New members announced for the Aged Care Council of Elders
We’ve announced a new term and members for the Aged Care Council of Elders.
14 members have been appointed, with 7 continuing for another term, and 7 new faces joining the Council. The Council starts work in early 2024.
The Council of Elders provide a direct voice to the Australian Government from Older people. This voice is informed by their lived experiences and local networks.
The Council talk to older people about the changes being made to aged care and issues related to ageing well. They use this information to give independent advice to government about the aged care system and ageing well.
Following a productive initial term for the Council, applications were sought from older people with strong connections in their local communities and lived experience of aged care.
Appointed members demonstrated their experience, networks, and background in working with older people in their local communities. Many have strong connections with diverse audiences.
Anne Burgess AM remains as Council chair and is joined by new members:
- Ms Lynda Whiteway, who receives a home care package, and is a carer for a family member with dementia.
- Ms Anna Harrison AM, who has strong connections with local culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Aunty Lynette Cullinane, a Mununjali woman with strong connections with First Nations peoples, particularly women and people in rural and remote areas.
- Ms Juliet Rankin, who has a background in palliative care and working in rural and remote communities.
- Major General Vikram Madan OAM, who is connected to local older culturally and linguistically diverse people, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse.
- Mr James Carey, who resides in an aged care home and is an aged care community volunteer.
- Dr John Davis, who is well connected to older people in aged care in his local community, particularly those from LGBTQI+ communities.
Returning members are:
- Mrs Gillian Groom AO
- Dr Tom Calma AO
- Professor John McCallum
- Ms Margaret Walsh
- Ms Val Fell OAM
- Ms Gwenda Darling.
We thank outgoing members for their valuable contributions during the first Council term.
To learn more:
- For the full list of members, visit the Council of Elders website.
- Visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub for opportunities to engage with the Council on the reforms at face-to-face events.
- To keep up-to-date with the aged care reforms and the work of the Council, visit the Aged Care Council of Elders Facebook page.
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 people 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.