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.
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.
Building capability - events and programs
Innovation Transforming Aged Care (ITAC) Conference
We are excited to host the Innovation Transforming Aged Care (ITAC) Conference in Melbourne from 12-13 March 2025, where the future of aged care takes centre stage.
ITAC will showcase the best in innovation, bringing together sector pioneers, thought leaders, and cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the sector.
Don’t miss the chance to collaborate, learn, and be part of the future of care.
Strategic innovation program
Register now for the Ageing Australia Strategic Innovation Program
This two-day, face-to-face program will be held 13–14 May 2025 at Novotel Darling Harbour in Sydney.
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.
The session held in Sydney is a two-day, face-to-face program, but this experience can be customised to suit your needs and operating cadence.
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
ACCPA Conference 2024 Innovation Hub
Fresh innovation and technology focus as ACIITC joins 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.
