Celebrating Connection, Community and Commitment – November Highlights at LINK
November began with great excitement at LINK as we proudly launched our Outings Brochure for January–June 2026. This much-anticipated brochure showcases a vibrant calendar of experiences designed to keep older adults across Melbourne socially connected, active, and engaged.
The brochure launch was led by LINK’s dedicated Outings Team, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Naomi Darmanin, along with her wonderful team members Cassandra Barrett and our student Lauren English, who worked collaboratively to draft, design, and execute the brochure. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and attention to detail truly brought this project to life.
To mark the occasion, we hosted a special brochure launch luncheon at LINK’s Thomastown Head Office, welcoming group leaders from across Melbourne. The event included a beautifully catered lunch and a presentation celebrating the important role these leaders play in their communities.
Honouring Our Group Leaders – The Heart of Community Connection
Our group leaders are more than organisers—they are community champions, advocates, and trusted guides. They help seniors access LINK’s Transport and Outings services, encourage participation in healthy and active lifestyles, and often support their members to navigate aged care services. Their leadership strengthens community connection and enables LINK to grow its reach to those who need our services most.
We sincerely acknowledge and thank every group leader for the vital role they play—not only in supporting older people to stay connected, but also in helping LINK continue its mission of meaningful engagement.
Outings That Inspired and Connected
November was a busy month filled with memorable outings:
- Craigieburn Probus Group enjoyed a visit to Rayner’s Fruit Orchard. As one of LINK’s longest-associated Probus groups (over three years), Craigieburn Probus has set the benchmark for other groups. We warmly acknowledge Ann Parnis, Kathleen Morrison, Marion Richards, Denise Amos, and Heather Boden, whose ongoing planning, advocacy, and trust in LINK have been instrumental in modelling success for others.
- We commend Yvette Radelaar, President of Hoppers Crossing Ladies Probus, for her strong leadership and tireless encouragement of members to sign up to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Yvette has actively engaged Wyndham Community Connectors to help members access the right supports and has embraced smaller group outings using LINK transport—such as visits to the State Library of Victoria and DFO South Melbourne. Her initiative has brought accessible, affordable, and enjoyable outing options to her members, and we thank her for being a driving force for both her community and LINK.
- A special thank you to Hope Tan, leader of a vibrant Chinese seniors group in Point Cook. Hope’s group engages in LINK outings every month and continually brings forward creative ideas. Together, we have enjoyed cherry picking, cultural dining experiences, garden visits, high teas, ferry trips, scenic outings, and smaller transport trips—from Halloween light displays to exploring Chadstone’s new food precinct. Beyond outings, Hope also hosts ballroom dancing and singing sessions in community centres, keeping her members socially connected, entertained, and active. We are grateful for her dedication and cultural leadership.
Recognising Outstanding Community Advocates
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Beverley Ann Morrissey, a remarkable group leader in Wyndham who has onboarded close to 80 clients with LINK. Beverley has organised monthly outings and transport trips throughout the year, acting as a trusted advocate and spokesperson for her members. Her group’s travels across Victoria have included destinations such as Williamstown Tramboat, Mornington Heritage Railway, Kryal Castle, Rippon Lea Estate, Living Legends, and many more. Beverley’s passion for serving her community mirrors LINK’s own values, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership in the year ahead.
We also thank Bayanihan in Melbourne and its committee members—Evangeline Gregorio, Versita Tamblyn, Maria Incoul, Connie Diaz, and Susan Garcia. Since joining LINK in May 2025, Bayanihan in Melbourne has become one of our most active groups, participating in an impressive number of outings ranging from markets and gardens to boat cruises, Puffing Billy, multicultural events, and LINK’s Christmas function. Their enthusiasm for social connection embodies the spirit of community engagement that LINK proudly supports.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr William Napiza and Teresa Napiza of the ASFAVi Group, who have partnered with LINK for over 3 years. Through William’s leadership and advocacy, over 60 clients have been connected to LINK services. We are deeply grateful for his longstanding support, community contribution, and continued trust in LINK.
Valued Partnerships and Longstanding Relationships
We proudly acknowledge our trusted partner FCCVI, with whom LINK has worked for over three years. Together, we have delivered CHSP, HCP outings, carer programs, and transport services, engaging over 200 additional clients this year alone. Our partnership continues to strengthen through mutual respect, shared values, and a genuine commitment to client wellbeing. We congratulate FCCVI on their continued growth and look forward to many more years of collaboration.
We also extend our thanks to our retirement village and senior group leaders, including Jim Rayner (Point Cook Retirement Village), Nina Azzopardi (ISON Village), Tony Vandenberg (La Trobe Retirement Village), and senior group leaders Valda Prain, Catherine Haynes, Barbara Wight, and Cheryle Hughes, for their ongoing support of LINK’s Transport and Outings services.
Without these dedicated social connectors, advocates, and senior influencers, LINK’s purpose would be diminished. Working alongside them helps us better understand the diverse needs of older people and continually expand and improve our programs.
Acknowledging Our Team
I would also like to sincerely thank Bec and Rina from our Business Development Team. Their commitment, passion, and community-focused approach have played a significant role in LINK’s success this year.
Bec has been instrumental in establishing and running the Maribyrnong Transport Day Trips, significantly contributing to LINK’s transport outcomes and providing clients with valued new opportunities. Rina, with her Mandarin-speaking skills, has helped welcome and engage new Mandarin-speaking clients into LINK’s services. Their social work backgrounds shine through in their compassionate, person-centred approach, and we are grateful for the positive ripple effect their work has had across our organisation and communities.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
LINK is, and always will be, made up of people and for people. Our focus on client experience remains at the heart of everything we do, and it brings me great joy to reflect on a year filled with meaningful connections, shared experiences, and community growth.
To everyone associated with LINK in any way—clients, carers, group leaders, partners, and staff—I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May we continue our journey of connection, inclusion, and success together in the year ahead.
