Daily insights from our National Conference 2025 - day three

Meeting the moment. Shaping the future.

Day three wrap up | Thursday 2 October 2025

A renewed sense of possibility for the sector

Day three of the Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 delivered another round of insightful discussions and collaboration.

Today’s keynote from guest Layne Beachly AM left the audience inspired to meet the moment with purpose, resilience and a renewed sense of possibility – encouraging leaders to become fully engaged in shaping the future of aged care.

There was also a focus on how the Aged Care Act 2024 and retirement village legislative reforms will act as catalysts for change – equipping leaders for the coming year.

View day one and day two insights.

Caring for others means learning to revive and thrive

Layne Beachley AO gave a heartfelt presentation and invited delegates to revive in order to thrive. Factors we need to consider include our health, mindset, energy, family and work. Of these, energy for life is the unseen force necessary to allow us to embrace growth, development and change.

We need a toolkit to build energy that includes drinking water, finding something you love to do, retraining our brains to be positive, having a clear vision and surrounding ourselves with people who believe in us.

Session highlights

From commitment to transformation

In a wide ranging address, Sonja Stewart, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, outlined the Government’s commitment to placing older Australians at the centre of reform, so they can age with dignity, respect and independence.

Sonja highlighted 24/7 nursing, increased care minutes, star ratings, wage rises and Code of Conduct reforms and emphasised the transformative opportunity of the Aged Care Act 2024, new governance measures and a dedicated Complaints Commissioner.

Strengthening aged care through dialogue

For Liz Hefren-Webb, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, 1 November marks the beginning – not the end – of transformation. With a focus on rights, obligations and sector collaboration, she emphasised that complaints are a sign of strength in a rights-based system.

Drawing on personal experience, she reflected on the importance of mutual respect and responsibility in care, and encouraged ongoing dialogue to improve aged care.

Red Cross transforming aged care workforce: building culture and connection through

Australian Red Cross shared their cultural transformation journey in aged care, shifting from fragmented, state-based services to a unified nationwide model. Focusing on both their people and service delivery, they have evolved from simply delivering services to actively mobilising human connection and strengthening community resilience.

Through the TeamFIT initiative, they have invested in leadership and a people-first culture, backed by data-driven insights. Results demonstrate stronger engagement, more volunteers, enhanced client support and a redefined role in aged care.

Meeting the moment in retirement living: The New Zealand experience

Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand, said while Australia and New Zealand approach innovation differently, they remain aligned on strengthening the continuum of care. Although New Zealand is at the beginning of its reform journey, its path reflects many of Australia’s challenges. Therefore, the ongoing relationship offers valuable Trans-Tasman learnings.

Opportunities for retirement village operators under the new aged care regime

Donna Rayner, Principal at Russell Kennedy, outlined opportunities for retirement village operators under the Aged Care Act 2024. These include greater transparency, stronger consumer protections and enhanced governance. Donna emphasised that retirement village legislation is evolving alongside wider reforms, and providers should be aware of opportunities emerging through the new Support at Home program.

Retirement living benchmarking survey

Stuart Hutcheon, Partner at StewartBrown, presented the latest retirement living benchmarking survey developed with Ageing Australia to provide trusted and independent data. Stuart reinforced the critical role retirement living plays in the continuum of ageing, and how the sector can adapt to new regulations. Stuart identified care offerings as an immediate opportunity to better support ageing communities.

Reimagining aged care in regional areas by maximising what you already have

Ben Hall, CEO of Barossa Village Inc. Located about an hour from Adelaide, spoke about how regional aged care providers can thrive by looking beyond traditional models and joining the dots across services. Instead of waiting for more resources, Ben urged providers to unlock value in what already exists.

From unused buildings to trusted community partnerships, providers can address workforce gaps, create housing options and support wellbeing, while staying true to local values.

Understanding the market using data and intelligence

Amber Cartwright, Senior Director, Ansell Strategic highlighted the importance of data when planning major investments. Providers must understand demand, who the seniors are, and what services already exist before tailoring offerings.

While data is fragmented across states, demographic insights (health, independence, housing, family structure and wealth) provide a strong foundation. Internal business data also helps. Catchment analysis – factoring geography, demographics, dementia rates and competition – can pinpoint opportunities.

Case study of an ageing asset

John Burgess, Managing Director, Vision, shared a case study on Hunters Hill Lodge, a supported living community in Sydney which opened in 1989 and sold to new owners in 2023. A strategic review found residents valued staff and services but rated the living experience poorly.

John stressed the need to future-proof villages, noting this is easier in new developments than existing assets. He outlined four pillars of a strong value proposition – legal and financial, social, services, and built form – to create vibrant, successful communities.

From compliance to value: Modern governance for better care outcomes

The panel explored the shift from compliance to value-driven governance. Speakers highlighted sustainability, digital innovation, resident-centred approaches, transparency, strong board-executive partnerships, diversity and data-informed decisions as key to better and more modern outcomes for care and the sector.

Are we designing for frailty?

The ‘Are we designing for frailty?’ panel discussion challenged traditional approaches to the built environment andexplored how design can move beyond safety to foster independence, mobility, activity, dignity and overall wellness.

Wellness - more than a feeling: New insights for retirement community providers

Kevin McCreton, Managing Director at Catalyst Research, presented new insights into how retirement community residents enjoy a higher quality of life than their peers. Kevin examined the components of wellness, the growing interest in wellness packages and how wellness offers a triple bottom line – improving resident health, attracting new residents, and creating brand and financial opportunities. An interactive exercise gave delegates practical takeaways to support health and happiness.

AI amplifying expertise at Regis Aged Care

Regis Aged Care, with 10,000 residents and 12,000 staff, has built a custom AI system to ease clinical workload. Senior clinicians previously spent up to 40 per cent of their time reviewing data, notes and developing follow-up plans.

Using GPT-4o, the system summarises notes, supports follow-ups and saves up to two hours a day, so clinicians can be more visible and connect with residents. Chief Nursing Officer Rameez Hassan said, “AI isn’t replacing but amplifying expertise – a true partnership of digital and human strengths.”

Shaping the future of retirement living and seniors housing

Tom Symondson, CEO of Ageing Australia, said the sector must position retirement living and seniors housing as part of the continuum of ageing. Tom highlighted growing demand, the need for regulatory consistency and the importance of framing retirement living positively in national debate.

Tom emphasised the important role of seniors housing in meeting the housing shortage in the country. With retirement living now mentioned in the Aged Care Act 2024, Tom urged the sector to build momentum and change the narrative.

Energy, engagement and optimism as we farewell the Ageing Australia National Conference 2025

Tom Symondson closed the conference by reflecting on the incredible energy and positivity that filled the venue, acknowledging that while the sector faces real challenges, the engagement and optimism of delegates was both inspiring and humbling.

Tom emphasised that the true value of the conference lay not only in the formal learning but also in the shared experiences – reminding us that problems feel smaller when faced together.

Tom expressed deep gratitude to the Ageing Australia team, whose hard work made the event possible, and extended thanks to MC Virginia Trioli, the sponsors, exhibitors and vendors whose contributions enriched the program. Most importantly, Tom thanked delegates for showing up, supporting one another and strengthening the sector’s collective voice.

Thank you for an outstanding event

We extend our sincere thanks to all delegates, sponsors, organisers and staff for making the Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 a resounding success. Your participation and support helped create an engaging atmosphere filled with meaningful insights, genuine collaboration and a shared commitment to supporting ageing with dignity, care and respect.

Together, we’re building a vibrant aged care sector, with leaders equipped and empowered to drive positive change. We look forward to welcoming you at future Ageing Australia events as we continue this journey. Meeting the moment. Shaping the future.

Save the dates - 2026 Conferences

SA State Conference 2026 – 22 April 2026
Innovation Transforming Aged Care Conference 2026 – 6 May 2026
VIC State Conference 2026 – 19 May 2026
TAS State Conference 2026 – 26 May 2026
WA State Conference 2026 – 3 June 2026
QLD State Conference 2026 – 29 June 2026
NSW/ACT State Conference 2026 – 12 August 2026

"The conference has been about seizing the moment and looking to the future with purpose. It has been an amazing experience—full of learning, reconnecting with friends, and meeting new ones. I was reminded of an old analogy: like travellers gathering at a waterhole, we converge here to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen our journey together.”"

Mansur Dalal

Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Association of Senior Living India

"The conference is a good opportunity to engage with providers about the growth and change agenda. It’s also valuable to take time away from the digital space to connect openly on a human level. Everything we do is about providing care for people – why not extend that care to each other too?"

Ben Hall, CEO

Barossa Village, SA

Day three gallery

Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 in the media

The Weekly Source, Operators must have courage – don’t wait for accommodation review, 2/10

Community Care Review, Home care challenges across the ditch, 2/10

Community Care Review, Resources to help providers with Act transition, 2/10

Australian Ageing Agenda, Department confirms its readiness for 1 November, 2/10

The Weekly Source, “Not a single additional Home Care Package has entered the system”: Senate Inquiry slams delays, 2/10

The Weekly Source, Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson: “It won’t be perfect on 1 November”, 2/10