Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou announced today that an Albanese Labor government will deliver better aged care services for the Greek Australian community by investing $1.5 million in a Centre for Healthy Ageing, in conjunction with Fronditha Care.

“Quality aged care for all Australians, including diverse communities, is a big part of an Albanese government’s commitment to dignity and care for older Australians.” Ms Vamvakinou said to Neos Kosmos.

The program will assist Fronditha Care to deliver programs and services that focus on quality of life and healthy ageing in the Greek community.

“Fronditha Care’s 45-year history of delivering excellence in aged care in the Greek-Australian community will help shape the future of the Centre for Healthy Ageing,” added Ms Vamvakinou.

Many Greek Australians are approaching or entering retirement with Ms Vamvakinou stating that “it is vital to ensure our aged care system remains fit for purpose.”

“This investment aims at delivering improved ways we can respond to the changing needs of second-generation Greek Australians,” said Ms Vamvakinou to Neos Kosmos.

The Centre for Healthy Ageing will invest in education in chronic disease prevention and management, research to develop novel interventions, screening methods, determine markers for early diagnosis, and provide services for healthy ageing. In particular it will consider the specific needs of the ageing Greek community.

Ms Vamvakinou said that an Albanese led Labor government will be committed to equitable access and support for aged care to help improve quality of life and dignity in care.

Mrs Jill Taylor, President, Mrs Faye Spiteri Tsolakis OAM, CEO and Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, Victoria University have been in discussions to partner in establishing  the Centre for Healthy Ageing.

Mrs Spiteri Tsolakis OAM welcomed the “generous pledge of an Albanese Labor government – if elected – of $1.5million for the groundwork establishment of a Centre for Healthy Ageing.

“We are thrilled with such a substantial investment which aims to make a genuine difference to our community.

“We are focused on laying the foundations for the future and our ambition is to change how elders are valued in our society,” said Ms Spiteri to Neos Kosmos.

Ms Vamvakinou said that Labor will ensure older culturally and linguistically diverse Australians have equal access to high quality, and “culturally appropriate support they need and deserve.”