2025 Agenda

• How is the Government supporting providers and workers through the new Aged Care Act and its workforce reforms?

• Gain insight into national initiatives designed to build workforce capacity, strengthen leadership accountability, and ensure sustainable care delivery across both residential and home care sectors.

• What training and practical skills will aged care workers need to deliver safe, confident, person-centred care in a rapidly evolving sector?

• Discover the balance between the requirement of workforce to be equipped with academic rigor along with practical, on-the-job learning, as well as use targeted micro-learning in dementia, medicines safety, wound care, falls prevention, and nutrition to expand workers knowledge and proficiency

Susan Wray, Chief Executive Officer, Edgarley Assisted Living

Somi Khani, Learning & Organisation Development Manager, Southern Cross Care

Philippa Ayre, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Cape Care

Cher Lopresti, Executive Manager People & Culture, ACH Group

• How can organisations turn the Act’s new governance, care-minute, and accountability requirements into practical workforce models that actually work on the ground?

• Gain insight into how to align structures, roles, capability frameworks, technology and reporting systems to build a workforce that delivers rights-based, person-centred care while meeting legislative expectations.

Faye Spiteri, Chief Executive Officer, Fronditha Care

Join us for 4 small-group roundtables looking deep into the latest challenges and solutions. These small group sessions allow for more dynamic, engaging and discussion-based conversations and are always a highlight of the forum.

• With traditional training incentives and Cert III funding no longer available and nursing scholarships often drawing talent toward hospitals, how can aged care providers sustain workforce growth and viability?

• Gain insight into creative strategies that align workforce development with financial sustainability, and how providers are integrating healthcare, technology, and lifestyle services to create attractive career pathways

Scott Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer, Fresh Hope Communities

• How can aged care organisations translate the Aged Care Act’s commitments to equity and cultural safety into real, practical change, especially for First Nations Elders, LGBTQIA+ seniors, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and those living in regional and remote communities?

• Gain insight into practical strategies, tools, and partnerships (i.e. First Nations Stakeholder Communications Toolkit) that support culturally safe practice, improve access and ensures no older person is left behind

Moderator: Kim Whiteley, Chief Executive Officer, NATSIAAC

Anne Burgess, Chair, Aged Care Council of Elders

Maggie Balodis, Quality and Risk Advisor, Aboriginal Community Services

• How can aged care organisations embed culturally safe practice that upholds the rights, dignity and cultural identity of First Nations Elders?

• Gain insight into First Nations leadership perspectives on cultural safety, community partnership, communication, and supporting Elders to age on Country with connection and belonging.

Kim Whiteley, Chief Executive Officer, NATSIAAC

• While international recruitment helps fill urgent workforce gaps, how can we make it a sustainable solution that doesn’t simply shift shortages from one country to another

• Gain insight into creating ethical, long-term strategies that balance skilled migration with strong domestic workforce development — ensuring global fairness while building stable, committed teams within Australia’s aged care sector

Sara Allota, Group International Sourcing Manager, Bolton Clarke

• How can aged care providers rebuild genuine emotional connection between staff and residents in a high-compliance environment?

• Gain insight into how continuous learning, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and recognition can transform workplace culture, reduce burnout, and create teams people genuinely want to be part of

Gavin Young, Executive General Manager Residential Operations, Mercy Health