January & February | LINK Community & Transport
The year has begun with strong momentum for LINK Community & Transport, with our Business Development Team focusing strategically on securing long-term partnerships, increasing CHSP transport uptake, and strengthening our presence across the North, West, and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Maribyrnong Community Connections 2026 – A Major Milestone
We are proud to have launched the 2026 Maribyrnong Community Connections (MCC) Program, thoughtfully designed and implemented by Rebecca.
MCC 26 is now a thriving program providing affordable short day trips for as little as $10, enabling clients to remain socially connected in a cost-effective way. Rebecca has excelled not only in planning the program but also in running sessions and training hosts during its initial rollout.
Once momentum continues to build, we aim to replicate this successful model in additional suburbs.
A key priority for January and February was locking in confirmed group outings and transport partnerships for the next six months to a year. We are delighted to share that the following groups have confirmed ongoing outings with LINK.
- Bev’s Group
- Hope’s Chinese Group
- Point Cook Seniors
- Sanctuary Lakes Probus
- Craigieburn Probus
- Greensborough Probus
- Ison Village Werribee
- Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus
- Bayanihan in Melbourne
- Doreen Probus
- OMNI Group from SPAN Community Centre
- Warringal Probus
- Association of Senior Filipino-Australians in Victoria
- Filipino Community Council of Victoria
- Individual clients from La Trobe Retirement Village, Summerhill Residential Park, Levande Arilla and Point Cook Seniors Group
These confirmations provide strong visibility for the months ahead and reflect the trust our community partners place in LINK to deliver meaningful, safe, and engaging social experiences.
Driving CHSP Transport Uptake & Revenue Growth
Transport was a major focus area this period. Through promotional posters, targeted emails, and reminders of upcoming activities across Melbourne — including Morning Melodies in Hawthorn and Kew and special $6 community lunches in Laverton and Altona — we encouraged group leaders and Probus committees to utilise LINK’s Group Transport offering.
This initiative supports:
- Increased CHSP acquittals
- Greater community engagement
- Improved vehicle and driver productivity
- Growth in Fee for Service (FFS) transport revenue
We are pleased to report strong uptake, with confirmed group transport bookings from Bev’s Group, Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus, ISON Village, Craigieburn Probus and Bayanihan in Melbourne, all utilising our popular $10/$20 short-day transport option between 10am–2pm for markets and local excursions.
Celebrating Community Partnerships
A standout highlight was supporting the Filipino Community Council of Victoria at their Australia Day event in Brooklyn. LINK transported over 60 clients from Melbourne’s North and West to the vibrant multicultural celebration.
A huge thank you to our dedicated drivers and transport team who generously supported this partnership on a public holiday. Their commitment reflects LINK’s vision of keeping clients socially and culturally connected.
LINK also proudly sponsored three gift hampers valued at $1,000 for the event raffle. Shade attended to represent LINK, distribute hampers, and further strengthen our relationship with the Filipino community.
Another exciting development has been our flourishing transport partnership with CCSSCI, supporting their PAG groups via FFS transport. This partnership marks a strong step forward in expanding LINK’s footprint in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs — a competitive market that our team (Shade, Rina and Bec) continues to cultivate with persistence and care.
Supporting Carers & Respite Pathways
We engaged with carer networks including:
- North East Metro Mental Health & Wellbeing Connect (Access Health)
- Parkando Peer Support Group (for people and carers living with Parkinson’s)
We are onboarding individual carers into LINK’s respite outings program and have scheduled a special carers outing with Parkando to Werribee Zoo in April — providing carers with meaningful connection and well-deserved respite.
Advocacy & Community Leadership
Shade and Maurice met with MP Bronwyn Halfpenny to strengthen advocacy channels and ensure community leaders understand LINK’s services. Building these relationships helps us connect more clients with vital transport and social support pathways.
Expanding in the Eastern Suburbs
The Eastern suburbs remain a key strategic focus for this financial year. We have reached out to and are building relationships with Donvale Central Probus, Donvale Tunstall Probus, and several other Eastern Probus clubs and seniors groups.
The relationship-building process in the East is progressing steadily. The team continues to focus on converting Eastern-based clients for both Transport and Group Social Support to meet our FY targets and strengthen LINK’s presence in this important region.
Presentations & Community Engagement Across North & West
In addition to our Eastern focus, the team delivered presentations and strengthened relationships with several groups across Melbourne’s North and West, including:
- Point Cook Combined Probus
- Ingenia Retirement Living Werribee
- National Seniors Australia – Greensborough
- Doreen Seniors Club
- Greensborough Probus (first meeting of the year at Greensborough RSL)
- Levande Arilla Village (Aged Care reforms and navigating LINK services)
- Parkando Carers Group
We have already formalised our relationship with Doreen Seniors Club and confirmed a presentation date with National Seniors Greensborough, while continuing discussions with Ingenia Retirement Living Werribee and Donvale Tunstall Probus for upcoming sessions.
These engagements are critical in increasing awareness of LINK’s CHSP Transport and Group Social Support offerings and in building long-term referral pathways.
A Strong Start to Outings in 2026
Many of our groups have enjoyed wonderful experiences to start the year, including visits to Stamford Park, Caldermeade Farm, Drysdale to Queenscliff and Sorrento Ferry, Lake Nagambie River Cruise, Lake Wendouree Paddle Steamer, Blue Lotus Water Gardens, Bendigo Talking Tram, Wharf Shed, Moonlit Sanctuary, Rayners Orchard, Drysdale Express and Olinda Tea House for Chinese New Year celebrations.
These outings highlight the diversity of experiences LINK offers — from cultural celebrations and scenic cruises to farm visits and local markets — all designed to keep our clients active, connected and engaged.
