Connecting care finders across regions
At a glance
45 care finders and representatives from 4 PHN regions across NSW and the ACT came together for annual Regional Care Finder Community of Practice
250+ care finder referrals across Marathon Health and Uniting Berrigan accepted
Helping vulnerable older people navigate the aged care system can involve much more than finding the right service. Care finders often work with people experiencing social isolation, poor health, housing insecurity, or other complex circumstances, who may have no family or trusted person to help them navigate the system.
In November 2025, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) brought together 45 care finders and PHN representatives from the Murrumbidgee, Western NSW, ACT and South Eastern NSW regions for the second annual Regional Care Finder Community of Practice in Wagga Wagga.
Across one-and-a-half days, participants shared challenges and solutions, strengthened connections, and undertook training designed to support them in what can be demanding and complex work.
The program included sessions with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing, discussion of the care finder evaluation, professional wellbeing activities, and a panel exploring challenges and solutions.
Post-event feedback reinforced the value of bringing care finders together. Participants particularly valued hearing how colleagues were navigating difficult situations, sharing approaches and learning from experiences across different regions. All survey respondents indicated they would attend a future joint Community of Practice.
For MPHN, strengthening those connections ultimately supports the people care finder exists to help: vulnerable older people who need intensive assistance to understand their options, access services, and remain connected to the health and community supports they need.
The regional Community of Practice will continue, with the four participating PHNs rotating responsibility for hosting future events.
PULLOUT STORY
William's story: Support to stay at home
At 81, William* was living alone, socially isolated and experiencing declining health. Frequent falls were leading to repeated hospital presentations and ambulance callouts, but William was very clear on remaining in his own home: “I am not going anywhere.”
After a referral from NSW Ambulance, his care finder worked with William, his local hospital, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and other services to find a way forward that respected his wishes while improving his safety.
William was connected with My Aged Care and received a home safety assessment, allowing aged care services to begin. Domestic assistance and weekly social support followed, along with dental and vision support, health assessments and greater engagement with his GP.
Since those supports were put in place, William's ambulance callouts and hospital presentations have reduced, while his wellbeing and social connection have improved.
“Without the service and care that Maree (care finder) has shown, I would not be here.”
*Name changed to protect the participant’s identity and privacy.
Images: Cristy has some photos of the day