Thursday Three - 13 November 2025 

• What a fantastic start to AAGConf25!

• Welcome keynote: Sarah Brown AM, CEO of Purple House

• AJA research spotlight, featuring Prof Aimee Spector

What a fantastic start to AAGConf25!

The 58th AAG Conference in Alice Springs / Mparntwe kicked off on Tuesday with a bang!

Delegates have been enjoying a jam-packed program filled with inspiring speakers, opportunities to network, and meet fellow AAG members and new members; all under the stunning Mparntwe sky. have been enjoying a jam-packed program filled with inspiring speakers, opportunities to network, and meet fellow AAG members and new members; all under the stunning Mparntwe sky.

As so eloquently spoken by Conference co-Chair and Keynote speaker Judy Ratajec in the Welcome Plenary...

“Ageing is at the 'centre' of what we do, working every day towards a world where every person is valued, heard, seen and respected as we age. Ageing itself is a process at the ‘centre’ of every life. It is our history, our future, and our continuing story, both as individuals and as a member organisation…and what better place to reflect on those stories than at the ‘centre’ of our beautiful Country.”

Welcome keynote: Sarah Brown AM, CEO of Purple House

Sarah Brown AM is the inspirational CEO of Purple House in the Western Desert of Central Australia. Purple House’s mission is ‘Making all our families well’ and they offer remote dialysis, social support, aged-care and NDIS services, and run a bush medicine social enterprise called Bush Balm.

An engaging storyteller and someone whose heart beats for the wellbeing and care of Aboriginal Elders, in her Welcome Keynote address, Sarah told the story of Purple House’s beginnings, its many achievements over the past 20+ years, and its remarkable impact on local rural and remote communities.

From answering the call for a mobile dialysis unit to establishing a GP clinic and accessible primary health services, Sarah and her team of clinicians and volunteers are an exemplary example of true co-design, building connections and respectful relationships with local Elders, their families and the Community to create innovative pathways to essential health care in the most isolated and remote regions of the Northern Territory and beyond.

When other aged care service providers gave up the task, Purple House stepped in to fill the gap. You can help support the amazing work of the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation (Purple House) by purchasing Bush Balm products, Purple House merchandise, or making a donation today.  

AAG member research spotlight:

The fabulous Prof Aimee Spector wowed attendees this week at AAGConf25 with her knowledge and insights into the incredible positive effects of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and dementia.

Prof Spector, along with Caroline Gurvich, is featured in this month's AJA research spotlight for the invited editorial: Differentiating Cognitive Challenges During Menopause Transition From Dementia: Key Considerations

From the article…

“‘Menopause transition’ (MT) describes the years between changes in the menstrual cycle and 1 year after the final period…whilst this period of life is often described as a ‘window of vulnerability’, we propose that it is also a ‘window of opportunity’ to build brain health and reduce longer term dementia risk.”

Read the full open-access editorial now.

You can also enjoy full access to all AJA content as an AAG member. Not a member? Join now and take advantage of the Late Spring / Summer Special with 50% off normal membership fees.