AccessCare

23/01/2026

Warmer weather is predicted over the next few days, please stay safe, keep cool and remember to check in on each other 🌞

With hot weather forecast over the next few days, it's important to be aware of the impacts of extreme heat. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. It is important to plan and prepare before the heatwave strikes.

Stay safe during extreme heat:

🌞 Know the forecast → Check on heat warnings, forecasts, and heatwave maps at bom.gov.au

💡 Stay up-to-date → Find out emergency information and warnings, as well as information on the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

❄️ Learn how to keep cool → Get tips on staying hydrated, staying cool and surviving the heat at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/survive-the-heat

🔥 Know the symptoms of heatstroke → Be heat smart and check for any symptoms at ambulance.vic.gov.au/heat-health

📞 If you are in a life-threatening situation, you should always call Triple Zero (000). For non-life-threatening emergencies, you can access emergency care from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at vved.org.au

Certain people over the age of 65, babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with acute or chronic health problems are more at risk of the effects of extreme heat.

Stay aware, stay informed and stay safe.

[Image description: An illustration of a thermometer, a sun and an exclamation point. Text reads: Be heat safe.]

23/01/2026

📆 Don't forget that Monday 26 January is a public holiday.

This means that many businesses may be closed or operate on reduced hours.

If you have errands to run, make sure the place you need to go to is open or plan ahead 💙

08/01/2026

Do you want to try a Bluetooth music device for free? 🎶

We’re excited to be partnering with the Music and the Brain Foundation to pilot a new “Music in the Home” program with Access Care.

As part of the program, the Foundation is donating Bluetooth headphones or Snooze Bars (pillow speakers) with onboard memory and radio to Access Care clients across Kingston, Bayside, and Glen Eira - for both people receiving care and their primary carers 💙

The devices come with simple instructions and phone support, and families can download their own music. If you prefer, our team can help with this (a small $20 copyright fee applies).

If you’re an AccessCare client or a carer and would love easy access to meaningful music at home, call us on 1300 819 200 to take part in this trial.

A beautiful opportunity to bring comfort, connection and joy through music as the new year begins 👏

07/01/2026

Join us for a free workshop about getting around on Melbourne’s trains 🚆

Learn tips for travelling safely and confidently, using a Myki, exploring station accessibility and knowing where to find help along the way.

The train can be a great way to help you feel more independent and make getting around a little easier.

📍Parkdale Library
📆 Thursday 29 January
⏰ 11am - 12pm

Bookings are required. Visit library.kingston.vic.gov.au/metro-trains or call 1300 135 668 to book.

Kingston Libraries

06/01/2026

To help our community stay cool, Chelsea, Cheltenham and Parkdale libraries will open early at 10am on Wednesday 7 January.

Clarinda Library will be open 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 5pm.

Drop in and enjoy air conditioning, a quiet space and library resources. We have free Wi-Fi, books, newspapers, magazines and more. Please stay hydrated, seek shade and check in on your friends and family.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year from AccessCare! 🎉

This year, we’re looking forward strengthening our community connections, offering new Community Bus adventures, delivering quality services and bringing you helpful hints and tips to help you stay safe, independent and happy in 2026. 💙

24/12/2025

Our AccessCare Community bus participants spreading festive cheer across Kingston on the way to a recent Christmas-themed Kingston Arts Morning Melodies concert 🎵

We hope this makes you smile! ♥️

22/12/2025

As we prepare to welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to thank our amazing staff, volunteers, clients and their families for their trust and support throughout the year 🙌

🎄We wish our community a very merry festive season and a safe, healthy and happy year ahead with loved ones. Be sure to check in on your neighbours and look out for each other during the holidays and as we head into the warmer months.

Here’s to a new year filled with care, compassion and new possibilities!

Warm wishes,
From the AccessCare team 💙

18/12/2025

What a year we have had on the Community Bus!

Our participants have enjoyed many lunches, day trips, and activities locally and further afield 🚐

We’ve sung songs at Morning Melodies, visited museums and beaches, been on scenic tours and eaten at restaurants serving delicious food 💙

Friendships have been formed, and lots of laughter has been shared.

We wanted to thank our dedicated volunteers, our drivers and all our community members (some of whom are regulars!) for taking part in our social engagement program 👏

We cannot wait to see what adventures we have on the bus in 2026!

If you’re interested in getting on board our Community Bus, please contact our team on 1300 819 200.

15/12/2025

The summer edition of My Life, My Way is out now! 🌞

In this edition, we highlight some of the services available to you around Kingston, including our libraries, Community Bus and Delivered Meals.

We tell the stories of Elaine and Wilma, who have been attending Waves Leisure Centre for over 30 years! 🏊

There are handy hints to help you stay cool this summer and much more!

Can't wait for yours to be delivered? Head to accesscare.org.au/summer-newsletter to read it now.

15/12/2025

🌲This time of year is always busy, with many public holidays, so we want to share our service updates to help you plan ahead.

Scheduled domestic services provided by AccessCare (and our providers) will not operate from Thursday 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day) through to Thursday 1 January 2026. Regular services will recommence on Friday 2 January 2026.

Please let us know if you do not need your services over the festive season/holiday period, and be sure to give at least 48 hours' notice 💙

The Community Bus will still run in December and January, except on public holidays 🚐

🗑️ Your Council bin collection will run as usual, including on public holidays.

If you have any questions about AccessCare services over the festive season, please call us on 1300 819 200.

10/12/2025

Taking simple steps to stay cool this summer will help protect your well-being and ensure you enjoy the warmer months safely 🌞

When the warmer weather comes, be sure to:
- Stay hydrated
- Use cool, wet towels on your skin or dip your feet in cool water
- Close your curtains or blinds early to block out the sun
- Wear loose clothes made from natural fibres

If you need to go outside, make sure you go early to beat the heat and remember to wear a hat and take a bottle of water.

🛒You can also prepare for the heat by planning ahead when you grocery shop or get prescriptions filled.

🏠If you're able, be sure to check in on your friends and neighbours too!

For more hints and tips about staying safe this summer visit kingston.vic.gov.au/summer-safety or call our AccessCare team on 1300 819 200.