The SA State Conference program has something for every provider. Stay up to date on industry changes, government reforms, and workforce strategies while exploring evidence-based approaches that are redefining quality care for older people.


With a packed one-day program designed specifically for senior leaders, board members and executive teams, you’ll gain insights to help you plan, lead and adapt with confidence.

This year’s program centres around readiness; readiness for reform, for workforce change, for innovation and for delivering exceptional care and services in a sector under pressure but full of possibility.

SA State Conference Program

Thursday 8 May 2025

5pm - 6pm

CEO networking event
Please join for an informal gathering the evening prior to the event.

Friday 9 May 2025

8am - 5pm

Registration open

8.50am - 8.55am

Conference opening
Geraldine Ellis-Maguire, GM Member Relations, Ageing Australia

8.55am - 9am

Welcome to country
Robert Taylor, Senior Kaurna Man and Cultural Custodian

9am - 9.05am

Gold sponsor address - HESTA
Rebecca Anasson, Business Relationship Manager, HESTA 

9.05am - 9.10am

Gold sponsor address - ReturnToWorkSA
Houda Peters, Team Leader Employer Education , ReturnToWorkSA 

9.10am - 9.25am

Minister's address
Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well 

9.25am - 10am

Supporting our workforce: navigating change with psychosocial safety 
Jane Pickering, Board Member, Ageing Australia and CEO of Eldercare
Chris Stewart, CEO, Helping Hand
Anna Howard, CEO, Murray Mallee Aged Care Group  
Mardi Webber, Mentally Healthy Workplaces Consultant, ReturnToWorkSA 

10am -10.30am

Navigating financial changes for aged care providers 
Grant Corderoy, Partner, StewartBrown 

10.30am - 11am

Morning tea

11am - 11.30am

The road ahead: understanding government reforms in aged care
Adj Prof Adriana Platona PSM, First Assistant Secretary, Residential Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

11.30am - 12pm

The next chapter in aged care quality and safety 

Peter Edwards, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Regulatory Operations, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

12pm - 12.45pm

Transition to the new aged care act panel session
The introduction of the New Aged Care Act marks a significant shift for providers, bringing new regulatory requirements, operational changes, and consumer expectations. This panel will explore the practical implications of the transition, share insights from aged care providers already navigating the changes, and provide perspectives on effective implementation strategies.

Grant Corderoy, Partner, Stewart Brown

Michelle Church, Chief Executive, St Basil’s Homes (SA) Corporate Services

Michael Filsell, Chief Executive Officer, Boneham Aged Care Services Inc

Linda Feldt, Chief Executive Officer, ACH Group

12.45pm - 1.30pm

Lunch break

1.30pm - 2pm

The heart of reform: A personal and professional perspective on aged care

Anne Burgess AM, Chair, Aged Care Council of Elders and Aged Care Transition Taskforce 

2pm - 3pm

Workforce strategies and solutions for South Australia
Andrew Hayward, Head of Workforce Strategy, Ageing Australia 

3pm - 3.30pm

Governance readiness: preparing for the new aged care act 
Rebecca Barr, Partner, O’Loughlins Lawyers 

3.30pm - 4pm

Afternoon tea

4pm - 4.45pm

Focus on support at home – where we are at - policy update 
Anita McStay, Senior Policy Advisor, Ageing Australia 

4.45pm

Conference close
Geraldine Ellis-Maguire, GM Member Relations, Ageing Australia

Disclaimer: Please note that this conference program is subject to revisions and updates. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, changes may
occur prior to the event. Attendees are encouraged to regularly check for updates on the conference website. Thank you for your understanding.