Program overview
Aged Care Futures: People, Purpose and Progress
Delivering equitable care across regional, rural and remote Australia
Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities face unique opportunities and challenges in delivering aged care. The 2026 Regional and Remote Summit brings together sector leaders, clinicians, providers, government and community representatives to explore practical solutions, innovative service models and collaborative approaches that improve outcomes for older Australians, regardless of where they live.
People
Supporting the workforce, communities and partnerships that make quality care possible.
Purpose
Delivering person-centred, culturally safe and compassionate care at every stage of ageing.
Progress
Driving innovation, collaboration and practical solutions to improve access and outcomes, regardless of geography.
| 2026 Regional and Remote Summit Program | ||
|---|---|---|
Tuesday 1 September 2026 | ||
| 8am - 9am | Registration opens and arrival tea and coffee | |
9am - 9.10am | Conference Opening | |
9.10am - 9.15am | Welcome to Country | |
9.15am - 9.30am | Ministerial Address | |
9.30am - 10am | Ageing Australia CEO Address | |
10am - 10.30am | The Territory perspective: why regional and remote care needs a different approach Hear firsthand about the realities of delivering care across the Northern Territory and explore practical opportunities to improve equity, access and outcomes. | |
10.30am - 10.35am | Gold Sponsor Address | |
10.35am - 11.05am | Morning Tea and Networking | |
11.10am - 11.50am | Panel: Future of Regional Ageing More panellists coming
| |
11.50am - 12.20pm | Case Study: Building new models of care the Northern Territory Explore innovative approaches to expanding aged care services across the Territory through collaborative partnerships, infrastructure investment and community-led solutions. | |
12.20pm - 12.50pm | Building sustainable care across regional and remote Australia | |
12.50pm - 1.40pm | Lunch and Networking | |
1.40pm - 3.30pm | Breakout: Access and service delivery Explore the strategies, partnerships and service models shaping the future of aged care delivery across regional and remote Australia. This stream focuses on building a sustainable workforce, strengthening collaboration across the care continuum and showcasing practical examples of innovation that are improving access, quality and long-term sustainability. | |
1.45pm – 2.15pm | Growing and sustaining the regional workforce Andrew Hayward, Principal Advisor Workforce, Ageing Australia co-presenting with Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT) Exploring practical workforce strategies that strengthen recruitment, retention and capability across regional and remote aged care. | |
2.15pm – 2.45pm | Integrated models of care Discover collaborative models that better connect residential care, community care, Support at Home and health services to improve outcomes for older Australians. | |
2.45pm – 3.30pm | Panel discussion: What high-performing regional services have in common Leading providers share practical examples of innovation, collaboration and service design that are improving care across regional Australia, with lessons that can be applied across the sector. | |
1.40pm - 3.30pm | Breakout: Practical care and innovation Discover practical approaches to delivering person-centred, culturally safe and compassionate care in regional communities. Through provider showcases, case studies and expert discussion, this stream explores innovative models of care, whole-of-person care and improving quality of life for older Australians at every stage of their ageing journey. | |
1.45pm – 2.25pm | Shared spotlight session: Integrated models of care Emma Dumbrell, CEO, Yaandina Community Services Lesley Woolf, Manager Health & Community Services, Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Moderator: Gabriella Jerrat, State Director WA/NT, Ageing Australia
| |
2.25pm – 2.50pm | Delivering whole-of-person care in regional Australia Explore culturally safe, community-led approaches that place people, families and communities at the centre of care. | |
2.50pm – 3.30pm | Panel discussion: Supporting better end-of-life experiences Sue Shearer, CEO, COTA NT Beth Walker, Public Guardian and Public Trustee, Northern Territory More panellists coming
This discussion explores compassionate end-of-life care in regional communities, including advance care planning, grief and bereavement support, cultural considerations and the partnerships needed to deliver quality care close to home. | |
3.30pm – 4.00pm | Afternoon Tea and Networking | |
4.05pm – 4.35pm | Spotlight keynote: Closing the gaps in regional care | |
4.35pm – 5.15pm | Closing keynote: Caring for community: Lessons in compassion, culture and connection The summit concludes with an inspiring keynote exploring community-led approaches to care, the importance of cultural connection and the lessons regional Australia can offer in delivering person-centred aged care. | |
5.15pm – 5.20pm | Closing Remarks and Reflections | |
| 5.20pm - 6.20pm | Networking Hour | |
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.