'More than just clinical care': Community group pushes culturally grounded social support for Filipino-Australian seniors

In an interview with SBS Filipino, Australian-Filipino Community Services CEO Corina Dutlow underscores that healthy ageing goes beyond medical care and must include social connection, cultural identity and support systems that help Filipino-Australian seniors feel confident navigating Australia’s health services.

Corina Dutlow and Community Social Worker Jamie Lalwet attended FECCA’s National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference on 11-12 November, where they presented a powerful poster on Maharlika Lodge, Australia’s first Filipino and dementia specific respite home. Credit: Australian-Filipino Community Services

Key Points

• AFCS attended and presented a poster at the 2025 FECCA National Multicultural Health and Wellbeing Conference in Melbourne, which focused on culturally safe health services, mental health and community-led solutions.
• The group emphasises that many Filipino seniors find the health system intimidating; AFCS aims to serve as a trusted entry point that helps communities understand services and know what to expect.
• ABS Census 2021 data shows more than 31,000 Filipino-born seniors aged 65 and over live in Australia; the figure strengthens calls for culturally responsive programs and clearer pathways to support.

LISTEN TO

Community group, binigyang-diin ang culturally grounded social support para sa Filipino-Australian seniors

SBS Filipino

09:15Filipino

SBS Filipino interviews Australian-Filipino Community Services CEO Corina Dutlow about healthy ageing. Credit: SBS Filipino

So many partnerships have sprouted from the previous FECCA conference for our organisation and community in Brisbane. Now, here in Melbourne, we are having further meetings and planning with other providers and researchers to amplify our work academically and expand our services. It is truly a powerhouse of grassroots organisations, seeing how we can align and work together.

Australian-Filipino Community Services CEO Corina Dutlow

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