Supporting seniors to stay active, connected and independent | CASS Care Ltd

Multicultural Health Medal sponsored by the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service on behalf of NSW Health

In a community hall, a group of seniors gather around a table, chatting in their native languages.

Some are here to learn new digital skills. Others to exercise, share a meal or plan their next activity together.

For many, this weekly gathering is more than a social outing. It gives them connection, purpose and support.

These are the CASS Multicultural Seniors Activity Groups.

Delivered by CASS Care, the program helps seniors stay active, engaged and connected to their communities as they age.

Founded in 1981 as the Chinese Australian Services Society, and later established its subsidiary CASS Care Ltd, commonly known by its brand name “CASS”, the organisation has grown from a grassroots idea into one of New South Wales’ leading multicultural community service providers.

Professor Stephen Li, CASS Care Chairperson, says the organisation’s mission has always been rooted in equity and access.

“CASS Care is powered by a deep belief in breaking cultural and language barriers, so every person can access the support they deserve,” Professor Li said.
Established in 1993, the Multicultural Seniors Activity Groups support seniors to age actively and with dignity.

“The groups respond to the isolation many seniors experience after years spent caring for family, often with limited opportunities for social connection or engagement,” Professor Li said.

Today, 55 activity groups operate across Greater Sydney and Wollongong.

They engage more than 3,800 seniors from Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean and other communities.

Participants help shape the programs through local management committees, ensuring activities remain culturally meaningful and community led.
The impact often extends beyond the weekly gatherings.

Through partnerships with health organisations, councils and government agencies, CASS delivers in-language education on cancer screening, dementia awareness, immunisation, mental health and more.

“Our members are encouraged to share this knowledge with their families, extending the program’s impact beyond each group,” Professor Li said.

“Seniors have become champions of health knowledge.”

More broadly, CASS supports more than 8,500 families every week through services including childcare, aged care, disability support, settlement, mental health, employment and family violence assistance.

This work is delivered by more than 850 staff and 450 volunteers.

“The work that CASS Care does reflects how inclusion and leadership can drive lasting social cohesion,” Professor Li said.

“This is what happens when compassion meets action.”

For its work empowering seniors, CASS Care Ltd. was awarded the 2026 Multicultural Health Medal.