The National Conference of Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) was held at the end of October
The conference was bigger than ever with over 2400 participants, and almost 200 exhibitors – it was a busy event, filled with great presentations and conversations around the theme “Age of Excellence”.
When the conference started, there sure was excitement in the air, as only a few weeks earlier, the government had announced the new aged care act, a bipartisan agreement to deliver funding worth $5.6 billion, due to come into effect on 1 July 2025. Everyone was keen to hear minister Anika Wells’ thoughts on the act, as well as the reaction of providers, guided by ACCPA.
The conference started with ACCPA CEO, Tom Symondson, announcing a new name for the organisation from 2025, Ageing Australia, directly stating the purpose of the association. The name change was an additional celebration to the relief of the approval of the new aged care act, after many months of negotiations with the government. After months of politics, it is hopefully time to focus on better clinical care, and to find solutions for the many issues that the industry has faced in the last few years.
It was also announced that the chairman of the board, Dr Graeme Blackman, is stepping down, and the position is filled by an experienced health administrator, Michael Reid. Mr Reid stated that he is looking forward to being a leader in the time of a new aged care reform that promises big changes in care delivery and support to older Australians.
In her opening speech, Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, reflected on the aged care crisis of the last few years, navigating the many issues, leading into the new Aged Care Act. Ms Wells is hopeful that the new legislation will be voted on and passed in Parliament before the end of the year. Indeed, in a separate Q&As section, Ms Wells stated that the bill will be passed by Christmas, as it is critical to the sector’s financial sustainability.
Over the three days the initial presentations by leaders and decision makers were the guiding light leading to positivity whilst discussing the many issues. Despite the lack of a defined program on allied health, many presenters discussed wellness, and its importance when providing everyone with good health and wellbeing, leading to good quality of life.
This year also saw the introduction of Retirement Living in the discussion, with a special conference. The inclusion of the sector was a welcomed addition, especially with the funding changes brought on by the new act. With the increased funding to home support, it is important to explore all living options while maximising individual choices as part of supporting independent living.
At the HUR booth we celebrated the anniversaries of HUR 35 years and, HUR Australia 15 years, also distributed our Newsletter filled with stories from all areas of the industry. The ski jumping competition gathered competitors that perfected their strength, power and balance, to maximise the flight time and landing. It was also a pleasure to discuss the new games, software developments and additional features that leading into better training modes with additional options.
Strength and Balance training are core components of an exercise plan for everyone over 50, and especially those over 75. It was wonderful to see the increased interest in exercise, proving that the messages of exercise as medicine are getting heard.
This year we were also happy to see team from “Ageing Asia” lead by Janice Chia and Sylwin Angdrew, at the conference. For quite a few years members of ACCPA have been actively involved in the annual Innovation Forum in Singapore, and it was wonderful to see co-operatiom also in Adelaide. HUR has taken part in Ageing Asia for many years, always also strengthening the relations with our Australian contacts at the Singapore event. It is wonderful to collaborate with this team!
[From left: Mark Ryu, Australian Ageing Agenda; Sylwin Angdrew, Ageing Asia; Tuire Karaharju-Huisman, HUR Australia; Chrystal Goh, Ageing Asia; Janice Ghia, Ageing Asia]
It was lovely to see so many old and new friends at the conference. We had many conversations on the possibilities of the new funding, the situation of allied health, the hopes we have for the future, and the collaborations we can make. The new act promises hope for the inclusion of allied health in the future, in all areas of aged care, from community to retirement living and residential care.
Reablement is key when we explore the options for the future – active ageing is key to providing everyone with the best opportunity for healthy ageing, and longer healthspan.
We are thankful to everyone who came and visited us at our booth, and look forward to supporting everyone in their mission for best practice models in the inclusion of health and wellbeing models to all.
Best Wishes,
Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman
HUR Australian Newsletter editor
Physiotherapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSAM), PhD (Biomechanics)
Research Lead, Area Account Manager (Vic, Tas, SA, NT)
