In 1987, a group of determined Greek Australian parents came together with a vision that would transform the lives of countless individuals and families. United by their belief that every child, regardless of disability, deserved equal access to community programs and services, they founded AGAPI Care Inc. Their mission was not only to provide support but also to dismantle the barriers that excluded children with disabilities from participating fully in society. At a time when cultural and linguistic differences often restricted access to essential services, these families refused to accept limitations. Inspired by the progressive principles of the 1978 Galbally Report, which called for multicultural inclusivity in service provision, they created an organisation that would become a beacon of hope and advocacy.
From its earliest days, AGAPI Care was guided by values of respect, cultural understanding, and empowerment. The organisation’s founders recognised that disability support was not simply about meeting immediate needs but about affirming the dignity of every individual and ensuring their right to thrive. Their advocacy was rooted in the belief that inclusion must extend beyond physical access to services. It must embrace cultural identity, personal choice, and community belonging.
Over the decades, AGAPI Care has grown from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognised provider of disability services. Since 2016, the organisation has offered a comprehensive range of supports across Victoria, including Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, In‑Home Support, Support Coordination, Individualised Living Options, Mental Health and Wellbeing programs, Short‑Term Accommodation, Social and Community Participation, Plan Management, Independent Skill Development, Group‑Based Activities, and Allied Health services. Each of these programs reflects AGAPI Care’s commitment to tailoring support to the unique needs of individuals, empowering them to live independently while remaining connected to their communities.
In 2025, AGAPI Care expanded its mission further by introducing My Aged Care services, recognising the importance of supporting older Australians in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life. This initiative provides assistance with daily living tasks such as meal preparation, domestic duties, and personal care, while also fostering social engagement through support for community activities and events. Understanding the pressures faced by families and caregivers, AGAPI Care offers trusted respite care solutions, ensuring that loved ones receive compassionate and professional support. The organisation also provides interpreting services to eliminate language barriers, transport assistance for medical and social appointments, and home maintenance services, including gardening and minor modifications, to create safe and accessible living environments.
In 2025, AGAPI Care expanded its impact by launching a national rollout of services across multiple states, extending its commitment to inclusion and support beyond Victoria.
Through these initiatives, AGAPI Care has reinforced its role as a holistic provider, addressing not only the practical needs of individuals but also their emotional and social wellbeing. Whether supporting people with disabilities or assisting the elderly, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission: to empower vulnerable individuals, foster inclusion, and uphold personal choice.
At its core, AGAPI Care embodies a vision of society where every person is valued, regardless of race, beliefs, background, religion, or gender. Its journey from a small group of parents advocating for their children to a nationwide provider of disability and aged care services is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and compassion. More than three decades after its founding, AGAPI Care continues to stand as a symbol of hope and progress, ensuring that dignity, independence, and inclusion remain at the heart of care.