Our History | RusCare’s Journey Since 1955

  • 1955

    The Beginning

    In the aftermath of World War II, many Russians were displaced due to political upheaval. Fearing persecution, they sought a new home where they could preserve their heritage and start anew. Australia opened its doors, and the ship "Fairsea" brought the first wave of Russian immigrants to Melbourne. These brave individuals arrived with little more than hope, determined to build a community that honoured their traditions. Recognising the need to support their elderly, a small group pooled resources to create a place of comfort. RusCare was born from this collective effort, initially operating from a modest building in Dandenong alongside the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Our founders weren't just establishing a service—they were creating a home away from home.
  • 1970s - 1980s

    Growing Together

    As the Russian-Australian population grew, so did the needs of the community. We expanded our services to include day programs where families could bring their elderly loved ones for activities, care, and social interaction in a familiar environment. Emphasising Russian traditions, food, and religious practices helped our seniors feel connected to their roots. Despite challenges, including a devastating bushfire that destroyed our facility in Healesville, we remained resilient. With determination and community support, we rebuilt, reinforcing our commitment to serving our elders.
  • 1990s

    Embracing Change

    The 1990s brought significant developments in aged care. Recognising the importance of supporting seniors at home, we became one of the first approved providers of in-home care services in 1997. We partnered with government programs to enhance accessibility and focused on personalising care plans to meet each client's unique needs. We also expanded our multilingual support, embracing the diverse languages spoken within our community. This period marked our commitment to innovation while staying true to our core values of compassion and respect.
  • 2000s

    Expanding Our Reach

    Entering the 21st century, we continued to evolve. We introduced additional services like nursing care, allied health services, and transport assistance. By organising cultural events, workshops, and social gatherings, we fostered stronger community connections. Adopting new technologies improved our communication and care coordination. Implementing electronic health records enhanced efficiency and accuracy, allowing us to provide even better care.
  • 2019

    A Strategic Shift

    Understanding the changing landscape of aged care, we made a strategic decision to focus on in-home and community-based services. We closed our residential facility to support seniors in staying at home as long as possible, promoting autonomy and comfort. Positioning ourselves as a boutique provider, we emphasised personalised, professional services with direct contact with care managers and flexible delivery options. We listened to our community and adapted to meet their evolving needs.
  • 2025

    70 Years of Service

    As we approach our 70th anniversary, we reflect on our journey with pride. Serving over 700 clients, we deliver 500 Home Care Packages and support 200 Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) consumers. Our focus remains on promoting independence, self-directed care, and keeping people at home. We offer palliative care partnerships for those wishing to receive end-of-life care at home. Our mission continues with authenticity, community strength, and a commitment to excellence. Our history is a testament to the resilience of our community. We are honored to continue this legacy.