First Nations voice joins Aged Care Advisory Council

The National Aged Care Advisory Council will have a new voice to support First Nations aged care with the addition of Yugambeh woman and care expert Jody Currie.

Jody (pictured), who has deep ties to country between Queensland’s Logan and Tweed rivers as well as years of experience in aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, says having a seat at the table will ensure ATSI voices are heard when it comes to aged care reforms.

“It means our Elders ageing on Country are not a second thought, they are front and centre of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

“I hope that our ways of caring for our Elders can also help mainstream Australia to understand the importance of stewardship of our Elders. Walking, working and learning together, we can strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care and health services, and together care for our precious Elders,” she said.

According to Aged Care Minister Anika Wells, Jody’s appointment is part of the Government’s commitment to bringing First Nations people into discussions and developments that affect their lives.

“The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety quoted Uncle Brian Campbell's evidence, which said, ‘I've sat with the Royal Commission into deaths in custody, I've sat with the bringing them home hearing and, of all of them, hardly anything ever gets done - is this one going to be the same?’

“I want to say emphatically to Uncle Campbell ‘yes, we can have a better aged care system that puts security, dignity, quality and humanity back into aged care,’” she said.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.