The overwhelming majority of people over the age of 65 (considered older) do not access the formal care systems. We heard that it does indeed take a village to age in place and there were calls for investment in social connection, carer and family support, planning ahead, and dementia‑friendly communities to ensure older people can age-in-place.
The host of this dynamic Symposium, Social Development Agencies Network of NSW represent, support and inform more than 8,000 workers and their organisations across the State. Social Development Agencies do not provide direct care services; instead, they strengthen sectors and service systems to plan, deliver and reform approaches to care.
Adjunct Professor Billie Sankovic, CEO of Western Sydney Community Forum, said Regional Social Development organisations are planners and analysts, closest to the ground in local communities. We know our regions and the people we serve. Because we are independent from direct service provision, we have deep knowledge of local service systems — their strengths and their flaws.”
Nicky Sloan, CEO of Community Industry Group in the Illawarra and Southern NSW, said entry level community aged care has been overlooked for too long. “Our community aged care systems have been neglected, despite being the glue that helps older people age in place. Without a solid early‑entry aged care system, people end up in avoidable, high‑cost crisis care.”
The situation is particularly pressing in the Hunter and Central Coast. Dr Penny Newson, CEO of Central Coast Community Council, said uncertainty around the future of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is placing pressure on families and local services.
“Our region is the place of choice for many people as they age, and they rely on basic services to live safely and well. Right now, the ambiguity and lack of direction from the Commonwealth regarding CHSP is putting pressure on families and health care systems.”
The Community Aged Care Regional Symposium was held simultaneously across four locations — Parramatta, Marrickville, Gosford and Shellharbour — on Tuesday 12 May 2026. Comedian Jean Kittson, and the Hon. Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault joined local providers to share insights and chart a way forward.
Marika Kontellis, Executive Officer of Inner Sydney Voice, centred the voices of older people and their families and said
“Longevity is the critical policy driver of reform, yet no single tier of government is responsible for overseeing and funding support for older people. It truly takes a village to age in place. This Symposium will ensure older people lead the conversation and call for investment in early‑entry community care so they can remain living at home and connected to their communities.”
Local providers worked together to create a plan for our region that will elevate the way older people access and benefit from low level, entry level community care.