Western New South Wales Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has confirmed that care finder services will continue across Western and Far West NSW, supported by a new $2.174 million Commonwealth-funded investment.
Care finders support older people who face challenges navigating the aged care system on their own, connecting them with aged care, health and other community services.
The program was established in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and provides local, face-to-face assistance for those who need it most.
Following a competitive tender process, WNSW PHN has commissioned Marathon Health to deliver care finder services across the Greater Dubbo and Orange regions from 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2029.
Kirinari Community Services will continue to deliver care finder services across the Western and Far West NSW region over the next three years, ensuring continuity of support for older people in these areas.
WNSW PHN Chief Executive Officer Brad Porter said the commissioning arrangements ensure care finder services remain accessible, locally delivered and responsive to community needs.
“The care finder program directly responds to the Royal Commission’s call for more personalised, face-to-face support to help older people access the services they need.
“We are pleased to be continuing our investment in care finder services, and to be working with both Marathon Health and Kirinari Community Services to deliver this important support for older people.
“We thank our outgoing providers, Social Futures and The Benevolent Society who will cease providing care finder services in the Greater Dubbo and Orange area as of 30 June 2026,” Mr Porter said.
Marathon Health Chief Operations Officer, Justine Summers said Marathon Health’s new care finder team will support older people across local government areas including Warrumbungle, Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, Gilgandra, Narromine, Orange, Cabonne, Parkes and Forbes.
“We are an experienced provider of the care finder program and understand the importance of trusted, local relationships when supporting older people through aged care decision-making.
“We know that navigating the complexity of the aged care system can be overwhelming. Our local Western NSW care finder team will provide face-to-face support to help older people make informed decisions and connect with services that support their independence and wellbeing.
“This service builds on our long-standing commitment to ensuring people across the region can access the health and wellbeing services they need close to home.
We look forward to working closely with communities, health services and partners across the region,” Ms Summers said.
Kirinari Community Services will continue to provide care finder services in Broken Hill, Central Darling, Balranald, Wentworth, Lachlan, Cobar, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, Bogan, Warren, Bourke, Oberon, Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra and Weddin local government areas.
Service Contacts
Kirinari Community Services: 1300 547 462 Marathon Health: 1300 402 585
For more information about care finder services, visit: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-care-finder https://wnswphn.org.au/services-we-fund/care-finder/
