The power of collaboration: a successful Victorian & NSW alliance meeting

The recent Victorian and NSW Alliance Meeting was a resounding success, showcasing the strength and impact of the Shared Resource Model. The gathering brought together industry leaders, experts, and passionate individuals dedicated to ensuring the continued quality of aged care services. Held in Bendigo on the 22^nd and 23^rd of March, the event was filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to collaboration.

A Strong Start: Securing the Future of Aged Care

The event kicked off with an update regarding the Lutheran Church Victorian District’s (LCAVD) efforts to secure a new Approved Provider for Eventide at Hamilton and Sunnyside at Horsham. This critical step ensures that quality Christian aged care services will continue to thrive under the new Aged Care Act. The update reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to continuity of care and highlighted the collaborative efforts being made to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. It was noted that the transfer to the new provider will now occur late May to mid-June instead of the anticipated date of the 30^th of June.

Engaging with Industry Experts

One of the highlights of the event was the session with Ageing Australia representatives Roald Versteeg and Mark Prosser. Their insights into policy, advocacy, and the evolving landscape of retirement living provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge. The open forum format allowed participants to raise questions and discuss pressing industry issues, making it an incredibly interactive and valuable experience.

Aged Care and Government Relations

Shane and Liz from the Department of Health and Aged Care joined the discussion, providing crucial updates on government initiatives and reforms. Their willingness to engage in open dialogue allowed attendees to gain clarity on upcoming changes and how they will impact aged care and retirement living providers. This session was an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between policymakers and service providers, fostering a stronger relationship between the sector and government bodies.

Showcasing Community Excellence at Reflections at Eppalock

Day 1 concluded with a site visit to Reflections at Eppalock, where participants witnessed firsthand the outstanding community work being done in the region. This visit reinforced the importance of strong community connections and innovative housing models in aged care. Seeing these initiatives in action inspired attendees and provided practical takeaways to implement in their own organisations.

For  those of you who are unaware, “Reflections at Eppalock” is a nature-based sanctuary on 20 acres at Lake Eppalock, designed by the Heathcote Dementia Alliance to provide respite and support for people with dementia and their carers, offering walking trails, sensory gardens, and a community hub. The sanctuary is aiming to commercialise their model and is working closely with developers as we speak. For more information, please click on this link: https://dementiaalliance.au/reflections

Networking and Building Stronger Bonds

Beyond the formal sessions, the event provided ample opportunities for networking and relationship-building. The Welcome Dinner was a perfect setting for attendees to connect, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships. Conversations over breakfast and coffee breaks further cemented the sense of unity and shared purpose among participants.

Aged Care Reforms and Retirement Living

In this session, Cam Ansell led an interactive discussion on the extensive reforms within the aged care sector and their profound impact on retirement living. He emphasised how this evolving sub-set of seniors’ living is shifting toward adaptable continuum-of-care models. Supported retirement villages can take many different forms, and it is up to operators to develop unique models that leverage their organisational strengths while minimising challenges. The session encouraged participants to think critically about how they can best position their organisation in response to these changes, ensuring sustainable and high-quality care for residents.

Building Stronger Communities: The Bendigo Retirement Village Model

Before the meeting, members expressed interest in touring a local village. Instead of a traditional tour, Craig Wright, Business Manager of Bendigo Retirement Village, was invited to the event for an open discussion on fostering strong community connections. Craig showcased his model for community engagement, sharing how he addressed challenges posed by residents who impacted the culture of his organisation. He spoke about accountability and leveraging the strengths of residents to enhance the village’s environment.

One particularly inspiring example was a retired minister who recognised loneliness among several residents. Using his skills, the minister trained volunteers on effective ways to interact and communicate with fellow residents, helping to combat isolation. Their next initiative, the “Grey Army,” aims to further harness the talents and experience of older residents to contribute to the community in meaningful ways. Craig’s discussion provided valuable insights that attendees could take back to their own organisations, reinforcing the power of resident-driven engagement. This connection has now led to further engagement with the rural organisations within the model.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Collaboration

As the event wrapped up, discussions turned toward the upcoming Networking Forum and future events. Participants provided valuable input on what they’d like to see in future gatherings, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the alliance. With ongoing aged care reforms and shifting industry dynamics, the need for unity and shared learning has never been more crucial.

The Victorian & NSW Alliance Meeting was a testament to the success of the Shared Resource Model. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to excellence, the alliance continues to strengthen aged care services and community support. We look forward to the next gathering and to building on the incredible momentum generated at this year’s event.