Be a Lifeline.
Become a Friend of SPDL.

For many older residents in our community, a simple trip to the supermarket, a medical appointment, or a local social group feels completely out of reach. Isolation can happen quietly, right next door to - your Mum, Dad, Aunty or Uncle or a friend.

At SPDL, we deliver the vital transport, social connections, and practical support that help our older neighbours stay independent and connected to the community. But we cannot do it without you.

When you join the "Friends of SPDL" community, you become part of the immediate and tangible change. The benefits include,

  • Direct Local Impact

    Every dollar stays right here in our neighbourhood, directly funding essential transport and social programs for vulnerable older residents.

  • Restoring Independence

    Your gift directly purchases fuel, maintains vehicles, and keeps volunteer drivers on the road to get people where they need to go.

  • Combating Loneliness

    You fund the social outings and friendly connections that transform isolated individuals into active community members.

  • Tax-Deductible Benefits

    South Port Day Links is a registered charity, meaning your financial support provides you with a tax deduction.

  • Strengthening Our Community

    You join a dedicated network of locals committed to ensuring no one in our neighbourhood is left behind or forgotten.

How your gift keeps our community connected

$100

• Funds a weekly return medical trip

• Supports a garden cleanup or a regular walk for a dog

• Keeps a vehicle on the road

Member Benefits

• Priority SPDL news and updates

• Recognition in SPDL newsletter and Annual Report

• Occasional ‘SPDL Friends” get-togethers and much more!

Yes, I am a friend of spdl

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • DayLinks

    DayLinks Volunteer Drivers help by providing a door-to-door transport service with SPDL vehicles on weekdays, within the City of Port Phillip and City of Melbourne.

    Find out more

  • GardenMates

    GardenMates Volunteers help by visiting a client on a regular or occasional basis and assisting them with light gardening activities to maintain and enhance their garden.

    Find out more

  • PetMates

    PetMates Volunteers help by visiting a client regularly, usually two times per week and taking their dog for a walk in the local area for up to 30–45 min at a time.

    Find out more

  • WalkMates

    WalkMates volunteers help by visiting a client regularly, usually weekly and accompanying them on a leisurely walk in the local area for up to an hour once a week.

    Find out more

“I have the pleasure of supporting my client, who is a lady of Greek heritage, and introduced me to a new variety of herbs and plants. She is very independent, but at 80+ there are some things she can no longer lift, move or replant. She is so grateful and forever thanking me it makes every visit a joy”.”

— Julie, GardenMates volunteer

DayLinks volunteer, Robert, with one of our valued clients.

SPDL Programs

SPDL programs are designed to help older people with a disability and the people that care for them. Our programs include Daylinks, GardenMates, WalkMates and PetMates.


CLIENTS:
HOW SPDL CAN HELP YOU

SPDL programs help our clients stay engaged with their community and maintain their independence at home.

  • Door to door community transport program that provides flexible transport to older residents or those with a disability, together along with their carers.

  • Assist residents with the care of animals at home with grooming, dog walking and visits to the vet.

  • To support residents who need encouragement and company to go for a walk to maintain their physical fitness.

  • The service provides light gardening and does not provide lawn mowing, rubbish removal or tree pruning.

South Port Day Links (SPDL) is a local, volunteer-powered not-for-profit that has been part of the Port Phillip community for more than 36 years. Over that time, we’ve supported older residents, people with disabilities, and their carers with services that make daily life easier and more connected.

Our Vision is for a compassionate community where older and vulnerable people, and others in need receive genuine, respectful and accessible support.

Our Mission is simple: to improve the lives of older people and those with a disability by providing a range of community transport and support programs to aid independence.

We do this through a range of programs designed to meet different needs; DayLinks, GardenMates, PetMates and WalkMates.

Interested in Daylinks?

Download the Transport Client Information Booklet to find out more about our door-to-door community transport service.

Download

DONORS & FUNDING

THE LIFE SOURCE OF SPDL

Donations, funding, fundraising and grants from individuals, businesses and government, are the sources that keep the heart of the organization beating.

Donate

$10,000 bequest

We are honoured to share that SPDL has received the largest bequest in our history. Our former DayLinks Transport client, Monica Kirby, generously left $10,000 to SPDL in her will.

Her daughter, Ann-Maree Wubben, visited the SPDL office, where Denis Mathieson (Treasurer) and Clemens Unger (General Manager) expressed our heartfelt gratitude for this remarkable gift.

Funding providers

  • Australian Government

    Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

  • Victorian Government

    Department of Transport and Planning
    Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

  • City of Port Phillip

Supporters

  • Bendigo Community Bank Elwood

  • Kosdown Printing

  • South Melbourne Community Chest

  • Bunnings Warehouse