The Federal Government has revealed a number of new faces will join the Aged Care Council of Elders as it embarks on its second term.
Established in 2021, the Council of Elders is designed to provide a direct voice to the Government about aged care reform.
The Government said a “rigorous” selection process will see seven new members join the Council from January 2024:
- 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 (CALD) 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 – a first for the Council – 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.
Six members also return to the Council:
- Mrs Gillian Groom AO
- Dr Tom Calma AO
- Professor John McCallum
- Ms Margaret Walsh
- Ms Val Fell OAM
- Ms Gwenda Darling
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells said she particularly looked forward to the insights the Government will gain from having a Council member who lives in an aged care home.
“This appointment reflects our genuine commitment to hear from people who use aged care services as we reform aged care,” she said.