Thursday Three - 26 February 2026

Please be advised this edition contains images and mentions of a deceased person.

 

  • Life Changing, Not Ending: Bill Yeates’ Dementia Journey
  • New Leadership at AAG NT Division
  • A New Chapter in Global Ageing Leadership: IAGG’s new President-Elect

 

Save the Date!

29 May 2026

AAG Victoria Division third biennial Mini-Conference

Ageing well: Living independently in times of change

Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton, Melbourne

Following the success of the 2025 mini-conference in regional Ballarat, the AAG VIC Division is gearing up for another fantastic statewide learning and networking event. Full details coming soon.

  • Quality speakers
  • Generate new ideas and energy for your work
  • Space to consider implementation for your setting
  • Connect with AAG Vic members

Plan now to make the trip and perhaps stay on for the weekend!
Keep an eye on AAG’s upcoming events page for more.

A collage of images from the 2025 AAG VIC Division mini-conference in Ballarat with AAG’s logo and the words: Providing opportunity to learn and connect.

Life Changing, Not Ending: Bill Yeates' Dementia Journey

Please be advised this article contains images and mentions of a deceased person.

William (Bill) Yeates, a lived experience keynote panellist for the 2024 AAG Conference President’s Symposium, is a board member and ambassador for Alzheimer’s Disease International. Bill was diagnosed with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s at 59. Unable to find suitable post‑diagnostic support, he created his own holistic, person‑centred approach, the Tree of Awakening Your Positivity, recognising that dementia affects both cognition and sense of self.

Today, Bill shares his lived experience worldwide, drawing on his journey as both a person with dementia and a former carer for his father. In a heartfelt 90‑minute conversation, recorded in honour of the late Bobby Redman, Bill reflects on fear, identity, purpose, family impact, and the daily strategies that help him live well. Bobby, an extraordinary advocate and mentor, guided Bill early in his diagnosis and helped him see that life was changing, not ending. AAG is also grateful for Bobby’s involvement with AAG Conversation salon "The Bold and Unapologetic Voices We Need in Dementia Research, Policy, and Advocacy."

Watch Bill's interview on YouTube to gain candid insights, encouragement, and practical hope for anyone navigating dementia.

You can also:

Video cover photo featuring an image of Bill Yeates and Bobby Redman sharing coffee and smiling at the camera.
Pictured: Bill Yeates and Bobby Redman

New Leadership at AAG NT Division

Off the back of an inspiring and spectacular AAG 58th Conference in Mparntwe Alice Springs, AAG NT Division offers gratitude to the dynamic duo, Judy Ratajec and Mary Ingrames, as they hand the baton to a new NT Division Chair and Secretary.

Judy, NT Division Chair for over a decade, and Mary, a founding member of NT AAG Committee and secretary since 2010, were instrumental in the resounding success of AAGConf25. Friends and colleagues for more than half their lives, they offered moving and heartfelt commentary at the 2025 President’s Symposium on everyday life serving the people of the Northern Territory in often hard to reach and most disadvantaged regions.

As conference co-chairs, Mary and Judy ensured every delegate felt welcome, cared for and heard. Thank you, Judy and Mary for your tireless time and effort in both the lead up and during this historic and memorable event.

AAG is also pleased to welcome Susan Williams, new NT Committee Chair of this tiny but mighty Territory Division. Read more about Susan and other new and returning NT committee members on the AAG website.

Collage of images featuring Judy Ratajec and Mary Ingrames as co-chairs of AAGConf25

A New Chapter in Global Ageing Leadership: IAGG's new President-Elect! 

We wish to share an important update from the International Association for Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG). Following the resignation of President‑Elect Bianca Buurman due to personal reasons, the IAGG Executive has appointed Professor Hilde Verbeek as the new President‑Elect.

Prof Verbeek, Maastricht University, is a leading international researcher in long‑term care environments and chair of the Limburg Living Lab in Ageing and Long‑Term Care. Her interdisciplinary work, spanning gerontology, psychology, nursing, architecture, and social geography, has significantly shaped models of dementia care, including improved care environments, such as green care farms, and pioneering innovative community‑based housing environments.

With more than 150 peer‑reviewed publications, major research grants, extensive PhD supervision, and influential policy engagement, Prof Verbeek brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to driving global improvement in long‑term care.

As IAGG Asia Oceania Region (IAGG-AOR) Secretariat, AAG warmly welcomes Prof Verbeek's leadership as IAGG continues its mission to advance healthy ageing worldwide.

Find out more about IAGG-AOR’s work in the region.

Image of the IAGG logo and IAGG President Elect Hilde Verbeek
Pictured: Professor Hilde Verbeek

IAGG2026 in Amsterdam 5-8 July, early bird extended to 2nd March

 

Image to promote the 59th AAG Conference in Melbourne from 10 to 11 November 2026