Service Announcement
For the first time since care finders were established in our region three years ago, South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) has commissioned an additional provider, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation (TAC), to deliver the care finder service across our seven local government areas (LGAs).
Care finder is a face-to-face service which connects vulnerable older people with aged care and other support services which are suitable for them, provides guidance in navigating My Aged Care and does regular check-ins with clients to ensure the services are meeting their needs.
Care finder services are for people who need intensive support.
This includes non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over. Those eligible for the services may be isolated or have no other supports available to them to navigate the aged care system, have communication barriers or trouble processing information.
TAC is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. It is one of six care finder service providers funded by SWSPHN and will deliver services in Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee LGAs.
Other providers in our region include: Catholic Healthcare, Multicultural Care Limited, Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre, EACH and The Benevolent Society.
According to SWSPHN’s 2025-2028 Needs Assessment, there were about 175,890 older people living in South Western Sydney in 2021. It is expected the number of people aged 65 years and older will reach up to 325,073 by 2041, an increase of 85 per cent over 20 years.
SWSPHN Acting Chief Executive Officer, Amy Prince, said the forecast population increases underscored the importance of care finder services now and into the future.
“It is vital older people can not only access care but are connected with services and support which are tailored to their individual needs,” she said.
“These needs might range from physical proximity to services to culturally sensitive services.
“Care finders understand what services are available and how to access those services.”
Ms Prince said SWSPHN had worked with TAC over many years.
“TAC has a long history of delivering high quality programs supporting the health and wellbeing of our region’s First Nations residents,” she said. “We’re pleased TAC has come on board as a care finder service provider.”
Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Wright, said TAC was committed to providing holistic, culturally safe and inclusive support for vulnerable Elders.
“Through the First Nations care finder program, all Elders receive personalised assistance to navigate My Aged Care, access appropriate support services, and maintain their health, wellbeing and independence,” he said.
Anyone can refer to the care finder service.
There are four ways for South Western Sydney residents to access support:
• Call Triple I centralised intake to discuss a referral to a care finder service near you (1800 455 511)
• Call and speak to any of the commissioned care finder service providers directly
• GP referral: A GP may decide care finder services are needed and submit a referral on behalf of the patient through the Triple I hub. Download the care finder central intake form
• My Aged Care: A My Aged Care assessor may decide whether care finder intensive support is needed and apply on the person’s behalf
Visit our website to find out more about how care finder services can help.