K-Life Launches “Help Starts Here” Campaign with Community Backing
Dannielle Hersant • September 19, 2025
Working Together with Local Businesses
K-Life has launched its new “Help Starts Here” campaign, a community-wide initiative that makes it easier for people to find the support they need, when they need it most. At the centre of the campaign is a simple but powerful tool – the Help Starts Here card – which connects people directly to K-Life’s wide range of aged care, disability, wellness, and community support services.
The card can be offered to anyone who may be struggling at home, feeling isolated, or unsure where to turn. It’s a gentle, respectful way to open the door to support, whether that means home care, NDIS services, domestic help, gardening, or links to local community programs.
Backed by the IMOC Grant
The campaign is made possible through the Innovative Model of Care (IMOC) grant, which helps people stay in their homes for longer, remain connected to their community, and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. By focusing on early access to personalised support, the IMOC program aims to prevent unnecessary hospitalisation or institutionalisation.
“The Help Starts Here card is more than just a piece of paper – it’s a pathway to dignity, independence, and connection,” said CEO, Sarah Fea. “Thanks to the IMOC grant, we can ensure people in our region know where to turn for the right help at the right time.”
Working Together with Local Businesses
The campaign is not just about K-Life – it’s about the whole community working together. Local organisations and businesses, including the community-owned Killarney Co-op, are supporting the initiative by keeping cards on hand and sharing them with people who may benefit. Partnerships like this show how K-Life and local businesses stand side by side to strengthen the region, support families, and keep people connected.
Marissa Costelle, General Manager of the Killarney Co-op, said:
“As a community-owned business, we’re proud to support the Help Starts Here campaign. Having these cards available at the Co-op means we can play a part in connecting people to the right help when they need it. It’s another way our community can look after one another.”
A Community Effort
The campaign empowers not only K-Life staff but also community partners, health professionals, and everyday locals to play a role in supporting one another. Offering someone a card is a small gesture that can make a life-changing difference. Importantly, the card is not age-specific – it’s designed for anyone, at any stage of life, who needs a little support or guidance in navigating the services available to them.
Getting Involved
Community organisations, health providers, and businesses are invited to get involved by keeping Help Starts Here cards on hand and sharing them when appropriate. Additional cards can be requested by contacting K-Life reception on 07 4664 1248 or via care@k-life.org.au.
Join us for our AGM
Our new staff housing opens this November!
A warm welcome to Amy O’Brien, our new Support at Home Manager
Spring into movement at Killarney Community Pool Warmer days are the perfect invitation to enjoy a walk, spend time in the garden or return to the pool. As we continue our focus on women’s health this October, World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October is a timely reminder to make movement—and bone health—a priority. Looking after our bones matters throughout life. For women, it becomes particularly important around menopause, when declining oestrogen levels can accelerate bone loss. Regular activity, good nutrition and a conversation with your GP can help you protect your strength and independence. Make a splash this spring Whether you enjoy swimming laps, prefer gentle exercise or would like a more energetic workout, Killarney Community Pool offers opportunities to get moving close to home. Swimming and aqua aerobics can support fitness, muscle strength and mobility, with the water providing support that makes movement more comfortable for many people. Joining a class also offers a lovely opportunity to connect with others. For an early swim, the pool opens from 6 am Monday to Thursday . Ask the pool team about lap-lane availability around scheduled programs. Public swimming hours during term: Monday–Thursday 6–9 am and 11 am–6 pm Friday 9 am–6 pm Saturday 10 am–5 pm Sunday. Closed Find an aqua aerobics class that suits you: Gentle aqua aerobics Monday and Wednesday 10:15–10:45 am Tuesday 5:30–6 pm Thursday 4:45–5:15 pm Higher-intensity aqua aerobics Monday and Wednesday 9:15–10 am Tuesday 4:45–5:30 pm Thursday 5:15–6 pm For swimmers seeking a structured session, Adult SwimFit runs on Saturdays from 8–8:45 am , combining swimming fitness with stroke improvement. Sessions are subject to change depending on numbers. Build healthy bones at every age Bone health habits should begin in childhood and adolescence, when much of our bone strength develops, and continue throughout adulthood. It is never too late to take positive steps. Calcium-rich foods, adequate protein and healthy vitamin D levels all play a role. Speak with your GP before starting supplements. Pair swimming with suitable weight-bearing and resistance exercise to support bone strength. Walking is an accessible way to become more active, while a tailored strength program provides the loading bones need. Balance exercises can also help reduce falls. Gardening adds enjoyable movement to the day—start with manageable tasks and take regular breaks. Start at a level that suits your ability and build gradually. If you have osteoporosis, a previous fracture or concerns about exercising safely, a physiotherapist or accredited exercise physiologist can help you develop an appropriate program. Ready to get moving? Contact Killarney Community Pool on 07 4664 1119 or pool@klife.org.au to enquire about classes and swimming options. For advice about menopause, osteoporosis risk or your bone health, book an appointment with K-Life Medical Centre on 07 4664 4144 or book online .
Caring for our Community
Thanks for the Memories
K-Life Auxiliary — stronger together for our community.
The Killarney Community Pool has reopened for the 2026–27 swimming season, providing the community with a welcoming place to swim, exercise, develop water skills and enjoy time together. To celebrate the beginning of the new season, K-Life will host a free community Pool Party on Saturday, 3 October 2026, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Pool Party will include: • Free pool entry • Free lunchtime sausage sizzle • Inflatable pool activities Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy a fun day at the pool. K-Life General Manager Andrew Millard also welcomed the pool’s new manager, Bec, to the Killarney community. “We are delighted to welcome Bec to Killarney Community Pool,” Mr Millard said. “Bec brings extensive experience in swimming-pool management and swim teaching. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to water safety will be a great asset to the pool and the wider Killarney community. “We are excited about the positive direction of the pool and the opportunities Bec will help create for local children, adults and families.” Killarney Community Pool’s Term 4 programs will officially commence on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. A broad range of programs will be available for children and adults, including: • Learn to Swim classes • Swimming squads • Aqua Play for children under four • Higher-intensity Aqua Aerobics • Low-impact and Gentle Aqua Aerobics • Adult SwimFit • Adult and private swimming lessons, subject to availability • One-on-one swimming lessons and support for neurodivergent community members The one-on-one swimming option will provide a quieter and more individualised learning environment for neurodivergent children and adults. Lessons can be adapted to suit each participant’s abilities, confidence, communication style, sensory preferences and learning needs. This individual approach can help participants become more comfortable around water, develop essential water-safety skills and progress at a pace that is appropriate for them. Families and support people are encouraged to speak with the pool team about individual needs and suitable lesson arrangements. Bec said she was looking forward to becoming part of the Killarney community and expanding the opportunities available at the pool. “I am very excited to be joining the Killarney community and introducing a range of new swimming, fitness and water-based programs,” Bec said. “My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all ages and abilities can feel comfortable in the water, improve their skills and enjoy being active. “I am particularly pleased that we will be able to offer one-on-one support for neurodivergent community members. Every person learns differently, and individual lessons allow us to adapt our teaching style and the swimming environment to better support each participant. “I am looking forward to meeting local families and working with the community to make the pool a vibrant, safe and inclusive place for everyone.” The reopening of the pool and introduction of the new programs represent an important investment in the health and wellbeing of the Killarney community. Killarney Community Pool is located at Willow Street, Killarney. For information about opening hours, programs, one-on-one lessons and enrolments, contact the pool on 07 4664 1119 or email pool@klife.org.au.
From 21–27 September 2026, Dementia Action Week encourages Australians to start conversations, improve understanding and help reduce the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with dementia. This year’s theme, “It’s time to talk about dementia,” reminds us that honest and respectful conversations can make it easier for people to seek information, receive a diagnosis and connect with appropriate support. Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, while approximately 1.7 million people are involved in their care. Despite the number of people affected, dementia can still be difficult to discuss. People may worry about saying the wrong thing, misunderstand dementia as a normal part of ageing or feel uncertain about how to support someone experiencing changes to their memory or thinking. Talking openly about dementia helps build understanding and reminds people living with dementia, their families and carers that they are not alone. Local connection through the K-Life Dementia Support Group Support and connection are available locally through the K-Life Dementia Support Group. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month and provides a welcoming and supportive environment for people living with dementia, their families, carers and friends. It offers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the experience of dementia, share information, discuss challenges and learn more about available services and support. For carers and family members, simply speaking with someone who has faced a similar situation can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation. For people living with dementia, the group offers an inclusive setting where they are welcomed, respected and encouraged to remain connected with their community. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to contact K-Life for information about the next meeting. Become a Dementia Friend One simple way we can all help create a more understanding and inclusive community is by becoming a Dementia Friend. A Dementia Friend is someone who wants to improve their understanding of dementia and learn how to support people living with dementia in ways that are meaningful to them. This support may be as simple as showing patience during a conversation, taking time to listen, challenging an unhelpful stereotype or helping someone remain involved in a community activity. Becoming a Dementia Friend is not about becoming a dementia expert. It is about learning, listening and taking practical steps to help people living with dementia feel respected, supported and included. K-Life is encouraging individuals, workplaces, clubs and community groups to become involved in the Dementia Friends program. If you or your community group would like to learn more or become part of the program, please contact K-Life. Together, we can help make Killarney a community where people living with dementia and their families feel understood, welcomed and supported. Learn more: • Dementia Action Week • Become a Dementia Friend For free and confidential information, advice and support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 , available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
R U OK? Day is a held on 10th September each year to remind us to check in with the people around us and ask a simple but important question: “Are you OK?” R U OK? Day encourages Australians to have meaningful conversations with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and members of their community who may be experiencing a difficult time. The message is simple: you don't need to be an expert to start a conversation. Sometimes, taking the time to notice a change, ask how someone is going and genuinely listen can help a person feel supported and less alone. R U OK? Day is more than asking the question once a year. It is about building a culture where checking in with each other becomes part of your life, everyday. Why is this important in rural communities? Living in a rural community has many strengths. We often know our neighbours, families and local businesses, and there can be a strong sense of community spirit and looking out for one another. However, rural and remote communities can also experience challenges such as geographical isolation, limited access to services, fewer transport options and people needing to travel further to access health and support services. This makes connection particularly important. A friendly conversation over a cup of coffee, checking on a neighbour, inviting someone to a community event or simply making a phone call can make a difference. We should also remember that people don't always tell us when they are struggling. Someone may appear to be coping on the outside while experiencing loneliness, grief, stress, anxiety or other challenges privately. This is why noticing, asking and listening matters. R U OK? and people living with dementia or chronic disease The message of R U OK? is equally important for people living with dementia or chronic illnesses.
