A busy year ahead for the Council of Elders

A lady talking to people at an event Val Fell at NSW Seniors Festival

The Aged Care Council of Elders play a critical role in making sure that older Australians have input into shaping the aged care reforms.

The Council gives advice from older people to the Government about aged care reform and ageing in general. You can read about their recent work and advice they’ve provided in their communiques.

In January the Council farewelled Ian Yates AM as Council Chair. Ian stepped down from the Council to start as the Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care on the 30th of January.

The Council thank Ian for his work as chair, and for his ongoing advocacy for older people. Once appointed the new chair will be announced on the Engagement Hub.

Throughout 2023 Council members will be attending events across Australia. They will meet with older people, their families and carers to hear their perspectives on the aged care reforms.

A lady talking to people at an event Gwenda Darling at Care and Ageing Well Expo, Melbourne

In February, Val Fell attended the NSW Seniors Festival and Gillian Groom and Gwenda Darling attended the Care and Ageing Well Expo in Melbourne. They connected with hundreds of older people and learned about community sentiments and issues around the aged care reforms.

A lady talking to people at an event Gillian Groom at Care and Ageing Well Expo, Melbourne

In March, John McCallum will be attending the ACT Seniors Expo in Canberra. If you’re a Canberra local, we encourage you to attend the event and talk to John about what’s important to you as we reform aged care.

To stay up to date about upcoming opportunities to talk to Council members, visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub. You can also contact the Council by emailing councilofelders@health.gov.au


Let's change aged care, together

Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.

The changes mean older Australians will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.

To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.

Older Australians

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter EngAged, for updates on changes to aged care, news from the Council of Elders and alerts about upcoming consultation activities.

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Aged care workers and providers

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The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.