Community Support

Information, Referral, and Advice for Members of the Local Community

At Camcare, we can connect you with a range of community services and support, helping vulnerable people to care for themselves and their families. Our trained volunteer workers provide information about community services, resources, and facilities, and will link you to the agencies and support that can help you best.

Through our referral services, you can access support in times of financial hardship, receive assistance in negotiating and organising payment plans, and get the help you need to get back on your feet.

Emergency Relief Services for the Boroondara Community

People experiencing financial crises or food insecurity need help that is immediate, relevant, and respectful. Camcare’s emergency relief services provide access to essential food and and support services, and are designed to encourage self-reliance and independence in the future.

We aim to empower people to move forward, helping them to develop social connections and participate in community life.

Learn more about Camcare’s emergency relief services here.

Free Tax Help: Assistance with Your Tax Return

If you need help submitting your tax return, free assistance is available at Camcare from July until October. Available for those earning below $60,000 per year, this service is open to Camcare clients and the general public across any Local Government Area.

Our Tax Help volunteers are proud to help more than 100 people every year. Whether you are confused by the tax system, you’re not sure how to lodge online, or you just want to make sure you’re taking the right steps, Camcare is here for you.

For more information on the Tax Help program, including eligibility requirements, please see the ATO website. Please note, you need to create a myGov account linked to the ATO prior to your appointment.

Build Your Online Skills Through the “Be Connected” Initiative

With technology seemingly changing by the day, it can be difficult to keep up with the digital world. If you want to develop your computer and online skills, Camcare is here for you.

Camcare provides free lessons to residents in the City of Boroondara, helping you to keep up with technology. Learn more about smartphones, tablets, and computers in a calm, one-on-one environment.

Our digital literacy tutoring is provided through Be Connected, an Australia-wide initiative that empowers individuals to thrive in a digital world. At our Camberwell office, you will be provided with tutoring, as well as access to desktop computers that can be used both for lessons and your own practice.

Ideal for people aged 50 and over, and those with little computer literacy, the Be Connected Program offers relaxed, friendly, 1-hour lessons that move at your pace. We can assist you with:

• Linking your smartphone and tablet
• Setting up filing systems for documents
• Searching on the internet and setting up emails, Facebook, and myGov
• Linking your myGov to Centrelink, Medicare, or taxation services
• Uploading photos from your camera or phone to your computer

Community BBQs and the Camcare Kitchen Garden

Camcare holds a monthly BBQ for the Boroondara community. Located in the garden at our office in St John’s Avenue, Camberwell, this social event is open to all community members wishing to connect with friendly locals and enjoy a delicious meal. Come in for a chat and a yummy feed next month! This all-weather event runs in rain, hail or shine.

Camcare also runs a kitchen garden, which provides more than just fresh produce for our community. The kitchen garden is a place to belong; a place where you can come and enjoy some rewarding work in a safe and nurturing space.

Working beside our team of committed gardeners, the kitchen garden is a welcoming environment where you can come together, be productive, and contribute to the community. Produce collected from the kitchen garden goes to our weekly Fresh Food distribution table, which provides fresh produce for families facing food insecurity.

Access Community Support Services in the City of Boroondara, Including Ashburton, Auburn, Balwyn, Camberwell, Deepdene, Glen Iris, Hawthorn, Kew, and Surrey Hills

Want to find out more about Community Support at Camcare? Please contact us online or call our offices on 03 9831 1900 and ask for the Intake and Assessment Worker.