VIC and NSW Aged Care Meeting: A Collaborative Platform for Progress and Innovation
On September 19th and 20th, 2024, aged care and retirement living professionals from Victoria and New South Wales were invited to an insightful and productive meeting at Grainery Lane, Ballarat Central. The two-day event brought together leaders and key stakeholders from the Lutheran Aged Care and Retirement Living sector to discuss the latest industry updates, challenges, and opportunities while fostering meaningful connections among participants although regrettably our members from Albury had to cancel last minute.
Day 1: Wednesday Evening – Meet and Greet
The gathering unofficially kicked off the evening before the meeting, on Wednesday, September 18th, with an informal networking event at Aunty Jacks, Ballarat. This relaxed meet-and-greet session allowed early arriving members to connect, setting the tone for the collaborative spirit of the following days.
The welcome dinner, hosted by the Victorian District at Ragazzone, a popular Italian restaurant on Mair Street, provided the perfect setting for attendees to unwind, network, and prepare for the full day ahead. Delicious food and lively conversation ensured that everyone was ready to jump into the next day’s events.
Day 2: Thursday – Industry Insights and Strategic Discussions
The official meeting commenced on Thursday, September 19th, at Grainery Lane. The morning began with a warm welcome and introductions led by Stephen Mildred, the VIC/TAS District Administrator and COO.
Industry Update
The first major session was an informative industry update delivered by Sarah from Ansell Strategic. This session covered the New Aged Care Act, upcoming standards, and the challenges associated with the Support at Home program. Sarah also provided valuable insights into retirement living, along with a review of demographic trends since the last meeting. A roundtable discussion followed, encouraging attendees to exchange ideas and perspectives on these important topics.
After a morning tea break featuring delightful pastries from Ballarat’s 1816 Bakehouse, the session resumed with more in-depth discussions, including contributions from ACCPA’s GM of Policy & Advocacy, Roald Versteeg, who spoke about the latest policy developments and answered questions from the group in regards to the new Aged Care Bill. The group also had the opportunity to raise points that will be shared with the Department of Health and Aged Care as part of the negotiations. Throughout the event, different organisations hosted meals, ensuring that participants were well looked after and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
Workshops and Discussions
The afternoon featured an interactive workshop led by Sara Agostinelli from Ansell Strategic, which focused on strategic planning and the future of aged care services. This was followed by an important session on psychosocial hazards in the workplace, presented by Kirra Lewis and Jo Hood from Empatia. The session addressed how to identify and manage these hazards, underscoring the importance of employee well-being in maintaining organizational productivity.
Day 3: Friday – Reflections and Round Table Discussions
The final day started with an update delivered by Stephen Mildred, Lutheran Church of Australia’s VIC/TAS District Administrator and Chief Operating Officer (COO) who discussed the Victorian District’s recent Synod approval to seek a new Approved Provider for Eventide Lutheran Homes at Hamilton and Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village in Horsham. This is due to the new 1 July 2025 requirement that the Approved Provider becomes the accredited body, rather than each Residential Aged Care facility. LCAVD does not have the governance and clinical resources to meet the requirements.
The day concluded with a reflection and roundtable session. This open format encouraged a free exchange of ideas and provided new perspectives on how to address common challenges.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on organizing the next NSW/VIC gathering, ensuring that these productive and engaging meetings continue to inspire collaboration and progress in the Lutheran Aged Care community. It was decided that the next meeting will be held on the 1st and 2nd of May 2025 in Bendigo.
A Continued Commitment to Excellence
The VIC and NSW Aged Care Meeting provided a vital platform for aged care and retirement living leaders to share insights, discuss industry trends, and plan for the future. The success of this gathering reinforces the importance of ongoing collaboration, as the sector works together to deliver quality care and innovative solutions for the aging population. The next meeting promises to build on these achievements, further strengthening the bonds amongst our networks.
