It’s hard to believe we are more than halfway through 2025. I’m sure many of you, especially those in the southern states, will be pleased that Spring is just around the corner!
In July, we were pleased to release AAG’s inaugural Annual Impact Report 2024 to 2025. As the team pulled the information together, we took a moment to reflect and appreciate the amazing work of our staff, board, and members who contribute to our ongoing success. AAG’s ability to meet, and in some cases surpass, our strategic goals is a testament to the contributions of many volunteers, tirelessly and actively supporting and promoting our work and attending AAG events.
To further our capacity to continue reaching our corporate goals, AAG has been working hard to improve its financial position and has achieved an 89% deficit reduction from 2023 to 2025. This is in part through the expansion of our networks with new grant opportunities, partnerships, and consultancy projects. In recognition of the important work of AAG, we have again secured peak body Commonwealth funding to 2026. Currently, we are also looking to secure new partners to create additional funding opportunities through the AAG Research Trust.
Securing additional funding and expanding our networks within the ageing sector is supported by efforts to lift AAG’s profile through targeted sector representation. This includes involvement in:
In September, Anita and I will participate in the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia at Parliament House to hear firsthand the experiences of Australians living with dementia, their families, and carers. I have also received an invitation on behalf of the Maggie Beer Foundation to attend an afternoon tea at Admiralty House, Sydney, with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General and AAG’s new patron.
Leveraging our reputation as the authority on ageing research, policy, and practice, we have written to Ministers and Assistant Ministers in the Albanese Government with relevant portfolios related to AAG's work to congratulate them on their appointments. We have also reached out to Shadow Ministers and Greens Spokespeople, as we explore opportunities to connect with the broader network of ministers and senators involved in ageing. This follows a meeting with Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald, and members of the Age Discrimination Team at the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and AAG’s involvement in the new Human Rights “As We Age” network, convened by the AHRC. This network will collaboratively promote human rights for older people, including supporting the creation of an international legally binding instrument on their rights and advocating for a national Human Rights Act and Framework.
Finally, AAG is pleased to have expanded our team and welcome Matthew Harris, our new Engagement and Programs Officer. Matty brings more than 10 years’ experience working across the health and higher education sectors and will support our secretariat work with the NACA and AAG’s day-to-day engagement with members.
As the momentum and planning for the 2025 national Conference in Mparntwe / Alice Springs builds, we are delighted to release a preliminary program and details of the Conference MasterClass featuring international speakers, Professor Martin Knapp and Dr Gloria Wong, and hosted London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Site visits are also occurring as we continue to plan for the 2030 IAGG Conference in Sydney, as well as preparations for attending the 2026 IAGG World Congress in Amsterdam.
As we round out the year, we look forward to connecting with you at these and many more events and networking opportunities in future.