Skip to content

Archives

Lakes Entrance local Marie Fish is proof that age is no barrier when you’ve got purpose, passion — and the right support.

A proud life member of the Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society, Marie is currently on a mission to document her family’s connection to a homestead on the Boole Poole Peninsula, built in 1880 and only accessible by boat. At 95 years old, she’s still busy correcting the historical record, researching family ties, and — when she’s not deep in the archives — knitting trauma teddies for the Red Cross.

Thanks to a Home Care Package from our team at GLCH, Marie can continue doing what she loves, from the comfort of her own home.

“Without them, I couldn’t be at home,” she says.
“I’d be in a nursing home — and I don’t want to be in a nursing home. I have too many things to do.”

Through her package, Marie receives support with gardening, home maintenance, cleaning, and lawn mowing, as well as mobility equipment and access to allied health services. With her family living outside the region, this support is key to maintaining her independence.

“It means everything to me. I’m not a problem to my family. I’m independent — and that’s everything. If anyone needs a package, go for it.”

Marie’s connection to the Gippsland Lakes runs deep. Her father was born in Metung in 1895, and she grew up in Newry, going to school in Maffra and Sale. Now settled in Lakes Entrance, she says:

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else — it’s a wonderful place.”

Marie’s story is a shining example of how aged care support can help people stay connected to their communities, passions, and purpose well into later life.

We know many people are still unsure about how to access help or what the upcoming aged care reforms mean. From November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Package system.

Our Executive Manager Penny Cassidy says we’re here to guide locals through the changes.

“We’re hopeful the new system will reduce waitlist times so more people can access support. We’ll be sharing more information in the coming months — including changes to pricing and co-contributions. But for current clients, a ‘no worse off’ principle will apply.”

To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must be:

  • 65 years or older, or
  • 50 years or older if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

As Marie puts it:

“Don’t think it’s charity — it’s not. If you need help, do get help. It makes all the difference to your life.”

Start by registering with My Aged Care to organise an assessment, or give our friendly aged care team a call on 5152 0075. You can also find more information at www.glch.org.au.