The vision for Anam Cara House Geelong (Anam Cara) has always been to be a global benchmark in palliative care services, with those services made available to our community, regardless of individual circumstances.

We deliver an exemplary model focused on person-centred holistic care and flexible access. We offer direct admissions to our service 24/7 alleviating the need for palliative care patients to present to an Emergency Department. The natural environment, sweeping views and home-like but state-of-the-art architecture of Anam Cara’s location at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds makes it a truly unique setting to receive dignified care.

We remain committed to delivering individual quality care, to ensure this care is available to our entire community regardless of financial circumstances, and that Anam Cara is able to sustainably operate into the future.

In response to the strong interest from our community and demonstrated demand, Anam Cara applied for additional Victorian Government funding of approximately $2million per annum in the 2024-25 budget but unfortunately our organisation’s request was again not supported. The funds would have seen our complete vision come to fruition.

The recent response to Anam Cara from the Victorian Government advised that Government funding for palliative care in 2024-25 will remain allocated to existing state funded services to maintain continuity for patients and their families, workforce, and services.

Anam Cara exists to offer another choice in care, consistent with Victorian Government policy, and we strongly support a person’s right to that choice. Yet this position, and the services now available at Anam Cara through extraordinary community advocacy and support, have again not been supported through funding by the Victorian Government.

The absence of this much-anticipated funding means, at present, Anam Cara is only able to accommodate guests who have private health insurance, or who are able to pay for the service.

Anam Cara Chair Diana Taylor AM, said this was a disappointing outcome, but Anam Cara’s advocacy to the Victorian Government for funding will continue.

“Anam Cara first opened its bedroom-based services in February of this year only due to the generosity of individuals and organisations who supported this initial start-up phase and through the support of private health insurers. Currently our overnight and end-of-life services are available to community members with private health insurance and those who are self-funded,” said Ms Taylor.

“Contributions from our community will make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illness, and by supporting Anam Cara, you help advance our objective that individuals and families in the Geelong community can receive the compassionate care and support they deserve, and choose, in their most vulnerable moments.”