The positive feedback we have received over the past two months has been very encouraging and shows just how important social connection, enjoyable experiences and accessible transport are to our clients.

August also brought an exciting milestone for LINK with our move to the new Preston office. Thanks to careful planning and the hard work of our team, our Business Development and Outings operations continued smoothly during the move.

This is more than just a change of office — it represents a new chapter and a fresh beginning for LINK, with many exciting opportunities ahead.

July and August were filled with a wonderful variety of outings, giving our clients opportunities to enjoy good food, entertainment, sightseeing, learning and, most importantly, spending time with others.

In July, Sanctuary Lakes Probus enjoyed a lovely High Tea experience at Fortnums in Sassafras.

LINK also partnered with Homewell Support At Home for a special Christmas in July outing to SkyHigh Dandenong. Homewell clients thoroughly enjoyed the day, and the outing was a great example of how organisations can work together to create meaningful experiences for seniors.

Greensborough Probus enjoyed a Mid-Winter Christmas-themed luncheon, while clients from Point Cook Retirement Village enjoyed a fun day out to Bendigo, including the Talking Tram and lunch.

The Filipino Community Council of Victoria (FCCVI) Morwell carers were treated to a special three-course Christmas-themed luncheon at Fortnums, followed by a stroll around Sassafras.

This outing provided much-needed respite for carers in Morwell, giving them an opportunity to relax, enjoy a meal, explore a new place and spend time with others. This was made possible through our continued collaboration with FCCVI.

ASFAVI Group and Bev’s Group enjoyed a Morning Melodies outing in July, while Hope’s Group spent a wonderful day at Rose Cottage enjoying food, exploration and fun.

In August, Hope’s Group visited Parliament House, where they enjoyed lunch and a tour of the building. The group had the opportunity to learn more about Melbourne’s history and Australia’s political system while exploring one of Melbourne’s important landmarks.

FCCVI North & West clients also enjoyed a High Tea experience at Fortnums, while members of Greensborough Probus and Warringal Probus enjoyed the Parliament House tour and lunch.

These outings are about more than visiting new places. They provide clients with the opportunity to get out of the house, meet new people, catch up with friends, enjoy a good meal and create wonderful memories together.

The Maribyrnong Community Connections 2026 program also continued to run very smoothly throughout July and August.

Clients had the opportunity to explore a variety of new places and participate in different activities across the two months.

We have received very positive feedback from clients about the program, which is wonderful to see.

The success of MCC 2026 demonstrates how important regular social activities are for seniors. Having something to look forward to, meeting others and exploring new places can make a real difference in helping people feel connected to their community.

The program also continues to develop through client feedback, with the team looking at ways to improve the experience and ensure that outings remain interesting, enjoyable and meaningful.

One of our key Business Development priorities continues to be building strong relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities across Melbourne.

During July and August, Shade, with the support of Cuc Lam and the wider LINK team, continued introducing LINK’s services to new community groups.

In July, Shade presented to Greenvale Probus, speaking with approximately 40 members about LINK’s outings, group transport and aged care services.

Rina and Shade also presented to a new Chinese seniors group in Point Cook, with approximately 60 members attending.

On 1 August, Cuc Lam and Shade presented to the Australian Vietnamese Association – Boroondara Citizens Group at the Kew Senior Citizens Centre, connecting with a large Vietnamese community in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Shade also visited the Ex-Servicemen Greek Seniors of Northcote to answer questions about aged care, Support At Home and how members can access LINK’s services.

With more than 120 members, there was strong interest in LINK’s outings, CHSP services and opportunities to remain socially active and connected.

Shade also met with a Neighbourhood House and Community Facility Manager in Hume, who was interested in having LINK present to seniors in the local council area and helping community members access opportunities to get out and about.

Shade and Cuc Lam also presented to a Hungarian seniors group of approximately 40 people in St Albans, who expressed interest in using LINK’s services for group transport, outings and greater independence.

Another presentation was held in St Albans for approximately 40 Vietnamese prospective clients from the Vietnamese Seniors Social Support Group, part of the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Victoria Chapter (VCA-VIC).

Shade and Cuc Lam also presented to another Vietnamese seniors group in Collingwood, where vulnerable seniors were provided with information about CHSP, transport and LINK’s group social support and outings.

Group transport continues to be an important part of LINK’s services.

During July and August, LINK provided group transport for a number of community groups, helping people travel safely and conveniently to activities, events and social occasions.

These included:

• An Inner Melbourne community group travelling to the Braybrook Hotel for a Christmas in July celebration.

• Craigieburn Probus, who travelled to Cumberland Hotel for a day out.

• Doreen Probus, with group transport provided to and from the airport for their group trip.

• FCCVI clients, who received transport to their Damayan activities throughout July and August.

• A local group travelling to the Princess Theatre in the city for a performance.

• Bev’s Group, who used LINK transport for their planned activity at Lamanna shopping centre.

For many people, group transport is about much more than simply getting from one destination to another.

It provides an opportunity to stay independent, participate in activities, meet friends and remain connected with the wider community.

Behind every successful outing, transport booking, group intake and community presentation is a team working hard behind the scenes.

We would like to take this opportunity to recognise some of the important work being done by our team.

A special thank you to Rina, who continues to do an excellent job managing group outings, group transport and group intakes.

There are many details involved in organising a successful group outing. From understanding each group’s needs and managing new group intakes, to coordinating transport and ensuring everything is ready for the day, there is a great deal of work happening behind the scenes.

Rina’s organisation, communication and commitment help ensure that group outings and group transport run smoothly and efficiently.

She also plays an important role in ensuring that new groups are onboarded in an organised manner and that their requirements are understood from the beginning.

Her ability to coordinate different group requirements and keep everything moving smoothly is an important part of the successful delivery of LINK’s group services.

We greatly appreciate Rina’s continued hard work and commitment.

We would also like to recognise Bec for her continued hard work across the Carers and MCC programs.

Bec works closely with carers and is continually helping to resolve problems, respond to concerns and find practical solutions when issues arise.

Her work does not stop at resolving day-to-day problems. Bec is also continuously reviewing and improving the MCC 2026 program, taking feedback and learning from each outing to help make the program better for our clients.

This ongoing improvement is important because every group and every client has different needs. Listening, responding and making changes where needed helps ensure the MCC program continues to provide enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

Bec has also played an important role in organising the Support for Carers (S4C) trips, helping provide carers with opportunities to take a break, relax and enjoy time away from their usual responsibilities.

Her willingness to listen, solve problems and continually look for ways to improve the programs is greatly appreciated.

Business Development is not simply about increasing numbers.

It is about building trust, creating relationships and connecting LINK with communities.

Shade has continued working hard to introduce the LINK name to multiple CALD communities across Melbourne, with valuable support from Cuc Lam and the connections they have developed together.

The number of new enquiries coming through community connections, existing clients and word of mouth is particularly encouraging.

Every new enquiry represents a potential new relationship.

It may be a senior who is looking for a way to get out and meet people, a carer who needs some respite, a community group looking for transport, or a family looking for information about aged care services.

Our goal is to make sure these people know that LINK is here to listen, support and help them stay connected.

The move to our new Preston office in August marks an exciting new beginning for LINK Community & Transport.

Although our location has changed, our purpose remains the same:

As we move forward into this new chapter, we will continue to:

Listen to our clients.

Learn from their feedback.

Build stronger community relationships.

Create new and exciting outings.

Provide reliable group transport.

Support carers and community groups.

Find new ways to help people remain active, independent and socially connected.

There are many exciting opportunities ahead for LINK.

The success of the past two months has only been possible because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, clients, community partners and the many groups who continue to place their trust in LINK.

As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to continuing to grow together.

LINK is about connection, community and belonging.