Gwenda Darling is a member of the Aged Care Council of Elders. The council provides advice to the government about aged care and ageing well. Council members engage with older people about changes to aged care.

Gwenda has had a varied career, with more than 50 years’ experience in government and non-government organisations.

Gwenda is a Palawa woman and proudly served the First Nations communities in which she has lived and worked. Gwenda’s roles have included Chief Executive Officer of Anaiwan Aboriginal Land Council, Chairperson of Gandangarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and Director of Hunter Aboriginal Children’s Services.

Her personal and professional experience ignited a passion for justice for Elders within the aged care system.

Gwenda maintains an active and productive life and is happy living at home independently with her assistance dog, Redleigh. Gwenda accesses home care services and is supported by care workers who visit her at home.

Having seen firsthand the need for safe, respectful and trauma-informed care for First Nations people, Gwenda is an influential voice for choice and control over one’s health and aged care.

In 2012, aged in her late 50s, Gwenda was diagnosed with younger onset (behavioural-variant frontotemporal) dementia.

Gwenda participates in dementia research and is a dementia advocate alongside her other work in the community.

Gwenda has been a member of the Council of Elders since its inception in 2021.