Welcome to Healthy Ageing Talks @ Geelong West Neighbourhood House!

~ Healthy Ageing - Navigating My Aged Care & Support At Home

If you, or a loved one, are considering aged care, join us to explore the programs and services available to support healthy and independent ageing.

As the Australian Government prepares to roll out the new Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025, older Australians are navigating a changing aged care landscape.

Chris and Maria from Cultura will guide you through understanding and accessing My Aged Care and other programs, including the process for obtaining Support at Home. Chris will discuss her role as an Access and Support Officer, and how she can advise and support people. Maria will chat about the new Support at Home Program and what it means for new and existing clients.

About our guest speakers:

Chris Edgar, Access and Support Worker, Aged Support - Cultura
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science (Gerontology), along with Diplomas in Management and Community Services and a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health. She is also a qualified Enrolled Nurse with 45 years of experience in general and rehabilitation nursing. Throughout her career, she has specialised in aged care, working across residential care, home care, and dementia services.

As a trainer, Chris has delivered courses in Community Services, Leisure and Health, and Individual Support (Ageing).

In her current role at Cultura under CHSP Specialised Support Services, she works as an Access and Support Officer with culturally diverse communities, providing advisory and support services to clients, families, and carers. Her work focuses on helping individuals navigate and access My Aged Care, Community Home Support Programs, Home and Community Care for Younger People, and the NDIS.

Maria Alvarez Padilla, Wellbeing Coordinator, Home Care Services - Cultura
With over 10 years of experience in the aged care and disability sectors, Maria is a Wellbeing Coordinator at Cultura, where she supports clients in accessing services and receiving the assistance they need to remain independent in their own homes.

She holds a Bachelor of Law, a Certificate III/IV in Disability and Aged Care, and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.

Cultura is a not-for-profit organisation based in Geelong, Victoria, formed from the merger of Diversitat and Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS). It provides a wide range of services supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds — including settlement assistance, aged-care and home-care services, community programs, youth engagement, and training opportunities. Cultura’s mission is to connect, inspire, and empower individuals and communities throughout their life journey, promoting inclusion and cultural understanding across the Greater Geelong region.

Join us for other informative talks in this series focused on living a healthy and fulfilling life as we age.

Each event will host an informative health expert to cover a range of topics to help you make the most of your golden years. From nutrition and exercise to mental well-being and social connections, we've got you covered. These events will take place at Geelong West Neighbourhood House, a comfortable and local venue perfect for learning and sharing.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!

For information about this series, contact the team at Geelong West Neighbourhood House:

Tel: 5270 2400

Email: info@gwnh.org.au

Website: www.gwnh.org.au

This series of talks is supported by the City of Greater Geelong.