Thursday Three - 30 05 2024

  • AAG ATSIAAG Report launched: "Putting Elders and older people at the heart of our work"

  • AAG and AFN: Tackling Frailty and the power of connectedness

  • Farewell to Dr Meg Polacsek

We want to take this time to acknowledge that this week 27 May - 3 June is National Reconciliation Week
and the #NRW2024 theme Now More Than Ever reminds us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and
the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue. Follow this link for
National Reconciliation Week events around the country that you can get involved in.

AAG ATSIAAG Report launched: Putting Elders and older people at the heart of our work

This report summarises the discussions and presentations from the "Ageing at the Centre, Ageing at the Centre. Putting Elders and older people at the heart of our work" forum held on May 23-25, 2023, at Purple House, Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation. Supported by Tangentyere Council, the Commonwealth Department of Health, and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC), the forum featured workshops, cultural learning, and Yarn Up sessions.

Three key workshops covered:

  • Planning for finishing up: End of life and Advance Care Planning
  • Dementia in the Community: What is it like and what can we do
  • Workforce and capacity development

Attended by participants from diverse organisations, including Aboriginal community-controlled aged care providers, not-for-profit providers, peak bodies, researchers, geriatric nurses, and other community representatives. Some interrelated and overlapping themes emerging across all three workshops included:

  • The dynamics of working amongst often competing intercultural expectations
  • Using a little to do a lot, whether it be time, capital or, expertise
  • Innovation and creativity

The report was launched at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing Advisory Group (ATSIAAG) Yarn Up on May 27 and is available for download.

AAG and AFN: Tackling Frailty and the power of connectedness



On May 15, AAG Queensland and the Australian Frailty Network successfully hosted an enlightening webinar titled "Responding to Frailty through Social Engagement and Community Connection." This event was a fantastic collaboration between the two organisations, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

Frailty is a significant challenge to ageing well, often leading to increased vulnerability, loss of independence, and poor health outcomes. Addressing frailty requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medical intervention, emphasizing the importance of social engagement and community connection.

The webinar facilitated by Dr Kristiana Ludlow, featured insightful presentations from experts in the field. Prof Loretta Baldassar explored the critical role of social interactions in preventing and improving frailty. A/Prof Jacki Liddle discussed the importance of community mobility and participation for health and well-being, highlighting how technology can help older adults and people living with frailty stay connected within their communities.

For those who missed the live event, members and registrants can view the recording here along with access to our extensive webinar library. Congratulations again to AAG Queensland and the Australian Frailty Network for bringing this valuable webinar to our community.                      

Farewell to Dr Meg Polacsek

Last week marked a bittersweet moment for the AAG National Office team as we bid farewell to Dr Meg Polacsek. Meg, our esteemed Communications, Advocacy, and Grants Manager, has embarked on a new journey, transitioning to a training role where she is interested in training aged care workers. It's an incredible career change, one that she is wholeheartedly passionate about.

Throughout her time with AAG, Meg has been an invaluable asset, consistently delivering work of the utmost quality. Her dedication was evident in every project she completed, particularly:

  • Developing and enhancing communication and advocacy processes, ensuring AAG's voice resonated powerfully, especially in print media to promote AAG’s work on ageing and aged care;
  • Undertaking the Herculean task of organising AAG's extensive online library and vital resources;
  • Initiated the AAG 500 blog series;
    Leading the charge as Grants Manager for the AAG Research Trust, where she was able to streamline the grants administration processes and develop key relationships with our grants committee members and past awardees. To that end we have a record number of applications to date this year!

As Meg embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt best wishes for success and fulfillment. All the best, Meg.