Daily insights from our National Conference 2025 - day two
Meeting the moment. Shaping the future.
Day two wrap up | Wednesday 1 October 2025
Day two at the Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 prompted powerful reflections and presented bold challenges.
Ageing Australia CEO, Tom Symondson, opened that day reflecting on a year of achievements, while the Hon. Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association New Zealand, offered insights while cautioning against reform fatigue and compliance overload.
Service providers showcased how to shift the narrative from challenge to opportunity, while a vast array of exhibitors continued to showcase cutting-edge technology and innovative products. The momentum continues at Australia’s premier aged care sector event, with bold ideas and sector-shaping conversations as we reimagine the future of aged care.
Honouring the International Day of Older Persons
Today marks the International Day of Older Persons, a timely reminder of why our work matters. As we gather at this conference, it is important to recognise the vital contributions of older people to families, communities and the nation.
The day also highlights the responsibility we share to ensure dignity, inclusion and quality of life as people age. By reflecting on this occasion, we strengthen our resolve to build an aged care system that truly meets the needs of all Australians, and supports older people to live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Session highlights
CEO, Ageing Australia
A year of achievements for the sector
Ageing Australia CEO, Tom Symondson, reflected on a year of milestones, noting the launch of Ageing Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Ageing Australia’s new name. He highlighted many achievements, including renewed global connections, rebuilding trust, the Aged Care Act 2024 and the release of 20,000 new home care packages by 1 November.
Tom closed with words from a South African speaker at the International Federation on Ageing Conference: “Ageing is like climbing a mountain – challenging, but the view from the top is extraordinary.”
CEO, Aged Care Association
How the Australian experience can save New Zealand aged care – and how it can’t
The Hon Tracey Martin, CEO, Aged Care Association, challenged noted her sector represents nearly 100 per cent of aged care with 670 facilities and 40,000 beds. Tracey outlined myths around funding, assumptions about retirement villages, and the urgent need for 12,000 more beds.
Drawing on lessons from Australia, Tracey backed evidence-based pricing, split funding model, cross party commitment and block funding for multi-use facilities ins rural and isolated areas among others, while warning against reform fatigue, compliance burdens and unsustainable care minutes. Australia’s journey, Tracey said, is shaping New Zealand’s future.
Dementia Australia
Working together to support Australians living with dementia
Dementia is one of Australia’s fastest-growing health challenges, with over 433,000 people living with it and numbers set to exceed one million by 2065. Nikki Gilbertson, General Manager Client Services, Dementia Australia discussed how working together, sharing expertise and embedding dementia-friendly practices will improve outcomes for those diagnosed, carers and staff.
Nikki identified resources and emphasised that “staff are our greatest assets – educating and empowering them strengthens the workforce and enhances life within dementia communities”.
Mansur Dalal, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Association of Senior Living India;
Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
International panel
Our international panel, hosted by Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson, invited us to learn from one another.
We heard of the silver economy and growth of community hubs in Singapore, underinvestment in New Zealand, India’s need for 2.3 million additional seniors units, and reforms pivoting toward care at home in Ireland.
What is the Continuum of Ageing 2050 project?
Ageing Australia’s Continuum of Ageing 2050 sets a bold vision for reimagining ageing – integrating aged care, healthcare, seniors housing and community services.
In the session, project leaders shared guiding principles and engaged participants in an interactive way to reflect, scenario-build and shape a future-ready system that places older people at its heart.
Redefining aged care culture through inclusion
At Uniting Farmborough, a single conversation in early 2025 sparked a cultural shift. The Caring with Culture Initiative, led by Liam Fawell, Service Manager, Farmborough and Logan Shiels, Quality Improvement Specialist, Uniting, supported by staff, residents and families aimed to redefine inclusion through co-designed practices.
From the Indian Holi festival to cultural diversity walls, the program has fostered safety, visibility and belonging. The program continues to build stronger connections between staff and residents, has reduced staff turnover and created a home where everyone feels valued.
Association of Senior Living India
The ageing landscape in India
and CIO of Apollo Care
Reinventing aged care: Apollo Care’s cloud-first approach
As CEO of IT Integrity and CIO of Apollo Care, Scott Lawton has overseen the design and delivery of a cloud-first IT model. Scott led the creation of a ‘one-tool ecosystem’ – a mobile device used by all frontline staff that integrates clinical systems, real-time alerts, care planning, communication and site security.
Apollo Care now operates without a traditional head office and is built as a virtual, networked organisation, acquiring and supporting smaller aged care communities, especially in regional areas.
AI in aged care: More time for human connection to improve safety and outcomes
Artificial intelligence (AI) can support care by cutting administration and monitoring resident behaviours, allowing more time for connections. Predictive tools and sensors are reducing falls and improving safety. According to a range of speakers, keys to success are engaging staff early, addressing fears and measuring clinical and psychosocial outcomes.
Fishbowl conversations: Insights from the panels
The fishbowl conversations covered a range of topics, including home care, NDIS, migration, workforce and artificial intelligence (AI). Diane Lynch, CEO of Kirinari, shared that while the NDIS has been aspirational, the past 10 years have brought constant and disruptive changes without sufficient technological support, with cashflow one of the biggest challenges.
On the topic of ethical employment and exploitation in aged care, Amanda Tinner, Director of Visa Executive, noted that while Australia’s strict migration system and rising business costs make sponsorship daunting, employers should view it as a valuable retention strategy given the high expense of recruiting and training new staff.
In terms of workforce investments, a national approach to governance and stewardship is needed. This should include funding for RTOs, incentives to attract skilled workers, and pathways like micro-credentials, traineeships and internships that support ‘earn while you learn’
Executives inspiring each other through SAGE Study Tours
In its 20th year, SAGE has taken a total of 500-plus aged care executives to international destinations. Hosted by Anchor Excellence, SAGE offers a platform for information sharing, networking and collaboration in a collegiate environment. This year saw the launch of SAGE National, with SAGE alumni sharing insights.
Founder and Managing Director, Ageing Asia
The insurance-driven model for an integrated care ecosystem in China’s senior living market
Janice Chia, Founder and Managing Director, Ageing Asia, spoke on how China’s rapidly ageing population is reshaping markets, creating both challenges and opportunities for aged care leaders. From healthcare and technology to community services, the need for innovative solutions is growing.
Pension reforms and insurance-driven platforms are driving integrated care systems by linking financial products, health care and lifestyle services. Ageing Asia supports operators in Shanghai to innovate premium services in an evolving aged care market.
Chief Executive Officer, Corumbene
Reimagining regional healthcare: Lessons from Corumbene’s Health Hub
Corumbene’s $12.7 million Health Hub in New Norfolk, Tasmania, was designed to improve access to primary care through integrated, community-based services.
Alison Standen, CEO, shared key lessons from the landmark redevelopment and restoration project from navigating workforce shortages to market constraints. The project highlights both the promise and the complexity of strengthening regional health and aged care through local partnerships.
A sustainable care and support economy requires ongoing reform
We welcomed robust conversation from experts in policy, pricing and service delivery from across the sector.
Key areas of discussion were the reforms needed in funding, efficiency and workforce to ensure high-quality, affordable care across the aged care, disability and healthcare interface.
explore | connect | collaborate
Visit the exhibition trade hall
Step into the trade hall and connect with the many organisations shaping the future of aged care.
From cutting-edge technology and innovative products to essential services designed for providers, the hall is alive with ideas to explore. Take the time to meet exhibitors, ask questions, and discover solutions tailored for our sector. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather insights, build connections, and bring fresh thinking back to your organisation.
Day two gallery
Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 in the media
Australian Ageing Agenda, Providers need to ‘see the person, not the task’, 1/10
Community Care Review, Home care key to caring for ageing population, 1/10
Aged Health, Report covering almost 70% of residential aged care has “disturbing” results for VAD, 1/10
Diamond sponsors
Platinum sponsors
