2026 TAS State Conference 2026 Wrap Up
The TAS State Conference 2026 brought together 183 delegates from across the aged care sector. Supported by 9 sponsors, the event provided a valuable opportunity for sector leaders, providers and stakeholders to connect, share insights and discuss the future of aged care in Tasmania.
The 2026 TAS State Conference brought together Tasmanian aged care providers for a full day of reform, resilience and practical insight.
Live poll
Opened by VIC/TAS State Manager Danni Campbell-Manley, 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 Action and Thriller, offering a revealing snapshot of the challenges and complexity facing the sector today.
The day began with a deeply meaningful Welcome to Country from Elder Uncle Dougie Mansell on National Sorry Day, setting a tone of reflection and cultural respect that carried through the program.
The Hon. Roger Jaensch MP delivered the Ministerial address on behalf of Minister Bridget Archer MP, anchoring the day in the priorities of quality, workforce and sustainable services, and reinforcing the government’s commitment to putting older Tasmanians – who want respect, connection, fairness and support – at the centre of the system.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson followed with a sector-wide lens on reform, before sessions from StewartBrown on financial sustainability, Community Transport Services Tasmania on technology-led transformation, and a panel on organisational readiness helped delegates get practical about what preparation looks like across the continuum. again next year!
Morning photos
The afternoon deepened the conversation, with Deputy Secretary Sonja Stewart outlining the next phase of the reform agenda, a frank and compelling first-hand account of navigating a real cyber breach from the team at Community Based Support, and Kristian Wynn from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission calling for genuine partnership in building quality and trust.
The conference closed on a high, with 2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year Dr Jo Kippax drawing leadership lessons from the Franklin River rescue, a workforce panel wrestling honestly with the pipeline versus migration debate, and Neurodiversity Trainer of the Year Aisling Smith equipping delegates with practical strategies to sustain themselves and their teams.
Afternoon photos
Across a packed program of sessions, panels and conversations, the 2026 TAS State Conference reinforced what the sector already knows: that navigating reform well requires preparation, collaboration and an unwavering focus on the people at the heart of care.
Audience engagement
Delegates actively engaged throughout the conference, with 77% participants contributing to live polls and Q&A.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors
