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Welcome to a dynamic, health-focused day dedicated to advancing aged care through clinical reform, health innovation, and workforce development. Today’s symposium prioritises the health and wellbeing of older people, bringing together healthcare leaders, clinicians, and advocates for practical insights, real-world examples, and shared learning grounded in evidence-based care.
9:00 AM – 9:25 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speakers
9:30 AM – 9.50 AM | Keynote Address: When the Left Hand doesn’t know the Right – Why Aged Care Feels Fragmented
Speaker
9.55 AM 10.25 AM | Session 1: Supporting Cognitive Health and Wellbeing Across Care Settings
Speaker
10:25 AM – 10.45 AM | Morning Tea Break
10.45 AM – 11.15 AM | Session 2: Medication Management: Supporting Accurate Medication Administration
Speaker
11.15 AM – 11.45 AM | Session 3: Bridging Care Gaps: Escalation Pathways and After-Hours Support
Panelists
11.50 AM – 12.20 PM | Session 4: Preventing and Slowing Frailty Progression
Speaker
12:25 PM – 1:10 PM | Lunch and Networking
1:15 PM – 1.45 PM | Session 5: Transforming Aged Care with Digital Solutions: National Strategies in Practice
Speaker
1.50 PM – 2.35 PM | Session 6: Transition of Care Between Hospital and Home
Speakers
2.40 PM – 3.20 PM | Session 7: Turning Aged Care Symposium Insights into Actions
Speaker
3.20 PM – 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Speaker
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Networking Afternoon Tea
Joyce is a multi-award winning clinical consultant pharmacist and renowned educator within the field of pain management in Australia. She is the Immediate Past President of the Australian Pain Society, Managing Director PainWISE and Clinical Director of the ‘Turning Pain into Gain’ program and Frailty Care in the Community Program. She is also the board director of The Australian Pain Solutions and Research Alliance. And newly appointed CEO of the Online Pain Education Network (OPEN), Australia’s most contemporary commonwealth funded pain education program.
John Graham is a Traditional Custodian of the Gold Coast region, a Kombumerri man, a saltwater man of the Gold Coast part of the wider Yugambeh Language Group. He also has cultural links with the Minjungbal and Wakka Wakka peoples.
As a strong Aboriginal leader, John has instilled his stewardship, expertise, cultural knowledge and protocol in countless organizations, communities, and individuals. John has supported colleagues, researchers, students, and community members to achieve their fullest potential.
As Chair of the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA) board, John strongly contributes towards the ongoing development of the organisation. He is a strong advocate for this Traditional Custodian membership based Aboriginal Corporation in this region.
Dr Alyson Ross is an experienced executive leader currently serving as A/Executive Director, Commissioning at Gold Coast Primary Health Network. With a career spanning primary care, commissioning, health system reform and regulatory sectors, she is passionate about improving outcomes for communities through strong system design, service quality, data driven decisions and integrating care. She brings extensive experience in clinical governance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and organisational performance, with a focus on strengthening coordination of care across primary, and community care services. Alyson has held senior roles with the Queensland Health Quality and Complaints Commission and the Waveney Primary Care Trust NHS England, where she led major initiatives in service improvement, regulatory reform and organisational performance. She is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable health services and fostering strong partnerships across the sector.
Dr Jo-Anne Todd has a research and teaching background in psychology and completed a PhD specialising in cognitive ageing.
As a Cognitive Ageing Specialist with Gold Coast Health, she works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support the delivery of evidence-based, person-centred care for older people and people living with dementia within acute hospital settings.
She is committed to improving the hospital experience and outcomes for older adults through workforce development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the implementation of best-practice approaches that promote dignity, safety, and quality of care for people living with dementia.
Andrew Peers is a Credentialed Aged Care Pharmacist and Pharmacy Partner at Chempro Aged Care Chemist, with broad clinical experience in private and public hospitals, including specialist roles in oncology. He has a strong background in medication management and is focused on medication safety, service reliability, and exceptional customer service. Andrew works closely with residential care clinical managers and teams to deliver practical, clinically driven pharmacy solutions that support staff, improve systems, and enhance resident outcomes. His approach to care is grounded in both professional expertise and family values, with a genuine commitment to people, trust, and long-term partnerships.
As the Director of the Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Hub, Sam leads a statewide multidisciplinary virtual care service that supports safe, patient centred ambulance care and health navigation across Queensland.
With a background in paramedicine and experience in pre-hospital leadership, Sam has guided the Hub from its COVID-19 origins to a mature, embedded partner in Queensland’s health system. Sam works closely with regional leadership across the state, Hospital and Health Services, Primary healthcare providers to co-design pathways that better connect patients to the right healthcare. The QAS Clinical Hub is now home to over 160 clinicians, and Sam is passionate about providing this team with appropriate support, governance, innovation and workforce development to ensure our patients receive the most appropriate care.
Kelly Ellis is a Clinical Nurse Consultant with the Residential Aged Care Support Service (RASS) and the After-Hours PHN Project at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service. She works in partnership with Residential Aged Care Facilities and General Practitioners to provide acute clinical support when residents’ needs exceed facility capacity, including real-time clinical advice and coordination. She also provides education and training to RACF staff to strengthen clinical capability. Kelly has over 25 years of nursing experience across acute and community settings, with a focus on complex care across the care continuum.
With over 20 years of experience in the nursing industry, I have developed a strong and diverse clinical background, beginning my career in rural and multipurpose service (MPS) settings. Working in these environments allowed me to build resilience, adaptability, and a broad range of clinical skills while providing compassionate care to local communities.
After relocating to the Gold Coast 4 years ago, I followed my passion for aged care and returned to the sector, where I found my true calling in advocating for older adults and supporting their quality of life. Since joining LH in 2022, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a dedicated team and take pride in advocating for residents, supporting families, and ensuring person-centred care is always at the forefront of my practice.
I am passionate about building positive relationships, mentoring staff, and continuing to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents every day.
Dr Sakshi Chopra is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, specialising in frailty, chronic disease prevention, and digital models of care. She has a strong research track record, with 27 publications in high-impact journals. Dr Chopra led the development of the Australian consensus statements on frailty prevention and management, collaborating with stakeholders from 35 universities nationwide. Her work focuses on translating evidence into practice, including co-designing the Focus on Frailty digital frailty education program.
Emily Luhrs works as a Project Manager at the Federal Government’s Australian Digital Health Agency, supporting their Aged Care and Allied Health Programs. With a background in health research, Emily is passionate about improving health outcomes for ageing Australians.
Dominique Murray is a clinical psychologist who has worked at Gold Coast Health for the past 13 years in clinical, project and leadership roles. Dominique currently works as the Allied Health Lead in Hospital in the Home, Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home and Interim Care services and as an Advanced Clinical Psychologist within the Psychology Service (acute stream). Dominique is passionate about providing patient centred care and improving equitable access to allied health services throughout the consumers healthcare journey.
Jay Natuel is a Clinical Nurse Consultant at Gold Coast Health with strong experience in patient flow, hospital avoidance, and community-based care. He currently works within HITH and GEMITH services, supporting safe discharge and multidisciplinary care in the home setting. Jay is known for his leadership, ability to manage complex systems, and commitment to improving patient outcomes and service efficiency.
Rachna Kumar is a highly experienced Advanced Social Worker with over 20 years of professional practice across Australia and India. She brings 10 years of service with Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS) and a decade of experience as a professional social worker in India, contributing a rich, cross-cultural perspective to her work. Rachna is a registered and accredited social worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), specialising in complex discharge planning, aged care, and system-wide care coordination. She is recognised for her leadership in improving patient flow, strengthening hospital-to-community transitions, and driving multidisciplinary collaboration across health, aged care, and government sectors. She has led several influential initiatives, including hospital-to-residential aged care discharge research, the Senior Public Guardian initiative, and the implementation of the My Aged Care Hospital Portal. Rachna works closely with key stakeholders such as the Office of the Public Guardian, Queensland Public Trustee, Department of Health, Residential Aged care Homes, Non-Government Organisations and Primary Health Networks to support timely and patient-centred outcomes. Passionate about continuous learning and sector innovation, Rachna actively contributes to workforce development, including delivering education on aged care reforms, older person’s rights, supported and substitute decision making . She is committed to advancing ethical, collaborative, and solution-focused practices that improve outcomes for vulnerable populations and strengthen health system performance.
Melanie Wells is currently working as the Acting Director of Social Work and Support Services for Gold Coast Health. Melanie studied her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Queensland and has worked across all sectors of Public, Private and Community. Throughout her career in health, she has developed a special interest in Aged Care, Carer Support, Education, Leadership and Service Development. Melanie has undertaken a number of projects and service models for aged care to which she has presented Nationally and Internationally. Despite role titles, at heart, Melanie is a passionate social worker who believes in social justice and compassionate care for all people.
Lauren is a Clinical Nurse Consultant with 15 years’ experience working in the Transition Care Program and holds postgraduate qualifications in Advanced Practice. She has extensive expertise in complex care coordination, service development, and clinical leadership across aged and community care settings. Lauren was involved in the PHN‑piloted Interact After‑hours program—now known as RASS (Residential Aged Care Facility Support Service)—and in 2024 oversaw the implementation of the Brain Injury Community Integration Service (BICS) for the Gold Coast District. She is recognised for her strong governance focus, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to improving service access and outcomes for clients with complex needs.
Melissa is a Speech Pathologist who has previously worked in Aged Care Assessment in Melbourne and holds postgraduate qualifications in Gerontology. She has worked in Transition Care for the past 10 years, initially as an Intake Officer and now as a Team Leader, where she brings extensive clinical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and a deep commitment to supporting older adults through complex care transitions. Her broad experience across assessment, coordination, and service delivery enables her to lead with empathy, clarity, and a strong focus on quality outcomes for both clients and multidisciplinary teams.
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