Thank you to everyone who ventured to our Country’s centre to participate, engage, share and celebrate at the 58th AAG Conference. And what a week it was! My first time in Alice Springs, my first time presiding over an AAG national conference – some uncertainties, that’s for sure. The result? Nothing short of amazing, on so many levels. My own reflections centre around key themes of People, Place, Content and Outcomes.
The people – so welcoming and supportive, a true community of like-minded people dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation to improve the experience of ageing for every older person, no matter their place or need.
The place – majestic, steeped in rich culture, and grounding as we breathed in the history of the Country and the incredible services and people making a difference in some of the most remote regions of Australia.
The content – engaging, challenging, values-driven. We are all in this together as we strive to make an impact on the lives of older people. We are all ageing, which gives a particularly personal perspective on the importance of our practice and research.
The outcomes – connection, energised, renewal. There is something very special and unique about the AAG conference experience, where we come together, feed off each other’s enthusiasm and knowledge, encouraging us to do more, give more, and connect more, all while making room to pass on our knowledge and mentoring to the next generation of ageing and aged care practitioners, students and early career researchers.
There is so much to remember about this unforgettable event, with many takeaways…
Sarah Brown AM, CEO of Purple House, introduced the event's theme, Ageing at the Centre, and what it truly means for health services operating in the Northern Territory. Through Sarah’s colourful and engaging storytelling, we learned of the resilience and creativity needed to bring health and hope to local Elders and their communities. I don’t think anyone present will look at a cat the same way again!
I thank Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye of Tingkabee Cultural and Interpretation Services, and Que Kenny from Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation for the moving Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony that rounded out the Welcome Plenary.
I was inspired by 2025 Gary Andrews International Fellow Prof Aimee Spector’s detailed history and showcased evidence in support of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and its impacts locally and around the world.
I am grateful for the attendance of the Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (the first in-person appearance of a Minister to one of our conferences in 10 years!) and Dheran Young, NT Shadow Minister for Health, at the President’s Symposium. I am encouraged by Minister Rae’s commitment to close monitoring of the implementation of the aged care reforms, and to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to deliver quality and responsive aged care for older Australians.
I also offer my sincere gratitude to our symposium speakers, Judy Ratajec, Mary Ingrames, Michael Lowe, and Prof Kasia Bail. I won't soon forget the fun and banter of Judy and Mary’s roadshow – two humble and inspiring giants of nursing in some of the most remote corners of Australia. The 2025 David Wallace Address offered by A/Prof Rachel Winterton, presented a timely reminder of the importance of volunteers in delivering aged care in rural settings, and of the continued need to ensure they are appropriately resourced and supported.
To my friend and AAG Life Member Sharon Wall, thank you for your words and moving tribute to the late, great Professor Tony Broe, AM - a gentleman and a giant of gerontology, former AAG President and a key driver behind the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing Advisory Group. I was grateful for the networking drinks and poster presentations afterwards, where we had a chance to further reminisce and raise a toast to our dear friend and colleague.
The conference dinner provided more opportunities to appreciate the amazing people working in the field of ageing. And what a spectacular dinner it was! Our time at the Quarry will be one to remember. From the dazzling sunset to the traditional Aboriginal dance and entertaining star gazing show, Mparntwe blessed us with perfect weather and an atmosphere of true hospitality – Central Australian style.
Sometimes saying thank you just isn’t enough for the hard work, planning, negotiating and organising that goes into an incredible conference experience. I take my hat off to Renu Borst, Michael Tan, Ell Finlay, and our entire National Office Team for having delivered this amazing event.
Finally, a big shout-out to our Diamond sponsor, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, to the many other sponsors and exhibitors and, of course, to everyone who participated in and contributed to the success of the conference.
We’ve now got 12 months to recover and get ready for what Melbourne brings us next year!
Pictured: Anita Westera on stage at AAGConf25 in Alice Springs
Photo credit: Christina Micallef, AAG communications
Pictured: AAG CEO, Renu Borst, Hon Minister Sam Rae, and Anita
Photo credit: Oliver Eclipse, official conference photographer
Pictured: AAG member, Evonne Miller, and Anita
Photo credit: Christina Micallef, AAG communications
Renu, Ngaire Kerse (NZAG Pres), Rosie Gibson (incoming NZAG president), Minister Rae, Anita, Dheran Young, NT Shadow Minister for Health, and Sue Kurrle (ANZSGM president)
Photo credit: Oliver Eclipse, official conference photographer
Pictured above: Anita with AAG members Leoni Short, Melissa Taylor, and Dmitry Shibanov
Photo credit: Christina Micallef, AAG communications