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overview
Returning for 2026 – Aged Care Reform Forum
The New Aged Care Act continues to reshape how we respond to the issues facing older people, aged care providers, workers, and the broader sector. We are delighted to bring back this multidisciplinary forum focused on improving the way services are delivered to older people in their home, community, and aged care setting.
This 2-day forum will deliver dynamic, practical, and solution-driven discussions on effective programs, supports, invaluable insights, and key learnings as we navigate the ongoing implementation of aged care reform.
Co-located with:
💡 National Dementia Conference
One pass gives you access to two conferences!
You will have the flexibility to pick and choose your preferred sessions and tailor your experience to your needs. You’ll also have access to shared networking opportunities and the exhibition space, allowing you to connect with professionals from both the dementia and aged care sectors.
2026 Speakers
Treasure Jennings
Complaints Commissioner, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
James Chen
Director of Aged Care Costing, Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority
Philip Mackney
Chief Operating Officer, Bupa Villages and Aged Care
Daen Dorazio
First Assistant Secretary, Dementia, Diversity & Residential Care, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Luke Greive
CEO, Infin8Care
Duncan McKimm
CEO, Clarence Village
Diana Horvatovic
CEO, St Basil’s NSW/ACT
Faye Spiteri OAM
Chief Executive Office, Fronditha Care
Lara McIntyre
Nurse Practitioner & Senior Palliative Care Lead | Practice Quality and Risk, Catholic Healthcare, Chair, Palliative Aged Care Network (PACN)
Dr Kaele Stokes
Executive Director Services, Engagement & Research, Dementia Australia
Dr Simon Grof
Chief Medical Director, JewishCare
Dr Richard Kane
National Clinical Director, St Vincent’s Virtual & Home, St Vincent’s Health Australia
Dr Melanie Tan
Principal, Clinical Governance Consulting
Susan Wray
Chief Executive Officer, Edgarley Assisted Living
Isabelle Meyer
Executive Director, Dementia Training Australia
Kim Whiteley
CEO, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAACC)
Anna Theophilos
PSA Vaccination Ambassador
Tara Veldman
Managing Director, Billard Leece Partnership
James O’Keefe
Fund Manager – Aged Care Property, Australian Unity Wealth and Capital Markets
Anne Muldowney
Senior Policy Officer, OPAN
Lani Carter
Special Counsel, Sparke Helmore Lawyers
Dr Stephen Ginsborg
GP and Board Member, Compassionate Communities Australia
Workshop
Post-Conference Half Day Workshop
9:00am-1:00pm | 30 April 2026
Crown Conference Centre Melbourne
A Positive Approach to Care- Practical dementia training for a practical workforce
- Learn and apply the fundamentals of the Positive Approach to Care – Learn how to adapt your approach to better engage and connect with people living with dementia
- Gain a sense of brain changes, and how adapting our approach can accommodate for these changes to reduce agitation, minimise changed behaviours and increase engagement
- Learn and apply the Hand -under-Hand® technique to connect and support PLWD in different common functional tasks
- Learn to identify and maximise people’s strengths and abilities for better engagement
Kathy Kirby, Director & Registered Nurse, Thrive Aged Care Consultants
Kate Lamont, Director & Registered Occupational Therapist, Thrive Aged Care Consultants
Gaby Brodbeck, Trainer & Registered Nurse, Thrive Aged Care ConsultantsBook Now
National Dementia Conference
Now in its 16th year, the National Dementia Conference 2025 will bring together leading experts to discuss best practices and strategies for improving person-centered care for those living with dementia.
We are excited to co-locate the inaugural Aged Care Reform Forum alongside the 16th Annual National Dementia Conference!
By registering for either event, you gain access to both conferences, with the flexibility to pick and choose your preferred sessions and tailor your experience to your needs. You’ll also have access to shared networking opportunities and the exhibition space, allowing you to connect with professionals from both the dementia and aged care sectors.
KEY TOPICS OF NATIONAL DEMENTIA INCLUDE:
- Latest Emerging Trends in Dementia Research
- Dementia Diagnosis and Early Intervention Strategies
- Innovations in Dementia Care and Support
- Person-Centered Approaches in Dementia Care
- Building Dementia-Friendly Communities
- Assistive Devices and Digital Solutions
- Dementia Caregiver Support and Resilience
- Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Dementia
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
The AGED CARE REFORM FORUM which is colocated with the National Dementia Confernece. Don’t miss this opporutnity to network with these interlapping audiences! Are you interested in learning more?
There are many opportunities for networking including social events such networking function, refreshment breaks and lunches, making this not just a conference… but an all encompassing industry “experience”. Don’t miss you opportunity to stand out!
Event sponsorship or exhibiting will allow your organisation to:
- Build relationships with potential and existing clients
- Generate leads from a high-level, targeted audience
- Close sales in a more personal manner than via phone
- Demonstrate your product in person
- Network with the industry
- Build brand awareness
To see what is on offer please contact:
David Espitia
Sponsorship Manager
E: [email protected]
T: +61 (2) 9080 4311
Insights
Inside Southern Cross Care’s innovative aged care model
Matt Martin, Head of Strategy at Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ), knew the Known and Loved cultural transformation program…
Read more >>
How this aged care CEO is attracting recruits in an under-supplied sector
An aged care job interview at St Basil’s looks different to that from a typical residential aged care facility (RACF)…
Read more >>
Lessons from an onsite residential aged care pharmacist
In 2018, Goodwin Aged Care Services made history when it employed Australia’s first ever residential aged care pharmacist. Since the deployment, Goodwin has…
Read more >>
How feasible are residential aged care pharmacists?
Onsite pharmacists will soon become a regular fixture of the residential aged care system, with a dedicated government grant coming into effect in July this year…
Read more >>
Event Code of Conduct
We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.
when & where
28 - 29 Apr 2026
Crown Conference Center Melbourne
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank VIC 3006
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATE
We have secured a special accommodation rate from $255* per room per night, room only, for conference attendees at the Crown Promenade for the nights of the 27-29 April 2026 inclusive.
To book this rate, click here.
* Room availability and rates are subject to availability and valid until 14 days prior to the event, unless sold out prior.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
contact
Still have a question?
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]
Speaking Enquiries
Tammie Wang
Conference Producer
+61 (2) 9080 4330
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibition Enquiries
David Espitia
+61 2 9080 4311
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Alys Pryde
[email protected]