Australia’s aged care sector is undergoing a profound transformation, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental pillars in building age-friendly communities that support healthy ageing. In alignment with the WHO Age-Friendly Environments program, this session will explore how Australia’s aged care policies and practices are fostering environments where older adults can age with dignity, independence, and active participation.

 

Australia’s journey towards inclusivity has required confronting historical inequities, including the marginalisation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities. The legacy of exclusionary policies created systemic barriers to access, trust, and participation, with impacts that still resonate today. By addressing these legacies, aged care providers are rebuilding trust and fostering social inclusion, essential elements for creating environments that respect the rights and aspirations of older adults. This presentation will share strategies and successes in embedding reconciliation and cultural safety into community support and health services, ensuring no one is left behind.

 

The session will also highlight how Australia’s ageing, multicultural population is reshaping workforce strategies, housing, and community supports. A strong focus will be placed on the role of Australia’s migrant workforce in delivering culturally responsive care, and how recruitment and retention initiatives are contributing to civic participation, employment, and broader social cohesion.

 

In a country marked by vast distances and geographic diversity, technology is playing a critical role in overcoming barriers to inclusion. Through case studies, participants will learn how innovations such as telehealth, digital platforms, and AI tools are bridging gaps in rural, regional, and remote areas, ensuring equitable access to health services, information, and social participation opportunities.

 

Through the lens of Australia’s experience, this session will offer practical insights into how embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within all domains of the WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities framework can drive meaningful change. The Australian example underscores that true age-friendliness must be built on foundations of cultural safety, historical awareness, innovation, and collaboration.

 

Join us for an engaging discussion that celebrates resilience, innovation, and the human spirit in advancing age-friendly, inclusive environments for all.

 

Participants will:

 

• Understand how addressing historical inequities contributes to creating age-friendly communities that support respect, equity, and social inclusion.

• Learn practical strategies for building a multicultural aged care workforce that enhances participation, employment opportunities, and culturally safe services.

• Discover how technology and innovative service models are improving community support and health services in rural and remote areas, ensuring equitable access for diverse older populations.

Tom Symondson is a respected voice for aged care, serving as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ageing Australia, the national peak body representing the majority of organisations providing aged care and housing for older Australians.

Since 2022, Tom has led Ageing Australia’s mission to champion a high-performing, trusted and sustainable aged care sector that empowers older Australians to age with dignity, care and respect.

With over 20 years of experience spanning aged care, public health, and local government sectors in both Australia and the UK, Tom has been at the forefront of policy reform, driving meaningful advocacy and shaping strategy to improve care outcomes for over 1.5 million older Australians.

Tom’s leadership is defined by his unwavering commitment to the sector and ensuring older Australians receive the care and support they deserve.