2015 LASA National Congress kicks off
In Melbourne the annual Leading Age Services Australia National Congress brought together a record number of delegates from across the age services industry.
LASA chief executive officer Patrick Reid, says the high attendance rate reflects significant growth across aged care, which will only continue in coming years as demand for age services increases.
“LASA National Congress has become the biggest age services event in the region, with over 1,100 delegates and 150 exhibitors and sponsors.”
“The unprecedented growth of LASA’s annual national event proves our industry is in the midst of tides of change. Increased demand for services affects all providers regardless of their business model, and with that comes the need to provide the most efficient, professional services to keep up with demand,” Mr Reid says.
The four-day event was officially opened on Sunday by Assistant Health Minister, Ken Wyatt, who said the government is committed to seeing through the reforms underway.
“The current reforms take us quite some way along that track but – as the industry agrees – there is still more to be done,” according to Mr Wyatt.
“When there is a change of minister, people inevitably wonder whether existing policies and initiatives will continue or be subject to change by the new broom.”
“I want to take the opportunity today to put clearly on the record that the aged care changes announced in the 2015 budget will continue and the day to day business of delivering quality aged care will also continue as usual,” says Mr Wyatt.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson shared his secrets of success in transforming Hawthorn football club to become four-time premiership winners on the opening day of the LASA conference.
“Alastair Clarkson’s advice to the leaders of our industry on having a clear vision, the right people and a strong company culture is particularly relevant to aged care providers in the midst of reform and change,” Mr Reid says.
Naomi Simson, founder of RedBalloon, wrapped up the opening day with a thought provoking presentation about entrepreneurship and living what you love.
LASA National Congress 2015 was held from 11 – 14 October with presentations, masterclasses and exhibitors showing new technologies, resources, products and services relating to the aged care industry.
