2026 QLD State Conference 2026 Wrap Up
Over three days in Brisbane, the QLD State Conference 2026 welcomed more than 300 delegates, with an additional 56 participants attending the pre-conference workshop. Supported by 6 sponsors and 48 exhibitors, the conference provided a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and connecting with peers from across the aged care sector.
Pre-conference workshop
The conference began with a hands-on pre-conference workshop, Practical AI Tools for the Aged Care Sector, led by Julian Moore from Strategic Membership Solutions. Participants explored how AI is already being used to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and support providers to do more with less — including building their own AI agents during the session.
Conference overview
The conference opened with remarks from our two master of ceremonies – Ian Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer at Rockpool Residential Aged Care and Rose Plater, General Manager at Paynters, before delegates were asked a live poll question to set the scene:
If aged care were a movie genre right now, what would it be?
The top response was Drama, followed by Thriller and Feel-Good Story, offering a revealing snapshot of the challenges and complexity facing the sector today.
Day one overview
Across the two main conference days, delegates heard from sector leaders, government, regulators, providers, advocates and subject-matter experts on the issues shaping aged care now and into 2030. Sessions explored aged care reform, financial sustainability, workforce pressure, Support at Home, governance responsibilities, compliance, consumer expectations, innovation and future models of care. There was also plenty of energy in the room. Queensland Ballet opened the conference with
an interactive Dance for Health experience, reminding delegates of the powerful role movement, creativity and connection can play in ageing well. The program also featured a live podcast recording in the residential care breakout, a lively AI debate asking whether artificial intelligence is essential progress or unacceptable risk, and an impressive keynote from demographer Simon Kuestenmacher on the demographic forces reshaping aged care to 2030.
Dinner snapshots
The conference dinner, proudly sponsored by HESTA, was attended by 200 delegates. The evening began with pre-dinner drinks and networking, followed by dinner and further opportunities for attendees to connect with peers from across the sector. Entertainment was provided by RedTie, helping to round out a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Day two overview
A strong theme throughout the conference was the need to look beyond immediate reform pressure and focus on building a trusted, equitable and sustainable aged care system. From the opening sector panel on The Future of Aged Care to discussions on governance, workforce, financial sustainability and consumer expectations, speakers challenged the sector to think clearly about what older Australians will need over the next decade — and what providers must do now to be ready.
Workforce remained one of the defining issues of the program. Sessions explored attraction, retention, culture, leadership development and the practical steps organisations can take to build capability for the future.
Through live polling, provider case studies and facilitated discussion, delegates helped identify the workforce priorities requiring urgent attention over the next 12 months.
The conference also created space for more challenging conversations, including intimacy and ageing, implementation of the new Aged Care Act, the realities of Support at Home, and the risks and opportunities of AI in aged care. These sessions brought honesty, humour, strong opinions and valuable audience engagement.
Trade exhibition photos
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
