Thursday Three - 22 May 2025 

  • National Volunteers week 19th to 25th May: AAG sends the LOVE!
  • Challenging Ageism SIG presents: A UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons: Updates and Future Developments
  • AAG Research Trust Awardee Showcase Spotlight: Diana Matovic, 2023 RM Gibson Program

 

AAG Research Trust 2025 RM Gibson program CLOSES 5:00pm Monday, 26th May!


RM Gibson grants are open to AAG members who are in the early stages of their careers to support the next generation of researchers and practitioners across the multidisciplinary field of ageing and to help you to build your grant track record!

Don't miss your opportunity to secure one of three grants of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive), plus a possible 4th grant for applications with a substantive dementia focus through our partnership with the Dementia Australia Research Foundation (DARF).

Find out more and apply online now!

Pictured: Left: Ms Robyn Lewis, PhD Candidate, University of Canberra, and former AAG President Dr Claudia Meyer; Right: Dr Daria Gutteridge, Research Fellow, University of South Australia, and Emeritus Professor Linda Roseman, former Chair of the AAG Research Trust Steering Committee, AAG Research Trust awards ceremony 2024 in Hobart.

National Volunteer Week 19th to 25th May: AAG sends the LOVE!

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week celebrates volunteers and volunteering across Australia. The theme of National Volunteer Week 2025 (#NVW25) is “Connecting Communities.”

AAG acknowledges the important role our member volunteers actively play in assisting in our mission to connect research, policy and practice, and creating lasting relationships that enrich and strengthen the AAG Community.

This includes our tireless AAG Board President, Vice-President and Directors for their time, expertise and enthusiasm as we build a community of experts connecting evidence and experience to inform and influence decisions related to ageing.

We also greatly appreciate the hours and contributions of AAG Local, State and Territory Division Leaders and Committees, Special Interest Group (SIG) convenors, Student and Early Career Group (SECG) National Leads and Committees, member delegates who represent AAG both nationally and internationally, through the International Longevity Centre (ILC) and International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG).

Not to mention, our wonderful attendees at member drop-in sessions who support our policy and advocacy work, sharing their knowledge and expertise; our volunteer webinar and event planners, hosts and facilitators; the fabulous AAG Research Trust Chair, Program Leads and members of the Grants Committee; and the countless AAG members who assist with our AAG Conference proceedings each year.

As a member organisation, we could not do what we do so well without you! 

You are AAG! Thank you!

 

Challenging Ageism SIG presents: A UN Convention on the Human Rights of Older Persons: Updates and Future Developments

Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm AEST

Join us for this important webinar exploring the latest developments in the UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons; a vital international framework with the potential to significantly combat ageism and strengthen the rights of older people globally.

Hear from a fantastic line-up of expert speakers (pictured below L–R):

  • Marcus Riley, Director, Global Ageing Network – outlining the Convention process.
  • Dr Susan Cochrane, National Policy Manager, Relationships Australia – sharing practical ways service providers can support advocacy.
  • Emeritus Prof Andrew Byrnes, International Law and Human Rights, UNSW Sydney – explaining the drafting process and its implications for challenging ageism.

Both Marcus and Andrew are past recipients of AAG’s prestigious David Wallace Address.

The session will be hosted by AAG Board member, Keryn Curtis, and co-chaired by Challenging Ageism SIG co-convenors, A/Prof Rachel Ambagtsheer and Ms Bethany Wilton-Harding.

What you’ll gain:

  • A clear understanding of how international frameworks can challenge systemic ageism globally.
  • Insights into practical advocacy actions for individuals and service providers.
  • Strategies to support rights-based approaches to ageing.

Cost:

  • Free for AAG members (ANZSGM & NZAG members free with code)
  • $50 for non-members

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today!

 

AAGRT Awardee Showcase Spotlight - Diana Matovic, 2023 RM Gibson Program

Dr Diana Matovic is a postdoctoral researcher and a member of the Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre.
 
In 2023, Diana received a grant under the AAG Research Trust (AAGRT) RM Gibson Program, funded through AAG's partnership with Dementia Australia Research Foundation (DARF).
 
The grant funds supported the testing of an intervention designed to improve the social participation and wellbeing of people living with dementia through the adaption of insights gained from a survey and focus groups involving people with mild cognitive impairment /early-stage dementia and their carers/supporters. This was followed by a pilot to test the intervention over three months to assess its impact on social participation and wellbeing.
 
Read more about this innovative and impactful project, its findings and outcomes, as well as other past awardees and their successful projects, in the AAGRT Awardee Showcase.