The Australian Government is pleased to announce a new term for the Aged Care Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders provides a direct voice to the government about aged care reform and ageing well on behalf of older people.
Following the Council’s productive initial term, applications were sought from older people with strong connections in their local communities and lived experience of aged care.
A rigorous selection process resulted in the appointment of 13 members, commencing in January 2024. Six members return to Council, with 7 new members appointed.
Anne Burgess AM remains as Council chair and is joined by new members:
- Ms Lynda Whiteway, who receives a home care package and is a carer for a family member with dementia.
- Ms Anna Harrison AM, who has strong connections with local culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Aunty Lynette Cullinane, a Mununjali woman with strong connections with First Nations peoples, particularly women and people in rural and remote areas.
- Ms Juliet Rankin, who has a background in palliative care and working in rural and remote communities.
- Major General Vikram Madon OAM, who is connected to local older culturally and linguistically diverse people, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse.
- Mr James Carey, who resides in an aged care home and is an aged care community volunteer.
- Dr John Davis, who is well connected to older people in aged care in his local community, particularly those from LGBTQI+ communities.
Returning members are:
- Mrs Gillian Groom AO
- Dr Tom Calma AO
- Professor John McCallum
- Ms Margaret Walsh
- Ms Val Fell OAM
- Ms Gwenda Darling.
Appointed members are geographically and demographically diverse, ensuring the voices of a wide range of older people can be heard through the Council.
