Nov 2026 National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Community of Practice

Join us as we explore the intersection of cultural safety and the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people in our community – intentional or otherwise.

Hear from Aunty Gwenda Darling, inspiring and passionate advocate in the home and residential aged care and dementia space, and Ann Mara, Community Supports and Investigations Officer at the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission.

Understanding cultural safety in our work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, older people, communities and organisations is critical to understanding how we see and can prevent and respond to abuse of older people in our work in community and in-home aged care. Aunty Gwenda Darling will be sharing her living, professional experience in housing, client services and primary care projects and insights she has gained navigating her own care.

Ann Mara brings her experience of seven years with the rights-based framework of the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission to respond to reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and people with disabilities. Including ongoing specific engagement with Community on Country to develop the skills to both identify and respond to abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Together, Aunty Gwenda and Ann will offer practical insights and expert perspectives on responding to abuse and neglect of older people.

Connect with a national community of leaders, practitioners, and advocates committed to advancing cultural safety alongside older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Leave inspired, informed, and equipped with greater understanding to support safer, more inclusive communities for all older Australians.

What is involved?

This National Community of Practice is for CHSP providers and stakeholders and welcomes people across all organisational levels and stages on this ongoing journey building cultural safety.

This is the first session in a series of three 1.5-hour online sessions, we have planned for the 2026 - 2027 financial year. It will include a discussion panel and opportunity for small group and larger group discussion with colleagues.

Why come along?

This is an opportunity to:

·      Gain insights from other providers—their successes and challenges.

·      Reflect on practice, progress and next steps for your service.

·      Identify actionable improvements that meet regulations and drive lasting change.

·      Support aged care dialogue that champions cultural connection, safety, and healing beyond compliance.

Speakers

Aunty Gwenda Darling, Activist, Agitator, Advocate, Disruptor of the In Home and Residential Aged Care and Dementia space.

Ann Mara, Community Supports and Investigations Officer, NSW Ageing and Disability Commission

Cost: Free to attend

If you have any questions, please contact Lilly or Danni via sectorsupport@yourside.org.au or Ian via sectordevelopment@socialfutures.org.au

This is an activity of the National CHSP Sector Support and Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group.

Activity leads: Booroongen Djugun, Bungree Aboriginal Association, Gilgai Aboriginal Centre Inc, Social Futures and Your Side.