5th Year Anniversary Celebration
Date: 12 November 2024
Time: 2:30pm – 5:00pm
Location: 55/57 Kookaburra Ave
Werribee VIC 3030
Brief history
Human Right Education Training in Chiang Mai, Thailand around 2000.
Maung Hnin Thwe, first row, third person from the left. .
In 2007, I arrived in Australia with my family after spending years in a refugee camp. My journey as a refugee began at the age of 15 in 1994, and by 2001, I had devoted myself to working with vulnerable groups. This included supporting women in crisis, orphaned children, people with disabilities, and the elderly—communities that needed compassion and care.
Life in the refugee camp was incredibly difficult. For my family and the people who relied on me, every day was a challenge. Despite the harsh conditions, I was determined to make a difference. Through dedication, compassion, and a strong will to uplift others, I managed to bring some comfort to the lives of those around me.
Maung Hnin Thwe facilitating a meeting in one of the refugee camps in Thai-Burma border. .
Maung Hnin Thwe and her family as they started settling in Melbourne Australia.
Driven by the hope of a better future, I came to Australia in search of safety, shelter, food, and education for my young children. I had a strong desire to continue serving both my community back home and those in need here in Australia. As a mother of three young children, settling into a new country as a refugee was no easy task. However, I firmly believed that with a willing heart, nothing is impossible.
Upon arriving, I began learning English and volunteered in my local community, despite the demands of caring for my family. With over ten years of experience in community service work, I began collaborating with mainstream agencies in 2009. This work focused not only on migrant and refugee communities but also on a broader range of vulnerable populations, offering them essential support.
In 2019, after years of experience, I realised that to make a larger impact, I needed to establish something of my own. With the encouragement of my family and colleagues, and a vision of community service, I founded Comfort Care and Community Services on 12 November 2019. Our mission was clear—to assist older people, those with disabilities, and their families, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
However, just as Comfort Care began its journey, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The initial months were difficult; our office on Synot St was nearly empty, and we struggled financially. Yet, the pressing needs of the community and my unwavering passion for helping others kept us going. We were able to navigate these challenges and continue providing essential services throughout 2021.
Comfort Care and Community Services Harmony Day Celebration.
Comfort Care and Community Services Staff.
Comfort Care and Community Services support worker PD.
In 2022, Comfort Care moved to a larger office at 5 Pine Avenue in Werribee. Our staff, support workers, and client base grew steadily. By the end of the year, we purchased our permanent office at 57 Cottrell St, Werribee, where we have been operating since January 2023. I take immense pride in seeing Comfort Care thrive, not only because we provide vital services to the community but also because we have created employment opportunities for hundreds of people.
Our diverse team of professionals, who come from a variety of multicultural and multilingual backgrounds, is committed to delivering high-quality support services that promote overall health and well-being. Every day, we are guided by our core values of Compassion, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect.
Comfort Care’s vision, “An Empowered and Inclusive Community Where Compassion is an Action,” continues to shape our mission and inspires everything we do. Today, we are proud to serve our community with care and compassion, and we remain committed to building a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.