mecwacare secures additional funding to expand Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme placements across Victoria
20 May 2026, Melbourne, Australia – Leading not-for-profit aged care provider mecwacare has secured additional funding under the Australian Government-funded Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). The organisation was notified of the grant on 20 February 2026, with the funding now enabling expansion of the program and increased visitor placements across homes and communities throughout Victoria.
The announcement comes during National Volunteer Week and reflects growing recognition of the important role social connection and companionship play in supporting the wellbeing of older Australians.
ACVVS connects older people with volunteers for regular visits and companionship, helping reduce loneliness and social isolation for people living in residential aged care or receiving support in the community.
mecwacare CEO Anne McCormack said the program continues to create lasting and positive relationships for older people and volunteers alike.
"At its heart, ACVVS is about human connection. The friendships the Scheme enables bring companionship and genuine social connection into people's lives in a way that is right for them and underpinned by kindness and thoughtfulness," Ms McCormack said.
"We are incredibly proud of our Volunteer Services team for securing this additional funding, which will allow us to expand the program in more regions and support even more older people."
Among the many friendships formed through the program is the connection between volunteer Jean and Teresa from Mornington.
Since August 2024, Jean has been visiting Teresa every fortnight after the pair were matched through ACVVS. What began as regular visits and conversations over coffee has grown into a close friendship.
Although Teresa has recently experienced health challenges, she says Jean's visits have become an important part of her life. "It's what I look forward to most in my week," Teresa said.
Jean said the experience has also had a profound impact on her own life. "Volunteering has truly changed my life. It's a two-way journey — I've gained so much," she said.
Jean was recognised at mecwacare's Volunteer Appreciation High Tea on 19 May, where she received the ACVVS Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her contribution to the program and the friendships she has developed through volunteering.
Ms McCormack said the program reflects the broader contribution volunteers make across mecwacare every day.
"Volunteers have always been part of mecwacare's story, since 1959. They bring warmth, reassurance and connection into people's lives and help make our organisation and communities more welcoming places," she said.
mecwacare currently supports more than 500 volunteers across residential care homes, community services, retirement living and op shops, as well as other aged care providers throughout Victoria.
National Volunteer Week runs from 19–25 May 2026 and celebrates the significant contribution volunteers make across Australia.
During National Volunteer Week, mecwacare is encouraging more people across Victoria to consider volunteering and helping create meaningful social connections for older Australians.
About us:
mecwacare is a leading not-for-profit organisation delivering aged care and disability services across Victoria. For more than 65 years, mecwacare has provided compassionate, respectful and high-quality care to older Australians and people living with a disability. The organisation operates 22 residential aged care homes, seven retirement villages, three affordable housing locations, two op shops as well as a network of community and disability service centres.
