Thursday Three - 28 August 2025 

 

  • Message From the CEO - August 2025
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care programs and reforms: New resources released
  • AAG500 Blog: Co-design to engage and empower older people

 

Reminder: AAG NT Division Aged Care Worker Award nominations open!

Do you know someone in aged care in the NT who goes above and beyond, through quality care, advocacy, education,
or promoting positive perceptions of ageing?

The AAG NT Division is recognising an outstanding individual with $500 and complimentary AAG membership.

Nominations are open to AAG members, the public, and the aged care sector until 3 October 2025.

Go to the AAG NT Division webpage to find out more and nominate someone today!

Message From the CEO - August 2025

We are more than halfway through 2025, and what a year it has been so far!

AAG CEO Renu Borst highlights several recent achievements, including AAG's representation at various notable sector events. Renu also provides an overview of activities since the last update, covering detailed organisational accomplishments and progress regarding AAG’s financial position.

Read the full Message from the CEO – August 2025 on AAG’s Latest News page.

   
Pictured: (Above Left) AAG CEO, Renu Borst, AAG President Anita Westera, with outgoing ANZSGM President Dr Rob O'Sullivan, incoming ANZSGM President Dr Susan Kurrle, and NZAG President Ngaire Kerse; (Top right) AAG Board Director, A/Prof Anita Goh, and Renu at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) Annual Summit; (Bottom right) Renu and AAG Management Team, Dr Amber Mills and Michael Tan, en route to Canberra for the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) meeting.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care programs and reforms: New resources released

 

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published new resources and updates on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care programs and reforms. These include links to the upcoming Single Assessment System list of assessor organisations, expected from July/August 2025. New brochures on palliative care, aged care, assessments, and kinship care are available on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health resources page.

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has also released information and recruitment videos for the Elder Care Support program to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to become aged care facilitators and Elder Care Support workers.

Please feel free to share the above resources with colleagues and networks. Together, we can spread the word and help keep everyone informed.  

AAG500 Blog: Co-design to engage and empower older people, by Dr Abby Haynes

The August AAG500Blog focuses on co-design as a meaningful way to engage and empower older people, brought to you by 2023 Hal Kendig Research Development Program grant recipient, Dr Abby Haynes:

…As we age, physical activity is more important than ever. Being active does not only promote fitness, it promotes independence and quality of life. Regular physical activity maintains strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular health – all critical for daily life and falls prevention. Physical activity can also improve sleep, mood and cognitive function, and help manage or even prevent chronic conditions. Yet many older people are inactive, especially older adults using aged care services. Key barriers to being active include fear of injury, not knowing where to start and lack of social support.

Unfortunately, generic information and exercise programs consistently fail to engage older people (or, indeed, anyone!). One promising solution lies in creating exercise programs with older people, rather than for them, using co-design…

Read Abby’s full blog and catch up on previous AAG500Blog posts on the AAG website.