The Social Development Agencies Network of NSW represents, supports and informs 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 uniquely placed to understand what older people and communities need.
“We 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 will be held simultaneously across four locations — Parramatta, Marrickville, Gosford and Shellharbour — on Tuesday 12 May 2026. Senior Australian of the Year and leading dementia researcher Professor Henry Brodaty AO, author and 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, will join local providers to share insights and chart a way forward.
Marika Kontellis, Executive Officer of Inner Sydney Voice, said the Symposium will centre the voices of older people.
“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.”
Media Contact and Photo Opportunity
Marika Kontellis – Inner Sydney Voice M 0409076708
PLACES LIMITED, REGISTER FOR YOUR HUB:
- City and Eastern Sydney: Community Aged Care Regional Symposium Tickets, Tuesday, May 12 • 10 AM – 3:30 PM | Eventbrite
- Western Sydney: Community Aged Care Regional Symposium Tickets, Tuesday, May 12 • 9:45 AM – 3 PM | Eventbrite
- Central Coast: Regional Aged Care Symposium
- Illawarra: Aged Care Symposium.
For further information please email eo@innersydneyvoice.org.au.