We offer a range of programs to support you as you age, including Boroondara Cooks, Home Library Service and the seniors exercise park.
To participate in these programs, you don’t need to be registered with My Aged Care. These programs are made possible with the support of local volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering, choose a program below to find out more.
Our Seniors Exercise Park is located in Victoria Park, Kew.
Free come and try sessions are run by a group of 10 volunteers from the community who have undertaken training with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI). This friendly, enthusiastic team is now equipped to run our Come and Try sessions at the park, and demonstrate how you can use the equipment safely and effectively.
If you’re interested in ways to improve balance, strength or mobility, or you want to try a new activity this year, come along to our next Come and Try session.
Our Come and Try sessions run on Tuesday and Friday mornings between 9:30 am and 11 am.
You can attend as many sessions as you like, and they don’t require any bookings or reservations. Simply drop by the park anytime between 9:30 am and 11 am for a demonstration of how to use the equipment.
Come and Try sessions aren’t held on public holidays or on days with inclement or extreme weather events. This includes days when the temperature is forecast to be over 30 degrees during session times, or on days of heavy rainfall and storms.
Please email [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4432 for more details.
A Mandarin-speaking volunteer will be available for Come and Try sessions on the following upcoming dates:
在下列日期会有讲中文普通话的志愿者到现场协助 “来试试” (Come and Try) 健身辅导活动:
We’re delivering the Seniors Exercise Park program in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and State Trustees Australia Foundation.
You can find more information on the equipment and exercises that can be completed, including instructional training videos, on the National Ageing Research Institute website. The instructional training videos are also available by scanning the QR codes located on the fitness equipment at the Seniors Exercise Park.
The Seniors Exercise Park is a specially designed fitness equipment area that officially opened in October 2022 as part of the new Victoria Park Regional Playground.
As we age, our bodies change and physical activity becomes even more important to help us continue to perform tasks in our daily lives. This is especially true for older adults to maintain physical and mental health as we age.
Physical activity can help reduce the risk of many health conditions and give us energy, help us maintain a positive mood and keep us strong.
We’re committed to supporting our community to remain healthy, engaged and socially connected.
You can find a list of other exercise activities in your area on our Activities for seniors page.
If you’re interested in becoming an exercise park volunteer, please visit our Seniors Exercise Park Champions program page.
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:
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.
There are 2 ways a diner can join 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.
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:
We’ll match the diner with a local volunteer cook based on location, similar interests and food preferences.
For older residents, receiving a nutritious home-cooked meal and having a conversation with a volunteer can:
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer cook, please visit our Volunteer for Boroondara Cooks page.
Our Home Library Service delivers library items to Boroondara residents who have difficulty visiting our libraries. You can borrow anything from our catalogue or ask for specific titles when you speak to one of our staff or volunteers.
To join the Home Library Service:
When you join, we’ll ask you about what you like to read, listen to and watch. We’ll also help you make your selections.
Our team of volunteers will deliver your selections to your home and collect them once you’ve finished with them. There’s no limit on the number of items you can borrow.
If you’re interested in helping deliver books, visit our Work or volunteer with us page.
