Support services for people as they age

The purpose of this directory is to provide easy access to information about services which can help you stay connected to others and remain living independently in your home.


Disclaimer

This list has been collated by the City for general information purposes only, and the City does not endorse any individual provider listed.

The information here is correct at the time of printing and is subject to change.

City of Greater Geelong accepts no liability for the information provided in this publication.

Published September 2023.


Acknowledgement to Country

We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.


General

Service Description Phone/email
Emergency services Life threatening emergencies (that is: Police, Fire, Ambulance) 000
Geelong Police Station (open 24 hours) 110 Mercer Street, Geelong 03 5225 3100
[email protected]
Other police station locations    
Nurse on Call Nurse-On-Call puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health advice around the clock. 1300 606 024
Victoria Police Non-urgent reports 131 444
Vic Emergency Emergency warnings and incidents (available as an app)  
Victoria State Emergency Service Call from anywhere in Victoria for flood, storm, landslide, tsunami, and earthquake emergency. 132 500

Aged care accommodation

Please note: The entry point for all aged care services is My Aged Care.

Service Description Phone/email
Aged Care Guide Helps you make decisions about home and community care, retirement living and residential aged care.  
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Australian Government information about aged care services, quality standards, complaints, and performance. Subscribe to their newsletter or view webinars. 1800 951 822
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) Housing for the Aged Action Group is the only Australian organisation specialised in the housing needs of older people. 03 9654 7389
My Aged Care Access point for referral to respite care.  

Care finder providers

The care finder program provides face-to-face support which helps people to navigate, understand and access aged care and other relevant services and supports.

Provider Phone/email
CatholicCare Victoria 1800 123 228
[email protected]
GenU 1300 558 368
[email protected]
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) 1300 765 178
[email protected]
Wingtringham 03 9034 4824
[email protected]

Community centres and Neighbourhood Houses

Service Address Phone/email
Anakie Community House 2115 Geelong-Ballan Road
Anakie		 03 5284 1359
[email protected]
Bellarine Living and Learning Centre 20 Worden Court
Whittington		 03 5248 1926
[email protected]
Bellarine Training and Community Hub 1 John Dory Drive
Ocean Grove		 03 5255 4294
[email protected]
Cloverdale Community Centre 167-169 Purnell Road
Corio		 03 5275 4415
[email protected]
Geelong West Neighbourhood House 89 Autumn Street
Geelong West		 0427 703 218
[email protected]
Grovedale Neighbourhood House 45 Heyers Road
Grovedale		 03 5241 5717
[email protected]
Lara Community Centre 9/11 Waverley Road
Lara		 03 5282 2725
[email protected]
Leopold Community & Learning Centre 31-39 Kensington Road
Leopold		 03 5250 1301
[email protected]
Norlane Community Centre 39A Rose Avenue
Norlane		 03 5275 8124
[email protected]
Portarlington Neighbourhood House Parks Hall
87 Newcombe Street
Portarlington		 03 5259 2290
[email protected]
Rosewall Community Centre 36 Sharland Road
Corio		 03 5275 7409
[email protected]
South Barwon Community Centre 33 Mt Pleasant Road
Belmont		 03 5243 8388
[email protected]
Springdale Neighbourhood House 17-21 High Street
Drysdale		 03 5253 1960
[email protected]
Vines Road Community Centre 37-61 Vines Road
Hamlyn Heights		 03 5277 9027
[email protected]

Community services

Please note: The entry point for all aged care services is My Aged Care.

Service Description Phone/email
Aged Care Guide Helps you make decisions about home and community care, retirement living and residential aged care.  
Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) AMCS has 40 years of experience in supporting older Victorians to live safely at home for as long as possible. 03 9689 9170
 
Carer Gateway Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. 1800 422 737
Catholic Care Victoria (Geelong) Catholic Care Victoria offer support to people at every stage of life, to build strong, positive relationships and reach their full potential. 03 5221 7055
City of Greater Geelong - Community Directory The community directory provides information about community organisations, groups, clubs, services, associations, and facilities based in the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding municipalities.   
Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine Providing support for people through life-limiting illnesses, death, grief, and loss. This may include companionship, carer respite, transport, assistance with pets, dog walking, reading and light errands. 0499 775 275
[email protected]
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Level 4, 533 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

COTA is a membership-based advocacy organisation which lobbies for action at a national level on issues affecting seniors. 		03 9655 2100
[email protected]
Cultura Cultura is a community organisation supporting individuals and communities to reach their full potential. 03 4210 0000
 
Geelong Food Relief Centre (GFRC) GFRC provides food assistance to clients who are experiencing food insecurity.  
Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation (GRLC) – ‘Be Connected’ Program Free program to build digital literacy skills for people aged over 50 Building digital skills enrolment form
Live Up Commonwealth funded platform connecting you to programs in your area.  
My Aged Care Commonwealth organisation to be contacted for people over 65 (over 50 for first nations persons) to have an assessment to be linked in with required services for independence and safety in the home. 1800 200 422
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) 168-170 Little Malop Street
Geelong 3220

Open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm		 Geelong Office: 03 5273 1495
National Contact Centre: 1800 800 110
[email protected]
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) OPAN, help you understand and exercise your rights, access aged care services and solve aged care problems. 1800 700 600
 
Salvos Community Support Services 26-28 Bellerine Street
Geelong 3220

Salvos Community Support Services includes emergency relief, food relief, financial counselling, case management and support. 		03 5223 9200
SalvoConnect Barwon Southwest Region 35 Myers Street
Geelong 3220

Provides:

  • Women’s services
  • Specialist homelessness services
  • Mental health services
  • Community support services – Doorways
  • Chaplaincy
  • Alcohol and other drugs services
 03 5223 5400
Seniors Cards A Seniors Card encourages older Victorians to keep active and engaged in the community through offers and incentives that make it affordable to get out and about. 1300 797 210
Volunteering Geelong 192 Myers Street
Geelong 3220

Volunteering Geelong is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community, through the promotion and support of volunteering. 		03 5221 1377

Counselling Services

Service Description Phone/email
Barwon Health – Triage The phone triage team is a 24-hour phone-based service for intake and referral as well as phone support for people who may have a complex or serious mental illness and are in crisis. 1300 094 187
Gambler’s Help Free confidential Gambler's Help services. 1800 858 858
Alcohol and other drugs - Direct Line Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral in Victoria. 1800 888 236
Smoking – Quitline Quitline provide a hotline to help quit smoking through talking to a counsellor. 137 848
Victims of Crime Helpline An official Victorian Government service offering free information and support for people affected by crime. 1800 819 817
Text/SMS: 0427 767 891
Lifeline Australia Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 131 114
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) OPAN offers free, independent, and confidential support and information to older people seeking or already using Australian Government funded aged care services, along with their families and carers. 1800 700 600
Senior Rights Victoria Helpline Senior Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice & education to help prevent elder abuse. 1300 368 821 

Disability support

Service Description Phone/email
Changing Tracks Based in Geelong, Changing Tracks are passionate about enabling all people to access and enjoy their local community and to explore new horizons. 0447 325 196
[email protected]
Disability Support Guide Online directory to find a suitable disability support provider in your area.  
Gateways Support Services Gateways Support Services is a not-for-profit community organisation making a positive difference in the lives of children and adults with a disability or additional needs and their families.

Gateways Individual Support Services help maintain social connections for people aged over 65 who are frail or have dementia.		 03 5221 2984
 
Geelong Disability Services Geelong Disability Services is a Geelong-based, family-run support service providing services to assist those with a disability or disadvantage in the Greater Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf coast communities. 03 5250 1224
[email protected]
GenU GenU provide services for people with disabilities, the ageing and those experiencing difficulties. 1300 558 368

Financial and housing assistance

Service Description Phone/email
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (HousingVic) Crisis and emergency accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Free call, 24 hours: 1800 825 955
Geelong Office: 1300 360 462
[email protected]
Centrelink Level 1, 12-14 Little Ryrie Street
Geelong 3220

Contact direct for opening hours or call to book an appointment.		 132 850
Centrelink Older Australians Line - Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm

For assistance with:

  • Age pension
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Payments and help following the death of a loved one
  • Financial information service
  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Home Equity Access Scheme
  • Centrelink debts and overpayments
 132 300
Haven Home Safe Geelong office:
15 Yarra Street
Geelong 3220

Haven Home Safe provides support to people experiencing homelessness or who are in housing crisis, by connecting them with housing options and integrated supports. It is Australia’s only integrated affordable rental housing and homelessness services provider.

The Geelong office has short term financial aid to help you meet your immediate needs in times of crisis (for example: food vouchers).		 1300 428 364
Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) Housing for the Aged Action Group is the only Australian organisation specialised in the housing needs of older people. 03 9654 7389
[email protected]
National Debt Helpline National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. 1800 007 007
The Salvation Army 239-241 Malop Street
Geelong		 03 5229 5425
The Salvation Army Social Housing Service (SASHS) 26-28 Bellerine Street
Geelong

The SASHS assist people who are homeless or those at risk of homelessness.		 03 5244 9500
[email protected]
Wintringham Wintringham assists people over 50, struggling to make ends meet, wanting a quality affordable home and help people when they need it. 03 9034 4824
[email protected]

Health Services

Service Description Phone/email
Advance Care Planning Advance care planning involves planning for your future health care. 1300 208 582
Barwon Health – Advance Care Planning Program 59 Sydney Parade
Geelong 3220

A key aim of the program is to identify the individual’s values and preferences regarding their health care and medical treatment, particularly around end-of-life issues, and document these in an Advanced Care Directive.		 1300 715 673
[email protected]
Barwon Health – Community Geriatric Clinic McKellar Centre:
45-95 Ballarat Road
North Geelong 3215

This is a new service available at the McKellar Centre. Requires a referral from a GP to a specialist Geriatrician. 		1300 715 673
[email protected]
Barwon Health – Community Health Barwon Health has five major community health centres that provide a range of services to the Barwon region. They are located in:

  • Belmont
  • Corio
  • Newcomb
  • Torquay
  • Anglesea
Services include:

  • Community health programs
  • Planned activity groups
  • Dental
  • Wound care
  • Immunisation
  • Advanced Care Planning
  • Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP)
  • Palliative care
  • Carer Respite and Carelink Services (FreeCall 1800 052 222)
 1300 715 673
Barwon Health – Community Health – Social Supports Program Two sites:

  • 120 Settlement Road
    Belmont
  • 230 Purnell Road
    Corio
Connect with others during meaningful social activities.

Low-cost, subsidised program fee. 		03 4215 7049 (to speak with an Intake Worker)
[email protected]
Barwon Health - Dental clinics Belmont Community Health Centre
Corner Reynolds Road & Colac Road
Belmont 3216		 03 4215 6972
Newcomb Community Health Centre
104-108 Bellarine Highway
Newcomb 3219		 03 4215 7620
Corio Community Health Centre
2 Gellibrand Street
Corio 3214		 03 4215 7240
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative
62 Morgan Street
Bell Park 3215		 03 5278 3178
Barwon Health - Hospital Admissions Risk Program (HARP) University Hospital, Geelong

HARP is a team of experienced health workers who can work with you to determine your support needs. The team aims to improve your ability to self-manage your health conditions and circumstances. 		New clients: 1300 715 673
Current clients: 03 4215 7401
Bellarine Community Health (BCH) BCH offers a broad range of primary health and wellbeing services across the Bellarine.

  • Drysdale
  • Ocean Grove
  • Newcomb (Mental Health)
  • Point Lonsdale
  • Portarlington
 1800 007 224
Hearing Australia Belmont 182 High Street
Belmont 3216

Hearing Australia have more than 450 audiologists and offer services through tele-services, online, in-home and in-centre across 171 Hearing Centres Australia-wide. Their goal is to keep you connected to the people and life you love.		 03 5244 8300
Dementia Australia 1/318 Pakington Street
Newtown 3220

Dementia Australia provides support so that you, or someone affected by dementia, can be empowered to have the best possible quality of life.		 1800 100 500
Nurse-On-Call Nurse-On-Call puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health advice around the clock. 1300 606 024
Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) Victorian Eyecare Service (VES) is subsidised eyecare to eligible Victorians, including health care cardholders and pensioners.
The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) partners with optometry practices to deliver VES.

Let the practice know that you want to access VES when booking your appointment.		  

Legal services

Service Description Phone/email
Barwon Community Legal Service Provides free legal advice for the Geelong community. 1300 430 599
Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention Network The Barwon Elder Abuse Primary Prevention (BEAPP) Network supports a network of organisations across the legal, local government, health, aged care, and community safety sector to work together to raise awareness and increase capacity to address elder abuse in the region. 1300 430 599
Geelong Magistrates’ Court  Railway Terrace
Geelong 3220		 03 9087 6113
[email protected]
Victoria Legal Aid Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street
Geelong 3220

Providing services assisting with people’s legal issues. 		1300 792 387 or
03 5226 5666
[email protected]

Social Connection

Service Description Phone/email
Bellarine Community Support Register  A free service to enhance safety, security, confidence, and sense of wellbeing to those living on the Bellarine Peninsula  03 5255 3968
[email protected]
Council on the Ageing - Social and wellbeing (COTA) Information on physical activity and social groups for older people  
Multicultural Seniors Clubs
Croation Senior Citizens Association “Cardinal Stepinac” Geelong Inc Croatian House, Separation Street, Geelong
Geelong Italian Pensioners Club Highton Senior Citizens Club
Social activities for seniors		  
Greek Club of the Bellarine Peninsula Portarlington Senior Citizens Centre
Meets each Saturday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm		  
Greek Elderly Club of Geelong Hellenic Orthodox Community Hall  
St Leonards and District Greek Seniors Club Inc. St Leonards Hall or Community Centre  
Geelong Dutch Fifty Plus Club Geelong West Town Hall  
Macedonian Senior Citizens’ Group Macedo Orthodox Church Community Centre  
Polish Seniors Club of Geelong Polish Community Association  
Portarlington Maltese Pensioners Association Maltese Community Council of Victoria  
Mens Sheds
Barwon Valley Woodwrights Moolap Primary School  
Clifton Springs Community Men's Shed Clifton Springs Baptist Church
Geelong Community Men's Shed Arunga Avenue
Geelong East Men's Shed 125 Coppards Road  
Lara and District Men's Shed 10 Scuti Court
Lara
Leopold Men's Shed 515 Bellarine Highway  
Mount Duneed Men's Shed Sovereign Drive, Mount Duneed

Men’s sheds provide a safe and busy environment where men can find mateship and connection. Men come to work on community projects, a project of their choice or just come for a cuppa and a chat.
Pelican Shores Estates Residents Workshop Pelican Shores Estate  
St Leonards Men's Shed Len Trewin Reserve  
Probus
Belmont Central Combined Probus Inc Probus is fun, friendship and fellowship in retirement.  
Combined Probus Club of Belmont
Combined Probus Club of Waurn Ponds
Drysdale Ladies Probus Club
Geelong East Combined Probus  
Grovedale East Ladies Probus Club
Grovedale Marshall Probus  
Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus Club  
Leopold Combined Probus
Leopold Gateway Probus Club
Newcomb Combined Probus
Portarlington Probus Bayview
Probus Club of Barwon Valley Belmont
Probus Club of Geelong Central Inc
Waurn Ponds Deakin Combined Probus Club
Seniors Citizens Clubs
Barwon Heads Senior Citizens Club Senior citizens clubs provide a relaxed environment where people can enjoy the company of others and participate in a range of social activities  
Belmont Senior Citizens Club Inc.
Cobradah Senior Citizens Club
Drysdale and District Senior Citizens Club
East Geelong Senior Citizens Club
Grovedale Senior Citizens Club
Highton Senior Citizens Club
Kardinia Senior Citizens Club
Lara Senior Citizens Club
Yooringa (Norlane) Senior Citizens Club
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club
Portarlington Senior Citizens Club
Vines Road Senior Citizens Club
U3A
U3A Geelong (including U3A Corio Bay) Cobbin Farm
231 Grove Road
Grovedale Vic 3216

A community of people devoted to learning.		 03 5244 5114
[email protected]
Other
Life Activities Club Geelong Meeting venue:
Belmont Park Pavilion
162 Barrabool Road
Belmont 3216

For friendship and outings to prepare for and continue with life after retirement.		  
Seniorpreneurs Geelong NAB Village
43-45 Brougham Street
Geelong

$5 per meeting

A face-to-face social network of seniors “too young to retire” with the common interest in generating additional income via profitable hobbies and maintaining our mental health		  

Violence and sexual assault support

Service Description Phone/email
1800 ELDERHelp 1800 ELDERHelp is a free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the phone service in their state or territory. 1800 353 374
1800RESPECT This is a 24/7 national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. 1800 737 732
Safe Steps – Family Violence Support (24 hours) Safe Steps is a Victorian 24/7 family violence response phone line. 1800 015 188
The Orange Door - Barwon The Orange Door aims to be accessible, safe, and welcoming by providing a quick and simple access to support or adults, children and young people who are experiencing family violence.

83 Moorabool Street
Geelong 3220		 1800 312 820
[email protected]
The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre  The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre are a community based, not-for-profit service offering a range of free and confidential trauma-informed sexual assault and family violence services located in Geelong. 03 5222 4318



Page last updated: Thursday, 5 September 2024

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