The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) and South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) were honoured to co-host the Elder Care Support Statewide Yarning Circle on Boandik Country in Mount Gambier.

Attendees from across South Australia came together to listen, share stories, discuss how we care for our Elders and older people, and what still needs to be done. Thank you to First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Andrea Kelly, for kicking off the yarning circle as our first presenter, and to everyone who took part in these vital conversations. Together, we’re building a stronger future for our Elders. 

The gathering brought together community leaders, aged care experts, and service providers to share wisdom and strengthen support for Elders across our communities. 

Over three days of open discussion, participants identified key priorities for the future of aged care: 

• Cultural safety must sit at the heart of every aged care service and policy. Community and culture are essential to Elders’ wellbeing and must be respected at every level.

• Empowering Elders reduces vulnerability. Legal tools such as Enduring Power of Attorney and financial literacy programs provide vital protections.

• Workforce development deserves renewed focus. Ongoing training for ECS coordinators and connectors is essential to ensure Elders get the support they need.

• Collaboration drives better outcomes. Partnerships across Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, government, and community make services stronger and more effective.

• Policy changes are on the horizon. Support at Home reforms will impact service delivery. Ongoing engagement and information-sharing will help ensure positive outcomes. 

Throughout the Yarning Circle, participants heard directly from experts and community leaders on emerging issues and practical solutions. Discussions included strategies to prevent the financial abuse of Elders through community-driven education and support, as well as a detailed look at Enduring Power of Attorney, highlighting both the importance of protecting Elders’ rights and practical guidance on putting these safeguards in place. 

Attendees were briefed on upcoming Support at Home policy changes, including the assurance that all approved First Nations clients will be automatically eligible for supports. They were also introduced to the new First Nations Assessment Organisation model, which will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to deliver culturally safe aged care assessments, giving Elders greater choice and helping to build trust. 

Thank you to all who contributed to this important Yarning Circle. Together, we are building a future where every Elder is respected, protected, and supported.