LASA Conference looks to the future
Talking about and tackling emerging challenges, sharing real-world experiences of the aged care industry and celebrating excellence were all part of the recent Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Tri-State Conference 2018.
Two winners of the LASA Excellence in Age Services Awards 2018 (Source: LASA)
Held in Albury, New South Wales from 4-6 February and encompassing over 350 age services professionals, leaders and specialists from across metropolitan and regional areas of Australia, the Tri-State Conference aimed to tackle this year’s theme of Disrupt, Innovate and Thrive, as well as award those in the industry showcasing excellence.
LASA Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney says the conference offered a platform for attendees to discuss emerging challenges in aged care and provide encouragement of delegates to share their own experiences of adapting to the changing wants and needs of older Australians.
Adding that the Tri-State Conference 2018 program provided practical solutions to help empower providers to deliver high quality, innovative aged care services that can “thrive in a consumer driven, market-based aged care system”.
“Australia’s aged care system is facing unprecedented demand and there is an urgent need to develop and innovate,” he explains.
“The age services industry needs to meet this demand through innovation and by developing a more integrated aged care system.
“We must adopt new practices and continually shape our services to ensure we achieve greater access to quality care and services for our older Australians.”
Mr Rooney says the Tri-State Conference, an aged care industry leader for over 20 years, also offered an ideal platform to celebrate and acknowledge those disrupting, innovating and thriving within the industry through the LASA Excellence in Age Service Awards.
Winners from South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania were announced on 5 February, the second day of the three day conference, at the awards night sponsored by Hesta.
“Our industry has countless unassuming professionals, volunteers and organisations who don’t generally look for thanks or praise,” Mr Rooney explains.
“It is their dedication and professionalism that make up the backbone of our industry.
“The awards celebrate and showcase significant contributions being made to improve the quality of life of older Australians as well as promote community involvement in age services.”
Mr Rooney congratulated all nominees, finalist and winners in the awards for their “outstanding efforts and the contributions they make daily, not only for the industry, but to the lives of the older Australians they care for”.
The awards were presented across three categories:
- Organisation Award – SA: Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged; VIC/TAS: Nagambie HealthCare and Cooinda Aged Care Services
- Team Award – SA: Reynella Lodge Team, Life Care; VIC/TAS: Carer Health and Wellbeing Coaching Team, Carer Links North, Merri Health
- Individual Award – SA: Simon Chappel, Managing Director, Ubercare Services; VIC/TAS: Kyle Miller, Moments That Matter Coordinator, Australian Unity Rathdowne Place
The announced state winners will progress as finalists to the national awards which will be presented at LASA’s National Congress in Adelaide from 28-31 October this year.
