Mecwacare’s story began in 1959, when a group of volunteers in Malvern recognised that older people in their community needed extra support.
What started as neighbours helping neighbours became the Malvern Elderly Citizens Welfare Association (MECWA), a local organisation built on connection, compassion and practical support.
In those early years, volunteers delivered services such as Meals on Wheels and operated an opportunity shop, helping older people remain connected to the community they called home
As the needs of Victorians changed, so did we.
Over the decades, our services expanded beyond Malvern to support more people across Melbourne and regional Victoria. We introduced aged care residences, retirement living, home care, affordable housing and community programs, creating more ways for people to access the support they need.
In 2007, MECWA became Mecwacare, reflecting the broader range of services and communities we had grown to support.
While much has changed since 1959, our focus has remained the same. We believe caring means helping people stay connected to the people, places and routines that matter to them.
That’s why we take the time to understand each person’s circumstances, preferences and goals, helping them maintain choice, independence and a sense of belonging as their needs change.
We also recognise the important role families, carers and friends play. By working together, we can create a support network that helps people feel understood, respected and connected.
Today, Mecwacare supports more than 20,000 Victorians through aged care, retirement living, home care, disability services, affordable housing and community programs.
As community needs evolve, we’ll continue to grow and adapt. As a not-for-profit organisation, we invest in back into our services to strengthen, grow and innovate, ensuring we continue to put people first, today and for generations to come.
The City of Malvern develops plans for the area’s first senior citizens’ centre. Dances are held to raise funds for the project. In 1958, the new centre is built next to the Malvern Cricket Ground. In 1959, a volunteer committee is formed and named ‘the Malvern Elderly Citizens Welfare Association,’ or ‘MECWA’.
In 1964, MECWA begins its meals on wheels service and opens its first opportunity shop in Malvern to raise funds to support services. In late October 1969, a second op shop opens in Malvern East.
MECWA House in Warner Street, Malvern expands with the development of a 28-bed hostel and 18 self-contained flats. The extension serves growing demand for services.
The Barry Fenton Centre and Fisher Street Centre, both in Malvern East, are acquired. The meals on wheels service is based in Fisher Street and prepares more than 50,000 meals a year.
A church-owned property on the corner of Burke Road and Manning Road in Malvern East becomes a MECWA day centre in 1983. In 1987, a home care relief program is offered for carers supporting those with Alzheimer’s disease and other related conditions.
After a significant extension, MECWA House is renamed the Olive Miller Nursing Home. In 1998, MECWA opens an aged care facility in Prahran: the Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick Centre. Community housing units in Glen Iris are also opened.
The organisation begins providing home-based care and services for clients. Government funding is introduced for some home care services.
Rivendell House Day Care Centre opens in 1999.
In 2007, the continuing growth of MECWA’s services called for a change in the organisation’s name, with MECWA becoming ‘mecwacare’. The new name represents its broader focus as a major provider of care services across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
In February 2010, mecwacare opens its largest facility to date, the Malvern Centre, with beds for 120 residents.
mecwacare aquires properties in Hamlyn Heights, Traralgon, Terang, Mont Albert North, Box Hill and Westmeadows.
To address rising house prices and higher costs of living, mecwacare opens three affordable housing sites in Sandringham, Glen Iris and Beaumaris.
New residential aged care services launch with the opening of the John Atchison Centre, Annie’s Court, Calwell Manor and Squires Place.
The May Armstrong Centre opens in 2017.
We begin our Home Care Packages program in October 2013 after a successful tender.
In 2019, mecwacare’s 60th anniversary, the 41-bed Jubilee House nursing home opens in Caulfield.
Two opportunity shops open in Hawthorn and Reservoir.
In 2020, mecwacare sets the standard for luxury retirement living with the opening of Robin Syme, a high-end retirement village, located next to the Malvern Centre aged care home.
In 2021, mecwacare acquires Ballan Health, with the site including two aged care homes, a retirement village, a medical clinic and allied health services, furthering the reach of our services in regional Victoria. mecwacare announces plans to invest $20 million into a refurbished luxury aged care residence, with an expected completion date of 2024.
2021 also saw the opening of mecwacare’s newest opportunity shop in Ballan.
mecwacare’s residential services continue to grow with a full program of refurbishments, including the redevelopment of the Simon Price Centre in Mont Albert North – now completed and open, and the development of John Hood Terrace in Richmond, due to be completed in late 2024.
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