Victoria Australia Samoa Seniors Inc.
Talofa lava!
Day programs where our elders speak their language, eat their food and sit among their own people.
E fusi i le alofa — bound together in love
Who we are
A place that feels like home
Founded in 2019, VASSI is a community-led not-for-profit supporting Samoan and Pasifika seniors across Melbourne to stay active, connected and culturally grounded.
At the heart of everything we do is fa’aaloalo — respect for our elders.
We are not just an aged care service. Here you'll hear Samoan spoken, smell the food you grew up with, and sit among people who know exactly where you come from.
Our members come for the company as much as the program. For many, Tuaā Sinasina is the highlight of the week — the place where you're greeted by name, where someone notices if you seem quiet, and where your stories still matter.
Where to find us
Two campuses, one family
Tuaā Sinasina Day Program. Come to whichever suits you best — or come to both.
Doveton VIC 3177
9:30am – 2:30pm
Open in maps →Taylors Hill VIC 3037
9:30am – 2:30pm
Open in maps →A day with us
What a day looks like
Every day is a little different — but this is the shape of it.
You never have to join in. Sitting, resting and talking is just as welcome.
What we do
Programs & activities
Something for every kind of day — the lively ones and the quiet ones.
Cultural activities
Keeping our traditions, language and knowledge alive.
Music & entertainment
Singing, dancing and the songs we grew up with.
Centre-based respite
A safe, welcoming place to spend the day.
Community outings
Getting out and about together.
Gentle exercise
Keeping strong and steady, at your own pace.
Social connection
The tea, the talk and the laughter.
Arts & crafts
Weaving, making and creating together.
Cultural lunches
The food of home, shared at one table.
Celebrations
Birthdays, holy days and community occasions.
Outings & excursions
Days out with your VASSI family.
Help with Support at Home & CHSP
Aged care can be confusing — especially in a second language. We'll sit down with you and your family, explain how it works, and help you connect with the right services.
More than a program
Some of our members didn't want to come at all
Until they walked in and found their own people already sitting there.
You don't need to be Samoan to join us. You just need to want the company.
Who can come
Everyone is welcome
- ✓Seniors from across the Pasifika community — and beyond. You don't need to be Samoan.
- ✓No English needed. We speak Samoan here, and we'll always make sure you understand and are understood.
- ✓Wheelchairs, walkers and walking sticks are no barrier. We'll make sure you can join in.
- ✓Bring your family. Come for an hour or stay the whole day — there's no pressure at all.
Join us
Come and be part of VASSI
Leave your details and we'll call you back. If you'd rather talk now, our coordinators' numbers are further down the page.
For aged care providers
Partner with us
We work with registered providers as an associated provider, delivering culturally specific services that are difficult to source through mainstream programs.
Your client actually attends
Engagement is the outcome hardest to buy. Our members come because it is their community, their language and their food.
Language is covered
Our workers and volunteers speak Samoan. Service information, consent and complaints are available in language.
We report back
We see your client weekly — often more consistently than anyone outside their household — and report observed change directly to you.
Our scope is disciplined
We do not deliver personal care. Where a participant needs it, their carer accompanies them. Our boundary is documented and reviewed.
Currently partnering with Alfred Health and other registered providers for CHSP and Support at Home participants. Contact us for our capability statement.
Come and see for yourself
Have a cup of tea with us
The best way to know if VASSI is for you is to come along and meet everyone. Give one of our coordinators a call.
No appointment needed
Turn up, have a cup of tea, meet everyone. Stay for an hour or stay for the day — whatever suits you.