_edited.png)
What We Do
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
The Serbian Community Association of Australia (SCAA) delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), an Australian Government initiative supporting older people who may experience loneliness, social isolation and cultural disconnection.
Through the program, SCAA recruits, trains and matches Serbian-speaking volunteers with older Serbian Australians receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Support at Home services. Volunteers provide regular, friendly one-on-one visits in aged care facilities or participants’ homes.
Our volunteers provide companionship, conversation and friendship, helping participants feel connected, respected and supported. By sharing their language, culture and life experiences, volunteers help older Serbian Australians build meaningful connections and a greater sense of belonging.
The program promotes social connection, emotional wellbeing, confidence and quality of life, while helping older Serbian Australians maintain a strong connection to their language, culture and community. SCAA is proud to support older people to feel valued, included and connected through meaningful companionship and friendship.
Funded by Australian Government
Additional Carer Respite Program 2025-27
Additional Carer Respite Program 2025–27The program supports unpaid carers of Serbian background living in the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Brimbank and City of Wodonga, providing flexible and culturally appropriate respite that recognises the individual needs of carers and the people they care for.
SCAA takes a personalised approach, working closely with carers and the broader Serbian community to make respite accessible, enjoyable and meaningful. Support is tailored to each person’s needs, interests, availability and preferred location, helping carers take a break while ensuring the person they care for remains supported.
Flexible respite options include:
:•One-to-one respite – personalised support at home or in the community.
•Group activities – social, recreational and wellbeing activities such as Tai Chi, walking, picnics and morning teas.
•Activities for carers and care recipients – separate activities at the same time, giving carers an opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy a meaningful break while their loved one is supported.
The Serbian Community Association of Australia (SCAA) is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) to deliver the Additional Carer Respite Program 2025–27.
Improving Access, Participation and Inclusion for People with Disability
This project supports people with disability of Serbian background living in Melbourne’s South Eastern Region, together with their families and carers. It aims to reduce social isolation, strengthen community connections, improve wellbeing and increase access to information, services and support.
The project addresses barriers such as language difficulties, limited awareness of available services, cultural barriers and stigma, which can prevent people with disability from fully participating in community life.
Through a culturally responsive support group, participants can share experiences, build friendships, access peer and professional support, and receive practical guidance in a safe and welcoming environment. Information sessions provide accessible information about services, rights and support systems, with language assistance and culturally appropriate resources where needed.
Social, recreational and educational activities create opportunities to connect, learn new skills, celebrate cultural identity and build confidence. Participants are encouraged to contribute to planning and decision-making, ensuring their voices and priorities are heard.
The project promotes inclusion, empowerment, wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging, contributing to improved quality of life for people with disability, their families and carers.
The project is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) through the 2026–2028 Disability Self-Help Grants Program.