Many Australians want to grow older in familiar surroundings, with a sense of connection, comfort and control. And as our population lives longer, and our systems are asked to do more, the question of how and where we age becomes both a personal and collective challenge.

This conversation explores what it takes to support ageing well at home, from housing and neighbourhood design, to community services. It considers how we can create conditions that allow people to live safely, independently and with dignity as they grow older.

The experts

Lil Mirtl, Dementia Advocate, Dementia Australia
Brigid Wilkinson, CEO of Council on the Ageing Tasmania
Stephen Geason, Director, Cykel Architecture
Doctor Joanna Sun, environmental gerontologist, Wicking Dementia Research Education Centre, University of Tasmania
Professor Jason Byrne, Professor of Human Geography and Planning, University of Tasmania

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About the experts
Brigid Wilkinson is the CEO at Council on the Ageing, the peak body for older Tasmanians. She is a passionate advocate for reframing the way we think about and respond to ageing and in challenging ageism within our communities. Brigid leads a small team of passionate staff across Tasmania within COTAs advocacy and project areas that support older Tasmanians access the right information, build confidence to ensure they have the supports needed to age well and receive the respect they deserve.

Stephen Geason is a registered architect and Director of Cykel Architecture, a Hobart-based practice known for its innovative, human-centred approach. With over 25 years’ experience, he is a national leader in designing environments that support people to age well - particularly those living with dementia. A Churchill Fellow, Stephen has conducted international research into aged care design, and his work includes the acclaimed Korongee Dementia Village in Glenorchy. He is also a graduate of the University of Stirling Dementia Design School and contributor to the Wicking Dementia Centre’s public education programs.

Dr Joanna Sun is an environmental gerontologist and lecturer at the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. She leads the DESIGN Project, which focuses on creating inclusive environments that support ageing and dementia care. With over 20 years’ experience across Singapore and Australia, Joanna has worked as a designer, nurse, program manager and consultant, bringing practical and research expertise together. She co-developed Singapore’s first dementia-inclusive environmental assessment tool and was named a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.

Professor Jason Byrne is a Professor of Human Geography and Planning at the University of Tasmania. His research focuses on urban greenspace, climate change adaptation, and environmental justice, with a particular emphasis on urban heat and equitable access to nature. Jason has led co-designed projects with local governments, including Launceston’s award-winning Urban Greening Strategy, which integrates advanced data analysis with community engagement to enhance climate resilience. A Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, he has received national recognition for his contributions to planning research and education. Jason is also a frequent contributor to public discourse on sustainable cities and climate policy.

Pre-event refreshments

Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

Parking

Free parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the venue.

Event partner

Held in partnership with COTA Tasmania and the University of Tasmania.

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Contact the host of Ageing Well at Home