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Program overview


Aged Care Futures: People, Purpose and Progress 

The conference theme highlights where the sector is heading and what providers need to focus on next. You will gain insights into workforce, quality care and the innovations shaping tomorrow’s services.  

People

Centers on the workforce and empowering the next generation through strong career pathways and capability building. We will focus on attracting talent, growing skills and developing future leaders.

Purpose

Focuses on delivering high-quality, safe and meaningful care while adapting to funding changes and post-reform requirements.

Progress

Explore innovation, technology and new models of care, showing how providers can adapt, improve operations and remain resilient as the sector changes.

Tasmania State Conference Program

Tuesday 26 May 2026

8am - 5pm

Registration Open

9am - 9.10am

Welcome and Opening of Conference
Danni Campbell-Manley, State Manager VIC-TAS, Ageing Australia 

9.10am - 9.15am

Welcome to Country
Elder Uncle Dougie Mansell 

9.15am - 9.30am

Ministerial Address 
The Hon. Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs 

9.30am - 10am

Ageing Australia CEO Address 
Where the sector is heading in Tasmania 
Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia

10am - 10.05am

Gold Sponsor Address 

Carmen Ransley, Business Relationship Manager, HESTA 

10.05am - 10.35am

Morning Tea Break and Networking

10.35am - 11.05am

Understanding and Adapting to Funding Changes under the New Aged Care Act 

Stuart Hutcheon, Managing Partner, StewartBrown 

11.05am - 11.35am

Technology and Transformation in Care Delivery 

A case study that combines practical insight, sector relevance and forward-looking innovation. Demonstrate how technology is improving care delivery, workforce efficiency, or consumer/resident experience.

Lyndon Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer, Community Transport Services Tasmania 

11.35am - 12.15pm

Preparing for What’s Next - Organisational Readiness Across the Aged Care Continuum 

Brigid Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, COTA TAS 

Anita Courtney, Principal, Russell Kennedy 

Cynthia Payne, Managing Director and Founder, Anchor Excellence  

Lorraine Poulos, Managing Director, Lorraine Poulos & Associates  

Moderator: Roald Versteeg, Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, Ageing Australia 

12.15pm - 12.45pm

Lunch Break and Networking

12.45pm - 1.15pm

Navigating the Next Phase of Aged Care Reform

Sonja Stewart, Deputy Secretary, Ageing and Aged Care, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

1.15pm – 1.45pm 

Responding to a Cyber Crisis - Provider Insights from a Data Breach

Allyson Warrington, Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary, Community Based Support 

Co presenters: 

Craig Triffitt, Executive Manager Service Delivery, Community Based Support 

Erin Wise, Executive Manager Corporate Services, Community Based Support 

In this session, you will learn about what really happens during a breach and ransom request, how to respond and manage under pressure and lessons learned and forward-looking perspectives.  

1.45pm – 2.10pm 

Beyond Compliance: Partnering for Quality and Trust Under the New Aged Care Act 

Kristian Wynn, Director, Regulatory Strategy, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

2.10m – 2.15pm 

Gold Sponsor Address  

Riskteq 

2.15pm – 2.45pm 

Afternoon Tea Break and Networking

2.45pm  3.30pm  

2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year 

Dr Jorian (Jo) Kippax, Retrieval Consultant, Ambulance Tasmania Critical Care and Retrieval Service and a Trauma Specialist, Royal Hobart Hospital

3.30pm - 4.10pm 

Panel Discussion: Growing our workforce - strategic choices for aged care 

Linda ThomasEducation Manager, Health Specialties, TasTAFE 

Alison Standen, CEO, Corumbene Care 

Andrew Hayward, Head of Workforce Strategy, Ageing Australia
Elena Allen, University of Tasmania 

Moderator: Jason Binder, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Respect 

This panel will explore one of the sector’s most pressing workforce questions. Should providers prioritise building a local talent pipeline, or look to migration to meet immediate demand? Panellists will examine the trade-offs across cost, culture, retention, regulation and quality of care, drawing on practical examples from across Tasmania to highlight what is working and where challenges remain. The session will conclude with audience Q&A and a live poll, offering real-time insight into current provider strategies and priorities.

4.10pm - 4.50pm 

Closing Keynote 

4.50pm – 5pm 

Closing Remarks and Reflections 
Danni Campbell-Manley, State Manager VIC-TAS, Ageing Australia 

5pm - 6pm

Networking Hour
Unwind after a full day of conference and continue the conversation. Connect with peers, speakers and industry partners in a relaxed setting. Share insights, spark new ideas and build valuable relationships before the day wraps up.

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.