Inclusee is transforming social inclusion for older Australians through its Virtual Community Centre, delivering more than 200 live sessions each month. Co-designed programs, digital support, intergenerational activities and strengths-based volunteering create meaningful connection and purpose. It won the social inclusion category in the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on November 27, 2025…To view all of the results…
For older Australians experiencing loneliness, poor health, limited mobility or geographic isolation, simply having access to a program does not necessarily mean they feel connected.
Inclusee has taken a different approach using technology to create an inclusive, participant-led community where older people can connect, contribute and build relationships from the comfort of their own homes.
Its Virtual Community Centre (VCC) delivers more than 200 live sessions every month, spanning art, music, wellness, digital skills, trivia, intergenerational activities and peer connection.
Since 2020, the initiative has delivered more than 100,000 connection hours, demonstrating the potential of a virtual model to reach people who can be excluded by traditional face-to-face services.
Designing inclusion, rather than simply providing access
Inclusee was created in response to the growing evidence around loneliness and social isolation among older people, particularly those living in regional and remote communities or experiencing barriers related to disability, cultural background, caring responsibilities, health or digital literacy.
The organisation recognised that a one-size-fits-all approach to social engagement could leave many people behind.
Its response was to create a model based on choice, co-design and inclusion.
Programs are developed with participants rather than simply delivered to them. Older people are encouraged to identify their interests, shape activities and, where appropriate, contribute as facilitators, mentors and storytellers.
The result is a community in which older people are not passive recipients. They can also be contributors.
More than 200 opportunities to connect each month
The VCC provides a diverse program of live, facilitated activities, including meditation, craft, singing, music, trivia, brain games and digital skills.
There is no geographic barrier and no requirement to travel to a physical venue.
Inclusee also provides ongoing technology support and training, recognising that digital inclusion is a prerequisite for participation. Rather than assuming older people are confident technology users, the organisation works with participants at their individual starting points.
A weekly intergenerational program provides another point of difference, connecting Year 6 students from All Hallows’ School in Brisbane with older Australians in regional and remote communities. Through games, stories and conversations, participants share experiences and perspectives across generations.
“Virtual social programs are not unique but this has great scale and is such an important area of social isolation.”
2025 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Inclusion embedded across the organisation
The commitment to inclusion extends beyond participant programming.
Inclusee staff and volunteers undertake regular diversity, equity and inclusion training, with managers committing to a minimum of five hours of DEI training each month.
The organisation has established peer support groups for different lived experiences and a Diversity Champion role, while staff are encouraged to participate in community events to strengthen allyship and representation.
Marketing uses diverse imagery and inclusive language, while volunteers are trained to listen with empathy, challenge ageism and foster respectful, mutual relationships.
Partnerships with councils, libraries, health professionals, carer organisations and aged care services have also helped Inclusee reach people who may otherwise remain disconnected.
Demonstrating measurable impact
The initiative reached 100,000 connection hours in 2024, four years after its establishment, and has set a new target of one million connection hours by 2030.
Participant feedback indicates that the benefits extend beyond the individual activities.
People report increased confidence using technology, stronger social connections, opportunities to pursue their interests and a greater sense of purpose.
Some participants have progressed from attending sessions to facilitating their own clubs, including drawing and photography.
The experience of Bob, an 88-year-old referred by his GP because of depression and social isolation, illustrates the potential impact.
Working with Bob’s daughter, Inclusee supported him to become part of its virtual community. Within weeks, his family observed a significant change in his engagement and wellbeing.
Bob described joining Inclusee as one of the best decisions he had made, while his daughter said the organisation had brought her father “back to life”.
Inclusee’s innovation lies not simply in moving community activities online. It has used technology to rethink who gets to participate, how they participate and what they can contribute.
The result is a model of social inclusion that doesn’t just create access. It creates belonging.
