Following a well-deserved break, the AAG team returned in January refreshed and enthusiastic for the year ahead.
Immediately, work began on pulling together the IAGG-AOR Newsletter February-March 2025 edition, featuring contributions from the Asia-Oceanic region and showcasing the fantastic work of international thought leaders advancing ageing research and practice.
In January, the AAG Policy and Research Team, led by Dr Amber Mills, prepared AAG’s application for peak body funding to continue our work to inform, influence and drive public debate and evidence-based decisions on ageing. The team also prepared several submissions, including to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Jobs and Skills Australia 2025-26 Work Plan survey and the Inspector General of Aged Care on the Implementation of Aged Care Royal Commission Recommendations.
The start of the year was also a busy time for the AAG Research Trust, with a number of quality improvements in development. This includes a new, simpler and user-friendly online platform to receive and score applications, as well as a strengthened mentoring framework to better support the professional development of Grants Committee members.
In March, we held an in-person Board meeting in Melbourne, followed by a risk management and strategic planning session. This was the Board’s first face-to-face opportunity since November 2023 and a great opportunity to reflect on our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan progress to date:
Financial sustainability: We have made significant strides in improving our financial position, reducing our deficit, and diversifying our income streams. We continue to build a strong financial framework to ensure future growth, capacity and capability within the organisation. Continued financial success is crucial for our long-term sustainability and ability to effectively support our members.
Member engagement: Leveraging our membership has been a cornerstone of our strategy. We remain committed to enhancing member benefits and creating more opportunities to connect and collaborate. We are also looking to expand into corporate memberships as a new AAG offering. This would involve creating value propositions at varying levels, aiming towards new partnerships that advance our connections to research, policy and practice.
Government and policy influence: Strengthening our role as a trusted advisor and the top evidence-based multi-disciplinary peak body in ageing, remains a priority. We continue to work diligently to ensure the voice of our members is heard at all levels of government while advocating for evidence-based policies that benefit our community. You can view our most recent reports and submissions at our newly updated Policy and Advocacy Hub.
Strategic partnerships: Building and nurturing strategic partnerships is key to our growth and success. We are actively engaging with various organisations to support back-office functions and collaborating on funding applications to broaden our impact across the sector.
In addition, planning for the 58th National Conference in Mparntwe, Alice Springs is well underway, with several scholarships and bursaries on offer to members. We look forward to providing more information as the program develops and to seeing you there!
Thank you to all our members, partners and supporters for your continued openness, collaboration and support of our work. Together, we are making a difference.