Victorian Elderly Chinese Hostel

Victorian Elderly Chinese Hostel (VECH) is a not-for-profit, 31-bed residential aged care facility established in 1994, located at Ascot Vale in Victoria near the Maribyrnong river and parks precinct. Founded by the Victorian Elderly Chinese Welfare Society, it provides culturally specific care for elderly Chinese Australians, offering both permanent and respite care across low to high needs. The facility is staffed by bilingual (English and Chinese) registered nurses around the clock, with a daily on-site physiotherapist and regular visits from geriatricians, speech pathologists, and dietitians. Freshly prepared Chinese cuisine — spanning Cantonese, Northern Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Japanese styles — is served six times daily, with menus designed by a dietitian. Residents enjoy a rich lifestyle programme including mahjong, Chinese chess, calligraphy, gardening, cooking sessions, and regular cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festival.