With up to 50% of older Australians regularly experiencing social isolation and loneliness, it’s our mission at Comlink Australia to deliver exceptional client experiences and inspire connectivity.
We offer an extensive range of social support options to help you maintain an active social life and keep you involved with your community. We put considerable thought into our diverse program of events and outings to make sure they reflect our wellness approach and are tailored to your physical and mental health.
Social support individual can include providing companionship and social connections through visiting services, telephone and web-based services and technology, or accompanied activities such as shopping, attendance at appointments and social outings.
Social support groups can include activities providing social interactions that are away from your home such as group-based activities that promote physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being, excursions, or facilitated online forums.
If you’re not feeling as physically and mentally active as you used to be, Comlink Australia’s intergenerational play program could offer an innovative way to help.
It started with a visit to an early education centre and has now grown into our new Paper Planes program. When our client Joan met little Oscar, their simple act of making paper planes together and taking turns to fly them was the start of something magical.
This inspired us to capture the research-backed benefits of intergenerational play with our new Paper Planes program.
Regular intergenerational interactions support three elements that are essential to healthy ageing – maintaining physical health and wellbeing, mental functioning, and social relationships.
Watch our Paper Planes videos below to find out more!
This Activity is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program.
Maintaining social connections at every stage of your life is vital to your wellbeing. This is why we’re so passionate about Comlink Companions.
Comlink Companions links participants with a regular visitor to provide them with company and connection. These genuine relationships give them a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. If you want to expand your current social circle, Comlink Companions is designed to provide you with one-on-one friendship and companionship opportunities.
Funded by the Australian Government
At Comlink Australia, we understand the importance of combating loneliness and fostering meaningful relationships. This is why we are proud to offer our Telefriends program, which aims to connect our clients with our volunteers, increase social support, and make a little magic in one another’s lives.
Calls can be made on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis depending on your schedule and usually last between 30 minutes and an hour. Participants in this program speak with the same person every time allowing the opportunity to grow their connections over time.
As we age, maintaining our physical health and overall wellbeing becomes increasingly important. Comlink Australia recognises this need and has teamed up with the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) to introduce an exciting new program called Champion Life Seniors.
Designed by health professionals, this program brings guided functional movement right to our clients’ doorsteps at home and is designed to empower older adults to lead more active, fulfilling lives. With the support of a personal care assistant, tailored exercises help clients stay fit, improve strength and balance.
Respite for carers is crucial, but not always straight-forward. We understand the vital role that carers play and how necessary it is for them to sometimes have a break. Respite care services allow carers to get that much needed rest, while knowing that their loved ones are in excellent hands.
If you’re a carer for a loved one, our friendly and experienced team members help you to find the best respite options for you and your family. You can rest assured that your loved one’s personalised care needs will continue to be met to the highest standard.
Whether that means someone checking in on a daily basis or staying overnight, our professional team will make sure that your loved one feels relaxed, safe and comfortable in their own routine so that you can get the rest you deserve.
Based on your individual circumstances, our team will work with you to develop a personalised and flexible support plan that’s right for you and your family.
When it comes to community events, Comlink Australia’s busy social calendar will leave you spoiled for choice!
Each month, Comlink Australia organises a variety of social events and outings to provide you with opportunities to meet and make new friends through a wide range of activities.
Our regional Social Event Guides tell you everything that’s happening near you, so you can easily select and attend the events and outings that suit your lifestyle.
Your needs and wellbeing are important, so we listen to your feedback and develop our event guides around your capacity and level of mobility.
There’s always so much going on with Comlink Australia’s social events!
Whether you’re a social butterfly or have a specific area of interest you’d like to share, our packed calendar of diverse range of activities has something to suit you.
Comlink Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Meet Beryl, a cherished client of Comlink Australia, whose vibrant spirit illuminates every event and outing. Originally from England, Beryl ventured to Australia with her husband, driven by the allure of adventure. Despite the loss of her husband in 2019, Beryl remains surrounded by love, with her supportive family and faithful dog, by her side.
Actively participating in Comlink Australia’s Social Support programs, Beryl embraces her passions, from painting to crafting. Her philosophy echoes her resilient outlook:
Meet Elizabeth, whose journey from caring for her disabled mother and ailing father as a young girl, led to becoming a Lifestyle Assistant at Comlink Australia, is nothing short of inspiring. Her childhood was marked by challenges, yet she found strength and purpose in providing love and support to her family.
From managing a pharmacy to founding a successful gluten-free biscuit company, Elizabeth’s career was diverse and driven by her passion for helping others. Her experiences in Home Care and Caregiver Respite for clients affected by dementia equipped her with invaluable skills and compassion.
Joining Comlink Australia was a natural fit for Elizabeth, allowing her to continue making a positive difference in people’s lives. As a Lifestyle Assistant, she finds fulfillment in organising events, crafts, and group activities, spreading joy and laughter among clients. For Elizabeth, her role isn’t just a job—it’s her passion, and her heart is full when she sees the smiles of those she serves.
Meet Des, an 80-year-old Maroochydore resident originally from England. With a diverse career spanning banking, golfing business ownership, and pioneering work with early computers in chemists, Des’s journey is rich with experience. He’s also graced the stages of theatre and television, starring in commercials and musicals like Hello Dolly and Cats.
Des cherishes community involvement, even donning the Santa hat at Kawana Shopping World. Passionate about singing, sports, reading, and having a good yarn, Des enjoys spreading his sense of humour and positivity as part of our Comlink Australia family and doesn’t miss a social outing!
“I am inspired to pioneer a new way forward, challenging the way we think about aged care, and inviting you to reimagine a world class system for ageing in place. To lead with grace, creating environments where true participation can co-author our new story together”
Deborah is a dynamic leader driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. With extensive experience in operations management, business transformations, and strategic programs, she continuously achieves success. Deborah’s strategic insight enhances workplace productivity and fosters exceptional quality of life outcomes for clients.
With over a decade of leadership in community aged care services, Deborah’s journey began with a genuine desire to forge meaningful connections with elderly Australians. As a compassionate advocate, she believes in dignified aging, ensuring access to the highest standard of care for every individual. Deborah envisions a future where older Australians are empowered, independent, and connected, living their best lives to the fullest.
“I am motivated most by ensuring a thriving Comlink Australia exists sustainably for many years to come. I greatly appreciate the importance of independence, personal dignity and choice as we age, and believe the delivery of Comlink Australia’s compassionate, reliable and effective care and transport services to our elderly community is a necessity”
Michael is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Manager with a proven track record in the hospital, health, and aged care sectors. With years of hands-on experience, Michael has honed his expertise, becoming a valuable asset to Comlink Australia.
As our CFO, Michael leverages his proficiency in data modelling and business intelligence to drive organisational growth and efficiency. His keen eye for budgeting ensures optimal resource allocation, leading to improved financial performance.
Armed with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Hons) in Finance and Accounting from The University of Salford, Michael navigates complex financial landscapes adeptly. His risk management skills safeguard the organisation, while his ICT proficiency ensures seamless technology integration for operational productivity. Michael’s commitment to supporting his team and collaborating with stakeholders ensures regulatory compliance and secures funding for future growth.
“I am motivated by knowing people feel safe. With respect to the aged care sector, this safety aspect aligns with the power that community-connection provides elderly people. I am proud that Comlink Australia’s services discourage isolation and loneliness, instead promoting opportunities for elderly members of our community to remain living their best lives as independently as possible.”
Dirk Britz, our Chief Operating Officer at Comlink Australia, is a seasoned leader renowned for his achievements in the health, wellness, and fitness sectors. Passionate about fostering high-performing teams and driving innovation, Dirk is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Throughout his career, he has championed positive change, guiding professionals to reach their full potential and creating dynamic, motivated teams.
With a solid academic background including a BA in Human Movement Science and Business Management from the University of the Free State, Dirk combines his expertise in operations management with a deep understanding of human potential. His qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Harvard Business School further enrich his strategic approach. Dirk’s commitment to Comlink Australia’s vision of supporting clients to live and age well aligns perfectly with his belief in the importance of health and wellness across all generations.
As COO, Dirk’s compassionate leadership drives our organisation’s mission forward, ensuring we achieve our goals while making a positive impact in our clients’ lives and communities.
“I believe that the measure of the success of a society is how well it ages, how it supports and cares for people as they age. I also believe that this is all about culture, and that Australia needs to reimagine what it means to ages in our homes and in our communities. I am proud to be leading this conversation at Comlink Australia.”
Liam, our CEO and Managing Director at Comlink Australia, is deeply committed to driving meaningful social change. He envisions a future where Australians live and age with dignity and trust, reimagining traditional approaches. Liam’s approachability is evident as he actively engages with clients, families, staff, and volunteers, gathering feedback and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
With a doctorate in sociology, Liam’s expertise in futures thinking and social change has earned him recognition as a sought-after speaker for both corporate and community audiences. He shares his insights through publications and serves as a guest researcher at Radboud University in the Netherlands, a lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and a Senior Fellow with the Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies in London. Liam’s personable leadership style and dedication to collaborative decision-making make him a trusted advocate for positive change within our organization and beyond.
“I am passionate about my community and giving back; I love being involved with this organisation whose mission it is to help people to age well in their own homes and communities.”
Sharee Webster, Manager of Holmans in Maroochydore since April 2007, is a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Queensland. She holds certifications as a Chartered Tax Adviser from the Taxation Institute of Australia and is a Registered Tax Agent.
In July 2016, Sharee obtained her Diploma of Financial Planning, becoming a licensed Financial Adviser. Specialising in business structures, taxation advice, and Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), Sharee provides strategic tax guidance to private clients, family businesses, and corporate entities.
Formerly Treasurer of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network for six years, she also served on the Board of Directors of the Buderim Community Enterprises Limited, trading as the Buderim Community Bank ® Branch of Bendigo Bank, for six years. Sharee is deeply embedded in the local community and brings a wealth of experience to her role.
“I am passionate about embracing a holistic approach to healthy ageing where movement, good nutrition and a sense of community are recognised as key elements to ageing well. We aim to pioneer a paradigm shift in our industry, redefining the standards of healthy ageing.”
As our new Chair of the Board, Elaine Jobson strategically positions Comlink Australia at the forefront of the healthy ageing sector. With extensive experience in health and fitness, including leading the management buyout of Jetts Fitness, Ms. Jobson brings invaluable expertise to this role.
As we redirect our focus towards becoming an industry leader, Ms. Jobson’s global experience in fostering great cultures and cultivating exceptional leaders will be instrumental in driving ongoing success. Under her leadership, we aim to mitigate the impact of age-related illnesses and create a supportive environment for seniors, promoting physical, mental, and social health.
Elaine’s vision includes a holistic approach to healthy ageing, emphasising exercise, nutrition, and community engagement. With her guidance, we are set to revolutionise healthy ageing, improving the well-being and quality of life for older Australians.
“I’m driven by being involved in effecting positive and meaningful change to people’s lives. I strive to make a positive difference in my community, our country and hopefully one day throughout the world by supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities.”
Tim is passionate about effecting positive change in people’s lives, from the local to the global level. With expertise in corporate governance for non-profits, he advises senior management and boards, while also supporting the growth of commercial enterprises. Tim’s experience spans large-scale project management, small business development, and providing governance advice to various organisations.
As the Managing Director of a Queensland-based consulting firm, he balances his professional responsibilities with community involvement. Tim serves as an Executive Director for Five Bridges Ltd, a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation, and has held leadership roles in professional and community associations. A member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, Tim holds a Masters in Commercial Law, a Bachelor of Business, and a Diploma of Project Management.
