Response Scheme (SIRS)
- identifying and responding to abuse.
‘Supporting Carers in your Workforce’ Showcase Series
Carers NSW, in partnership with Carers WA, Carers Victoria and Ageing Australia, has launched a new Supporting Carers in Your Workforce Showcase Series.
The four-part interview series features aged care and care sector employers sharing practical examples of how they support and retain staff with caring responsibilities.
The series highlights:
- real-world examples of carer-inclusive workplace strategies
- practical approaches to support workforce wellbeing and retention
- insights that can be applied across organisations of all sizes.
The short, accessible videos are ideal for managers, HR teams and sector leaders looking to strengthen their workforce approach.
Watch the series, share with your networks and explore the full suite of workforce resources via the Carers NSW Aged Care Hub or Carers NSW YouTube channel
LGBTI+ Ageing and Aged Care Awareness Training
Part 1: Foundations. This includes introductory information regarding the experiences and needs of older LGBTI+ people to provide staff/services supporting older people in the community with basic awareness & a foundation on which to build rights-based, LGBTI+ inclusive care & support.
Part 2: Actions & Initiatives. This session will include an overview of sector requirements, diversity/inclusive practice frameworks, reforms relating to LGBTI+ inclusion, as well as tools and frameworks to build and create greater inclusion and care.
Dates: Ongoing throughout the year
Register here:
Part 1 - LGBTI Awareness Training Part 1: Foundations Tickets | TryBooking Australia
Part 2 - LGBTI Inclusion for CHSP: Part 2 - Actions & Initiatives Tickets | TryBooking Australia
How to Engage Meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Community engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is one of the most important - and most frequently mishandled - aspects of working in this space. Too often, "engagement" means a brief consultation that has little impact on decisions already made. Genuine engagement is something very different.
Yarning Crescent supports organisations to develop and implement genuine community engagement strategies. They facilitate community consultations, provide cultural guidance, and help organisations build the relationships needed for meaningful engagement.
Find out more here: About Us — Yarning Crescent | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business
Dementia Research and Education Centre Mini-training
DREAM Coaching Mini-sessions are here.
These short videos are designed to give you best-practice dementia care tips and strategies that you can access anytime, when you only have a little time.
They discuss:
- The importance of validation in dementia care
- Why knowing the person really matters
- How teamwork can help you and the person in your care
- The "Silent Partner" approach
- Looking beyond words to recognise pain
- Using the Five Ss to promote better communication between caregivers and receivers
Find these Coaching Mini-sessions under the Coaching tab or through the Resource Library in the Network.
Red Cross Check-in Service
Telecross is a telephone check-in service that helps you start the day with an act of human connection. Every morning, you’ll receive a phone call from one of our friendly volunteers who’s keen to find out how you are.
Telecross operates 365 days a year. What makes it unique is that our callers check on the whole person (that’s you!), rather than focusing on a single aspect of your life.
The Telecross difference
When our volunteers call you, they’ll ask about:
- your health
- your wellbeing
- your plans for the day
- anything else that might be happening for you that’s causing you concern.
If you don’t answer the phone, or if there’s something going on for you that requires an urgent response, our volunteers will follow a series of steps to connect you to the help you need.
Who is the program for?
Telecross is for anyone who might benefit from an extra layer of social interaction and safety, and who is already registered for My Aged Care or has a referral from the Tasmanian Community Care Referral Service (HACC).
If you live alone, or if you live with someone else and think one or both of you might benefit from someone looking out for your wellbeing, Telecross can give you additional peace of mind.
Read more and register here: Telecross | Australian Red Cross
Self-Advocacy Toolkit by OPAN
Self-advocacy puts you in the driver’s seat. It is the ability to speak up for yourself on issues that are important to you. You might want to speak up when you:
• are finding it difficult to access aged care services
• have a concern about your aged care services
• don’t feel like your aged care services are meeting your needs
• want to make a complaint.
The Self-advocacy toolkit provides some practical tools to help you get started. It contains a step-by-step guide to making yourself heard and checklists to help you speak up for better in home and residential care.
Read the Self-advocacy Toolkit Brochuree here.
Visit the Self-advocacy toolkit website here.
OPAN Explains Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF)
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has developed a factsheet for older people that explains the Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) which came into effect on 1 November 2025, replacing the Additional Service Fee and Extra Service Fee frameworks. HELF is an optional fee which gives residents access to additional premium services beyond the standard of care required under the Residential Care Service List and the Aged Care Quality Standards. This can include premium meal services, in-room TV, and Wi-Fi usage. This factsheet explains HELF, as well as outlining the key protections and rights of residents. There is also additional information for providers to understand the changes, in order to communicate them to residents and their support networks.
Support at Home Escalation Pathway
An escalation pathway is due to be established for people with complex circumstances that are not fully captured by current arrangements when they are assessed for support.
This includes people are assigned an ongoing home support classification level (for Commonwealth Home Support Program or Support at Home) and people who are assigned a priority category for Support at Home. The pathway intends to allow for consideration of possible adjustment to assessment outcomes. The Australian Government is also reviewing the Support at Home prioritisation process, which will be informed by targeted sector and stakeholder consultation.
Read more here: Support at Home program | My Aged Care
Grief, Loss and Dementia
This session provides an overview of the grief, loss and emotional impact of the changes caused by dementia. It provides information about the kinds of change and loss experienced with dementia, the ways people may experience and express their grief, and emotional coping strategies for family carers of someone living with dementia. This session is focused on the carer and is delivered interactively. You will be encouraged to share your experiences alongside other carers giving you an opportunity to develop new support networks.
Who should attend: Family carers and family members of people living with dementia. Not open to paid carers, health or aged care workers as professional development.
Date: Monday, 3rd August 2026
Time: 1pm - 2:30pm
Register here: COTA Queensland | Grief, Loss and Dementia
Government Provider Management System Update
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently advised CHSP providers, in the Your Aged Care Update of 23 June 2026, of the requirement to update their Responsible Persons information in GPMS.
The attached document provides:
- additional information and guidance in relation to this requirement.
- information on the requirement for CHSP providers registered in categories 4 and 5 to notify the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission when associated provider arrangements change.
- guidance and links to available resources to support providers to access and update associated information in GPMS.
Please note: While the Your Aged Care Update article advised providers must make sure their information is up to date in the Government Provider Management System (GPMS) by 31 July 2026, this is not a CHSP compliance related matter, and no CHSP compliance action will be taken if updates are not made by this time.
However, CHSP providers are reminded of this requirement and encouraged to take required actions as soon as possible.
Read the Requirements document here.
For training on GPMS, please see here: GPMS Update Tickets, Tuesday 8 September • 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM AEST | Eventbrite
Who is accessing the CHSP? Fact Sheet
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released a detailed report on 28 July which analyses date from 2023-24 in a unique way for the first time.
By linking the CHSP service group and aged care assessment data, AIHW was able to explore the characteristics and patterns of service use among first-time CHSP recipients. Linked data allows for an examination of person-level CHSP use, rather than activity-level CHSP use, which is usually reported.
The data shows, for example, that amongst first time CHSP recipients, 37% were born in non-English-speaking countries. It also shows that among people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, the most commonly used services were everyday living (22%) and clinical support services (18%).
Read the fact sheet for more information, along with GEN Aged Care Data - People using aged care, Timeliness of access to aged care services in Australia, and Practical considerations for researchers using CHSP data linked to other aged care data
Resources:
- Fact sheet - Who is accessing the CHSP? - released July 2026
- GEN Aged Care Data - People using aged care - last updated May 2026
- Timeliness of access to aged care services in Australia - released July 2026
Aged Care Financial Hardship Assistance
Assistance is available for people who can't afford their aged care costs. Providers should encourage older people to check they're eligible before they apply for financial hardship assistance.
Before applying, care recipients must:
- complete a means assessment (calculation of cost of care)
- check that their assets are below $46,835.10
- have not gifted more than the allowable amount.
Older people, or their representatives, can apply by completing the aged care claim for financial hardship assistance form and submitting it to Services Australia. If approved, the Australian Government will pay some or all costs directly to the provider. If the care recipient has to pay some of their costs themselves, they must continue making these payments.
Find out more about aged care financial hardship assistance.
Support at Home Personal Care Contributions
Personal care services for eligible SaH participants will be fully funded from 1st October 2026. This means older people approved for personal care services under SaH will no longer pay an out-of-pocket cost for these services. To prepare for this change, make sure you review your technology systems, business processes and participants' care plans, service agreements, budgets and other documents.
There are DHDA resources to help you get ready, including checklist, playbook and stakeholder kit.
Learn more about the personal care contribution change.
Free Health Coaching for Older Adults
The Get Healthy Service provides free personalised coaching by phone and online to stay active, eat well, and feel your best at every age. Healthy ageing can mean different things to different people. You can get personalised support to stay active, strong and independent as you get older.
How we can help
Our qualified health coaches work with you to:
- make healthier food choices
- be more physically active
- avoid alcohol
- improve your health and wellbeing
- maintain a healthy weight
- manage your health if you have conditions like type 2 diabetes or cancer
- access support to quit smoking and vaping.
We also provide specialist tailored support for you to:
- be active, strengthen your body and reduce sitting time
- boost your mood and sense of wellbeing
- improve your energy levels and concentration
- help you feel more independent
- strengthen your bones and muscles to make everyday tasks easier
- improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls
- manage or lower your risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
What's included
We are here to support you every step of the way. When you join, you get:
- up to 10 confidential phone or video calls with a qualified health coach
- help to set and achieve your health goals
- information about health topics that interest you
- online learning modules and fact sheets
- printed resources to read at your own pace at home
- support to overcome challenges
- access to exercises for all fitness levels
- support to find local physical activity programs near you.
Language, accessibility and culturally safe support
The Get Healthy Service:
- is available in Mandarin and Cantonese
- offers free interpreter services in more than 150 languages through the Translating and Interpreting Service
- can support deaf and/or hard of hearing communities through the through the National Relay Service.
- Aboriginal health coaches provide culturally safe support and tailored resources to support health and wellbeing. Learn more about Get Healthy for Aboriginal people.
Get started today
To join Get Healthy Service, you can speak to your General Practitioner (doctor) or health professional for a referral, or you can register yourself by:
- calling 1300 806 258, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm.
- filling out the online registration form
- emailing contact@gethealthnsw.com.au
Support at Home Late Claiming Process
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has provided guidance on provider payment arrangements for Support at Home, including the late claiming process. Late claims will no longer be placed on hold by Services Australia, and will instead be reviewed and verified as part of claims approvals. For claims submitted through the Aged Care Provider Portal, evidence is no longer able to be submitted for late claims.
Senate Bill to restore Human Override in Aged Care Assessments
A bill has passed in the Senate to restore assessor override, require clearer explanation of how the Integrated Assessment Tool informs decisions, and allow reassessment for people assessed since November 2025. This comes after sustained advocacy to return control to assessors whose clinical judgement can now be used to not only complete clinical assessments, which sets the funding classification, but also to address where funding does not match need after the assessment has been completed.
Read more here: Senate passes bill to restore human override in aged care assessments | Hello Leaders AUS
Free Medicare Mental Health Support
Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new, free service offering online tools for people with mild mental health challenges. Working one step at a time, the service helps build practical skills to support your wellbeing and feel more in control. Feeling down, worried, stressed, or overwhelmed? Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new, free service that can connect you with a trained practitioner via telehealth.
Medicare Mental Health Check In delivers free evidence-based Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy through online tools.
The service offers a safe, supportive space for people to talk about what they are experiencing and work through online tools together to build confidence and learn practical skills to manage life’s ups and downs.
The evidence-based online tools:
- are free for people living in Australia
- are available to anyone aged 16 and older
- do not require a diagnosis or referral.
If you prefer to go at your own pace, from 30 May 2026 you can use the online tools on your own. You can also choose to connect with a trained practitioner along the way if you want extra support.
Find out if it’s right for you:
- call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 (8:30am – 5pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays)
- visit the Medicare Mental Health Check In website.
Have you ever used Ask Izzy?
Ask Izzy is a free, comprehensive website that connects people in crisis with relevant and timely supports.
From food support, housing, financial struggles, support and counselling, domestic violence support, everyday needs, health support, legal issues and advice, to jobs, education and skills support, ASK IZZY is an amazing resource to have in your back pocket to find local and national support services easily.
Aged Care Support through OPAN
OPAN provides free, independent and confidential support to older people seeking or receiving government funded aged care services.
Visit the OPAN website.
Call :1800 700 600 to speak to someone on the Aged Care Advocacy Line.
The national team of advocates is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Elder Abuse Awareness
Everyone has the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity and respect. Just because people age, it does not mean they should lose control over their lives. Sadly, some people may be subjected to behaviour from trusted family, friends, neighbours and care staff that can cause distress, harm, exploitation or loss of control. Elder abuse can be physical, financial, emotional, psychological, sexual, as well as neglectful and coercive.
You can make a report to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221 (9am to 4pm), by email at helpline@adc.nsw.gov.au or by using their online form. You can also call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) 24 hours/7 days week or view their website: Home | 1800RESPECT.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.
Training
These training resources are designed to improve the detection and response to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability in their family, home and community.
Food and other Emergency Support
Coffs Neighbourhood Centre has a range of services to support the local community, from free food, free tax help, legal support, counselling, financial counselling and more.
They also run the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) to support quality friendship matches between volunteers and older people living in residential aged care facilities or receiving a Home Care Package.
The scheme recognises that most people want ‘someone special’ in their lives and that connection is essential to an individual’s wellbeing, especially later in life. Older community members still want the opportunity to connect to friends in their community but the scheme acknowledges that some may be isolated and not have family close by.
Read more on their website: Services - Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre
For more information about becoming an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor, please contact your local ACVVS Co-ordinator on 02 6648 3662 or email: acvvs@chnc.com.au
LifeHouse Care Food Pantries
Helping to ease the burden of financial stress.
Everyone is welcome.
LifeHouse pantries provide essential food and personal care items at a low cost, so that you can shop with dignity by selecting goods according to your own needs. Pantries are located inside each of our Op Shops. Each location is a welcoming, friendly, safe space to connect and have a chat. See more information here: LifeHouse Care Pantries
Bellingen
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 64 Hyde St, Bellingen
P | 02 6655 2279
Coffs Harbour
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 169A Orlando St, Coffs Harbour
P | 02 6658 0055
Grafton
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 41 Skinner St, South Grafton
P | 02 6643 2381
Moree
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 1pm
A | 81 Herber St, Moree
P | 02 6059 0606
Toormina
Monday 10am - 12pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm
A | 4 Minorca Pl, Toormina
P | 02 6658 1899
Urunga
Thursday 10am - 12pm
A | 45 Bonville St, Urunga
Woolgoolga
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 8 Nightingale St, Woolgoolga
P | 02 6654 7377
National Relay Service
The NRS provides a range of different types of call services, depending on your needs and preferences.
Relay Officers are specially trained staff who help with every call. Relay Officers will:
- change voice to text or text to voice
- change Auslan to English or English to Auslan
- stay on the line throughout the call to help you, without getting in the way or changing what is said.
The NRS is available 24 hours a day, except for Video Relay calls. Video Relay calls are only available 7am to 6pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Video Relay calls are also not available on national public holidays.
The NRS is free and confidential.
You can make calls to emergency services through the NRS.
