By Daandii Oromia

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA – For the Oromo community in Victoria, elders are more than just family members; they are the keepers of history, the carriers of language and tradition, and the living roots of a culture that stretches across continents. They endured hardship, made the courageous journey to Australia, and built new lives for their children and grandchildren.

Now, as they enter their golden years, these pioneers deserve care, respect, and dignity.

But for many Oromo families, navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming. Language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar government processes often make it difficult to find the right support . However, a growing network of community and government organisations is dedicated to ensuring that Oromo elders receive the care they need—in a way that honours who they are .

The Growing Need: Supporting an Ageing Community

The Oromo community in Victoria has been establishing itself since the 1980s, when the first Oromo pioneers arrived as refugees . Today, approximately 5,000 Oromo people call Victoria home, and many are now reaching an age where they need support .

In recent years, community organisations have become increasingly active in supporting Oromo seniors. The Federation of Oromo Civic Organizations in Australia and the Oromo Seniors Welfare and Benevolent Association in Victoria regularly hold events to bring elders together, combat isolation, and share important information about available services .

These gatherings are more than social occasions—they are vital lifelines. As one community reflection noted, “For many in the diaspora, especially seniors, such gatherings provide a sense of connection and reduce feelings of loneliness or alienation” .

Where to Find Help: Key Organisations for Oromo Seniors

Oromo Community Organisations

The Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria Inc. (AOCAV) is a vital first point of contact for Oromo families. Founded in 1984, the association serves as a “cornerstone of support” for the Oromo community, helping members navigate life in Australia while preserving cultural heritage . They offer vital resources for new arrivals, assistance with settlement, education, and employment, and are dedicated to uniting and empowering Oromo people residing in Australia . They can connect families with aged care services and other resources .

Advocacy for Oromia Association in Victoria is another key resource. Based at offices in Dandenong and Melbourne, this nonprofit organisation works to empower the Oromo community through advocacy, education, and information services . They can help seniors and their families understand available support and navigate the system .

Multicultural Aged Care Specialists

Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) is one of Victoria’s leading providers of culturally appropriate aged care. With over 40 years of experience, AMCS specialises in supporting seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds . They employ over 200 bilingual staff who speak more than 50 languages and provide home care and support packages, social and group activities, referrals and information services, and free consultations on home care support. AMCS operates across metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong .

Benetas, a not-for-profit aged care provider, has also been recognised as a specialist provider for CALD communities. They offer home care services across Victoria and have staff who speak Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Turkish, and many other languages . Their care planning includes asking every client about their cultural and linguistic needs to ensure services are tailored appropriately .

Access and Support: Navigating the System

The Access and Support program, coordinated by the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV), is a free service designed to help older people from diverse backgrounds navigate the aged care system. With 80 workers across Victoria, the program helps identify individuals in need, explains available services, supports clients through the My Aged Care assessment process, and connects them to providers . This service is particularly valuable because it is impartial and builds trust over time—essential when working with communities who may be wary of government services .

Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing

This Victorian organisation, funded by the Australian Government, helps aged care providers deliver culturally appropriate care. They provide policy advice, training, and resources for providers—meaning that more mainstream services are becoming better equipped to serve Oromo elders .

Practical Steps for Oromo Families

If you or a family member are an Oromo elder in Victoria needing support, here is a path forward :

1. Start with your community: Reach out to the Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria Inc. or Advocacy for Oromia Association. They understand your culture and language and can guide you.
2. Contact a multicultural aged care specialist: Organisations like AMCS or Benetas offer culturally appropriate home care. Call them for a free consultation.
3. Access the Access and Support program: If you are unsure where to start, call ECCV or ask your doctor or community worker to connect you with an Access and Support worker.
4. Call My Aged Care: The government’s central aged care information line can help you understand your options. Ask for an interpreter if needed.
5. Consider social groups: Many organisations run social and activity groups for seniors from diverse backgrounds. These are a wonderful way to stay connected, combat loneliness, and maintain cultural traditions.
6. Know your rights: Everyone receiving government-funded aged care is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have their identity, culture, and diversity valued. The new Aged Care Act, effective from November 2025, explicitly states that aged care service providers must respect an individual’s preferences, needs, and rights, including their cultural identity . If you are a carer for an older family member, you may also be eligible for support through the Victorian Government’s Support for Carers Program, which provides counselling, respite, and other practical supports, with specific programs for carers from CALD backgrounds .

The Importance of Culturally Safe Care

For many Oromo elders, the transition to aged care is not just about medical needs—it is about maintaining identity. Research shows that older people from diverse communities often enter aged care with higher needs for daily function, behavioural support, and complex care . When dementia sets in, the ability to communicate in one’s own language becomes even more critical; for those with dementia, “if they cannot communicate in their language, they suffer even more” .

There is also a real stigma around aged care in some CALD communities, with institutional care being an unfamiliar concept to many migrants . This is why community-led support and culturally safe services are so important. When residents encounter familiar cultural references, whether through language, music, or shared traditions, it can spark powerful moments of recognition and connection . A familiar dish might evoke family gatherings from decades earlier, helping residents feel understood and grounded in environments that are often new and unfamiliar .

Key Contacts for Oromo Elders in Victoria

Sources: Advocacy for Oromia, Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria, Australian Multicultural Community Services, My Aged Care, Victorian Government, ABC News.

Disclaimer: This article provides a general guide only. Readers should seek professional advice for their own particular situations.

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