Growing Old in a New Land: Finding Support for Oromo Seniors in Victoria

For Oromo elders in Victoria, ageing brings unique challenges—but a growing network of community and government services is working to ensure they are not forgotten.

When an Oromo elder in Victoria grows older and begins to need help, the question is not always simple. For families who have built new lives in Australia, the path to aged care can feel unfamiliar—sometimes daunting, sometimes invisible.

Yet, help is available. The challenge is knowing where to find it.

The Oromo Community in Victoria: A Growing Senior Population

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” .

Understanding the Barriers: Why Oromo Seniors May Not Seek Help

Research into the experiences of older migrants and refugees in Victoria has identified several common barriers that affect communities like the Oromo .

The Preference for Family Care

Across many migrant communities—including Somali, Karen, and Sinhalese older adults—there is a strong cultural preference for family-based care . This is also true for Oromo families, where multigenerational households and care from daughters and granddaughters are deeply valued traditions .

However, the demands of paid employment and the lack of affordable, appropriate housing often make this ideal difficult to sustain .

Stigma Around Aged Care Services

There is often significant stigma associated with using paid aged care services, particularly residential care. For many culturally diverse older adults, “ending up in a nursing home” can feel like a failure of family bonds . One submission to a Victorian parliamentary inquiry noted that “familial care is preferred, and a particularly strong stigma associated with residential aged care and mental health care” .

Language and Cultural Disconnect

Many older people from migrant backgrounds do not understand how aged care services work or how they could be relevant to their lives . As one community worker explained, “When we are talking to the community many older people tell us that they do not know what support is available at all” .

Even when services are known, the lack of staff who speak their language or understand their cultural practices can be a major deterrent. One inquiry participant described how a client “might not engage, for example, home services coming into their home because the staff might not understand cultural practices and they might not follow practices such as taking off shoes at the door” .

Where to Find Help: Key Organisations for Oromo Seniors

Oromo Community Organisations

The Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria Inc. 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 support “in times of joy and sorrow” and 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
  • Free consultations on home care support

AMCS operates across metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong. Their head office is in Maidstone . Contact them at (03) 9689 9170 or visit http://www.amcservices.org.au .

Benetas, a not-for-profit aged care provider, has also been recognised as a specialist provider for culturally and linguistically diverse 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 (1800 200 422) 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.

A Growing Commitment to Cultural Care

The importance of culturally appropriate aged care is increasingly recognised in Australia. The new Aged Care Act, which came into effect in November 2025, includes provisions that require providers to respect the cultural identity of older people . While some advocates argue that funding has not always matched these intentions, there is clear movement toward a more inclusive system .

As Victoria’s Oromo community continues to grow and age, the support network is expanding. The key is knowing where to look—and knowing that help is available, in your language, and with respect for your culture.

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