InnovAGEING
InnovAGEING is dedicated to shaping the future of aged care through innovation and transformative technology.
At our very heart lies Ageing Australia’s commitment to continuous improvement across the sector, fostering excellence and ensuring better outcomes for older Australians.
InnovAGEING is Australia’s national network for innovation in the aged care sector, focused on driving positive change through collaboration, shared insights, technology, research, and workforce empowerment.
It fosters a forward-thinking environment where aged care providers can adapt to emerging challenges, reimagine business and care models, and enhance the quality of life for older Australians by embracing innovative solutions and practices.
Table of contents
Harnessing data insights
Through collaboration and communities of practice, InnovAGEING seeks to leverage data insights to support continuous improvement and build community trust and confidence.
Raising digital maturity as an enabler
The use of cutting-edge technology for system efficiencies, data collection and analysis, AI or even robotics, can help aged care providers drive continuous improvement by working smarter.
We strive to empower providers with tools that enhance productivity and elevate the consumer and workforce experience and are committed to working with all stakeholders to build digital maturity and literacy across the sector.
Translating research into practice
We understand the importance of bridging the gap between research and implementation.
By actively listening to the sector InnovAGEING aims to translate evidence-based research into actionable strategies, enhancing services to better the lives of older people.
Empower sector led innovation
In a rapidly evolving landscape, equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge is paramount.
InnovAGEING is committed to empowering industry professionals with the tools and training they need to thrive in an era of transformative change and to nurture sector-led innovation.
Fostering collaboration
Collaboration and networking are the cornerstone of the InnovAGEING approach
We are dedicated to securing opportunities that support innovation at every stage, from inception to maturity, on matters that have the most impact.
We aim to connect providers with solutions and supporting systems, and to share insights from data, and local and international innovative practice and research, helping to accelerate learnings across the sector to support ageing well for all Australians.
How to get involved
If you are an aged care provider, supplier or vendor and would like to get involved with Ageing Australia InnovAGEING please get in touch with us.
Contact InnovAGEING Team.
CaRE community of practice
Join our members-only InnovAGEING community to stay connected and informed. Enjoy exclusive updates, event invitations, early bird specials, networking opportunities, discussion threads and full access to our resource libraries. Our community currently supports 1,800 Ageing Australia members.
Join the InnovAGEING community.
Data and Digital Policy Group
This group informs Ageing Australia policy and advocacy relating to data and digital transformation, provides industry intelligence and delivers advice on specific topics.
This may include providing feedback to inform Ageing Australia’s submissions or InnovAGEING projects, identifying emerging issues affecting the sector or sharing your experiences to support development of case studies and shared insights. Members will participate in targeted engagement on relevant issues and potential solutions.
Contact InnovAGEING Team to join this group.
Research and development translating research to practice
Invitation to participate – by actively engaging in R&D, the sector can harness evidence-based innovation, driving change and supporting older Australians to live their best life. This involvement not only helps in identifying best practices and new technologies but also ensures that aged, community care and seniors living services remain responsive to the evolving needs of older people. Together, let’s champion a culture of innovation and collaboration that sets the benchmark for excellence in aged care.
Contact InnovAGEING Team to join this group.
The InnovAGEING Team
Belinda Allen
General Manager of Services and Sector Capacity
Belinda is an accomplished executive leader with expertise in strategy development, large transformation projects and teams, marketing and business development, and significant community sector reform.
With over 20 years’ experience in government, corporate and for-profit settings, she is passionate about the delivery of quality services to the most vulnerable people in our community.
Belinda leads Ageing Australia’s Services and Sector Capacity division consisting of funded programs, member services, consultancy, learning and events, workplace relations and innovation. Belinda was previously Director of Member Services and Marketing at the National Disability Services peak.
Julie Anderson
Head of Innovation
Julie is an Allied Health practitioner with extensive experience in aged care and disability, quality, project and change management.
Providing insight into the challenges and achievements at the frontline, Julie is able share experiences with the wider Ageing Australia membership for an effective response to aged care reforms.
Julie’s approach is one that builds internal capability to ensure robust and sustainable organisational improvement.
Dr George Margelis
Chief Technology Advisor
Dr George Margelis is a medical practitioner who has been deeply involved in technology for the last 30 years. Originally trained as an optometrist, he started tinkering with computers in 1981 when he bought his first PC, a Sinclair ZX80 before going back to medical school to complete his training at the University of Sydney.
He was Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a private hospital group as well as managing an innovative software development team that produced a personal health record for Australians 10 years before the PCEHR. He joined Intel in 2005, and then Intel-GE Innovations as they tried to radically transform healthcare and has some amusing stories he can share about that time.
In 2013 he was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney with the TeleHealth Research & Innovation Laboratory (THRIL) and is also currently a member of Ignition Labs a start-up incubator in the health space as well as a number of advisory roles. In 2014 he was appointed to the IT in Aged Care Hall of Fame for his work in the use of technology in aged care. He is a board member of Multicultural Care, an aged care provider in Sydney and also acts as their medical adviser.
Tushar Baraiya
Project Officer InnovAGEING
Tushar is a healthcare professional with a background in dentistry and public health, and international experience across India and Canada. His diverse career spans clinical practice, public health, and healthcare management, equipping him with a well-rounded understanding of health systems and innovation in care delivery.
In his role as Project Officer at InnovAGEING, Tushar leads and contributes to initiatives such as the Digital Maturity Project, the Benchmarking Project, the InnovAGEING CARE platform, Research Initiatives, and Collaboration. He is passionate about enabling aged care providers to adopt digital solutions that enhance care quality, efficiency, and person-centred outcomes.
Greg Moran
Project Manager - Digital and Data
Greg is a management consultant working nationally in digital health strategy, engagement, and workforce development in Australia. He has previously held senior roles in Government and industry across health and community care, and most recently in promoting and advancing digital health across Australia with the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH).
Greg has led and contributed to the development of national digital health workforce capability frameworks and blueprints, as well as coordinated and led commercialisation and innovation programs, digital health community and hacking events, and executive round tables. He has strong national health sector networks across government, industry, clinical, research and academia, and IT. He has also worked in the aged care sector providing concierge services for those transitioning from hospital to aged care. Greg recently completed a review of the Sparked FHIR Accelerator in Australia on behalf of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Greg is CHIA certified – Certified Health Informatician of Australasia.
Building capability - events and programs
Innovation Transforming Aged Care (ITAC) Conference
We’re thrilled to bring the Innovation Transforming Aged Care (ITAC) Conference to Brisbane on 6–7 May 2026 at the Royal International Convention Centre
As Australia’s premier event for exploring innovation in aged care, ITAC 26 will unite leaders, innovators and professionals to share ideas that are reshaping the sector.
From cutting-edge technologies to new models of care, this conference will showcase inspirational technologies and models that will improve the lives of older Australians. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation driving the future of aged care. Join us in Brisbane for ITAC 26.
Strategic innovation program
Ageing Australia Strategic Innovation Program – coming to Adelaide in February 2026
This program is more than a training event, it’s an investment in your organisation’s future and can be tailored specifically for your board and/or executive team.
Learning outcomes:
- World-leading strategic innovation skills to develop a tailored solution to address your unique strategic vision or organisational challenge
- expert guidance from global innovation experts
- a tested and refined solution prepared for execution, ensuring real-world application upon your return
- access to a collaborative network of like-minded leaders, forging connections and sharing strategies that shape the future of the sector.
By the end of the program, you will have:
- Developed a pilot solution to address a major challenge
- acquired strategic innovation skills that can be applied immediately
- gained feedback from experts and peers to refine your approach
- created a compelling narrative to support your solution
- built lasting connections with a network of like-minded leaders.
Personalise the Strategic Innovation Program
Would you prefer a more personal experience?
The strategic innovation program is more than a training event, it’s an investment in your organisation’s future and can be tailored specifically for your board and/or executive team.
Contact us to explore the opportunities or for a proposal for this customised, in-house version of the Strategic Innovation Program.
The entire program is two days, face-to-face, but can be customised to suit your needs and operating cadence.
Innovation showcase
Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 InnovAGEING Hub
Fresh innovation and technology focus as ACIITC joins Ageing Australia (formerly ACCPA)
In May 2024, the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC) and ACCPA joined forces to provide one clear voice on technology and innovation.
Established in 2007, the ACIITC has significantly advanced digital maturity in aged care, earning national and international recognition. Since ACCPA’s formation in 2022, we have prioritised innovation and continuous improvement, and integrating ACIITC’s work will enhance our shared vision to improve care for older Australians.
As part of this ‘one voice’ for innovation, Dr George Margelis, former Chair of the ACIITC, now joins ACCPA as our Chief Technology Advisor.
Read through the ACIITC reports, and their news items.
Following the transition of ACIITC to ACCPA, we are pleased to provide access to ACIITC’s valuable reports and news content. These resources offer insights and knowledge that have shaped the aged care sector’s approach to technology and innovation. We invite you to explore the ACIITC library and continue learning from the work they have contributed to the industry.
