Caring for the community this winter

MORE than 200 older people across the Glenelg Shire received a boost this winter through United Way Glenelg’s Winter Care Packages, designed to provide practical support, comfort, and a sense of connection during the colder months.

Now in its sixth year, the Winter Care Packages initiative began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many older residents were unable to receive visitors and experienced increased disconnection from family, friends, and community life.

The program continues today in response to ongoing challenges of social isolation and cost-of-living pressures.

United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said the initiative is especially important given shire’s changing demographics.

“In the Glenelg Shire, nearly one in four adults’ experiences loneliness, and our population is aging rapidly,” Ms Carr said.

“These packages are about more than just essentials, they send a message that people are seen, supported, and remembered by their community.”

Recent data shows Glenelg Shire has the highest median age in the region, with Casterton’s median age at 59. A growing number of residents aged 65+ are living alone, with a 7.2% increase in lone person households between 2016 and 2021.

One resident, speaking through his daughter, expressed deep gratitude for receiving the package at a time he needed it most.

“I just wanted to let you all know how chuffed my Dad was at receiving his Winter Care Package from United Way. The District Nurse from Portland District Health who gives him his insulin injection brought it over.

The things he loved best were the two gifts from Bayview College and Merino School. His letter was from a Year 3 student who is Japanese and Dad remembered I studied Japanese, so he asked me to help him write back in Japanese! (I may have had to use a translation app to look up a word or three, but we got there).

We’re going to finish it on the weekend, so he takes himself off to the Post Office next week and mail it back. Anyway, thank you again, it really did make his day.”

Each package included a $50 grocery voucher, warm winter goods, hygiene items, and pantry staples, with an increased focus on locally sourced products.

United Way Glenelg partnered with 13 local agencies and departments to identify and support residents most in need, ensuring the packages were delivered directly to people’s homes. This approach helps preserve dignity and provide support in a way that is both accessible and respectful.

This winter’s distribution included:

• Portland & district – 117 packages

• Casterton & Merino – 32 packages

• Dartmoor & Nelson – 27 packages

• Heywood – 24 packages

“We’re incredibly grateful to the students, donors, and volunteers who helped make this possible,” Ms Carr said.

This year’s initiative was made possible through the financial and in-kind support of All Saints Outreach, Freemasons Portland, Uniting Church Portland, Glenelg Shire Council, Finaly Emporium, Daly’s IGA, local crafters, Julia Street Creative Space, Readers Digest, Portland Community Garden, and Portland District Health – Health Promotion team. Students from Merino Consolidated Primary School, Portland Secondary College, and Bayview College played an active role in making the packages extra special.

United Way Glenelg is currently inviting feedback from recipients to help shape and sustain the initiative into the future.

If you would like to make a donation to the Winter Care Packages in 2026 https://www.givenow.com.au/wintercarepackages