Some of our services are closed or have different hours for these public holidays: Easter from Fri 18 to Mon 21 April and Anzac Day on Fri 25 April.

On this page

We deliver a range of programs that foster social connections, including:

  • Excursions, both long and short, with door-to-door pick-up

  • in-house programs

  • over the phone social groups for people who are housebound or who would prefer to stay at home.

To request a monthly program, email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4777.

Before you can use our services

To use our social support services you, or the person you are organising these services for, needs to be approved by My Aged Care to receive these services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

You can apply for an assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or learn more about the services available and the fees on the My Aged Care website.

After the My Aged Care assessment, our staff will need to visit the person interested in our social support services at home to discuss their needs and suitability for this program.

Fees apply.

Existing clients

If you already receive social support services from us and have questions, email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4777 between 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays (except public holidays).

Boroondara Cooks: A home-cooked meal with a personal touch

Would you or someone you know enjoy a friendly connection through a home-cooked meal?

Boroondara Cooks is a meal sharing and community strengthening program that helps older residents feel more connected. Volunteers who love to cook prepare an extra meal and personally deliver it to a local older resident. While the meal provides nourishment, the real benefit is the friendly connection that comes with it.

This free program is for older Boroondara residents who:

  • are over 60  years old
  • may feel socially isolated
  • would appreciate a regular, home-cooked meal and a friendly check-in.

Diners are matched with volunteer cooks who prepare an extra portion and drop it off—whether weekly, fortnightly or monthly. It’s not just about the food, it’s about knowing someone cares.

All volunteers complete a food safety and hygiene course and a National Police Check.

Get involved or refer someone to us today.

How to join the program

There are 2 ways a diner can join the program.

  • They can contact the Program Coordinator on (03) 9278 4777 or email [email protected].
  • A family member, friend or neighbour living in Boroondara can refer them to the program. 

To refer a diner, make sure you talk to them about the program first and get their permission. Then use our online referral form.  

Refer a diner to Boroondara Cooks

If you want to refer someone to the program, consider printing the Boroondara Cooks flyer below. You can give it to the potential diner so they can learn more about the program.

What happens next

After we receive an application or referral, the Program Coordinator will organise a time to visit the diner at home.

During the visit they will:

  • talk about the program
  • find out more about the diner, including any dietary requirements or food preferences
  • ask the diner to complete a consent form to take part in the program.

We will then match the diner with a local volunteer cook based on location, similar interests and food preferences.

Benefits for older residents

For older residents, receiving a nutritious home-cooked meal and having a conversation with a volunteer can: 

  • create connection
  • ease feelings of isolation
  • have a positive impact on wellbeing.

Become a local volunteer cook

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer cook, please visit our Volunteer for Boroondara Cooks page.

Excursion program

We offer a variety of excursions to help you stay connected and involved in community life.
Our trips include visits to:

  • galleries

  • music performances

  • historic homes

  • gardens

  • museums 

  • movie screenings.

Our excursions also include a stop for morning tea, afternoon tea or lunch.

On the day of your excursion you will be picked up and returned to your home at the end of the trip. We also may be able to provide you with community transport to and from other activities, and we are always happy to talk about your transport requests with you. Find out more about these options and how to access them on our Help getting around page.

Excursion participant Trudi Beiber from Balwyn North has been part of the program for years and absolutely loves it.

“My husband suffers from dementia, so it’s been a great outlet for me to be social and mix with others my own age,” Trudi said. “Each outing involves a different activity or venue, but some of my favourite excursions have been visits to the antique shops and listening to talks on road safety and driving tips for seniors. It’s a great day out and I always look forward to the next excursion!”

Events program

You are invited to add life to your years through a series of exciting events throughout the year, including the events during the Victorian Seniors Festival month in October each year. You do not need to be approved by My Aged Care to attend our events.

Learn about upcoming events and how to make a booking to attend events on our Enjoy our musical event series for older adults page.

We can arrange transport to these events for eligible attendees. You can organise to be assessed for eligibility by registering for Community Transport. Find more information on our Help getting around page.

Please let us know whether you need transport when you book a spot at one of our events.

Other social support providers

There are many other aged service providers in Boroondara that also provide regular outings and other opportunities for socialising. See what events, classes and activities are happening near you on our Activities for seniors page.

For more information and contact details for our Seniors Centres, visit our Seniors Centres page.

Some support providers also offer friendly visiting programs where volunteers will call or visit a person in their own home. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out more or visit the My Aged Care website.


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