Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Liz Hefren-Webb will meet with aged care providers in Cessnock today as part of the first in a series of regional visits designed to hear directly from providers, strengthen engagement and discuss challenges and opportunities across the aged care sector.

The Hunter Valley event will bring together representatives from local residential aged care and home care services for a roundtable discussion focused on the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and improving outcomes for older people.

Commissioner Liz Hefren-Webb said regional providers play a vital role in supporting older people and their communities.

“People delivering aged care across regional Australia understand their communities better than anyone, and it is important that we hear directly from them about what is working well and where challenges remain.

“These visits are about listening. We want to better understand the experiences of providers, the pressures they face, and the opportunities to improve outcomes for older people through a strong, rights-based aged care system.”

The Hunter Valley visit is the first of a series of events that will be held with aged care providers in communities across Australia, with visits already planned for Toowoomba and Ballarat this month.

Commissioner Liz Hefren-Webb said feedback gathered through the visits would help inform the Commission’s ongoing engagement with the sector and older people.

“Strong relationships and open conversations help us be a better regulator. Hearing directly from providers helps us understand local issues, identify emerging risks and ensure our work remains focused on the safety, wellbeing and rights of older people.

“These discussions complement the insights we receive every day from older people, their families and supporters through complaints, engagement activities and our ongoing regulatory work.”

The visit is being hosted at Calvary Cessnock and includes a provider roundtable, site visit and engagement with residents and staff.

Media enquiries: media@agedcarequality.gov.au

About the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the regulator of aged care services in Australia, responsible for protecting and enhancing the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of people receiving aged care.

More information about the Commission is available at: www.agedcarequality.gov.au.