Bethanie Main Stage
The Bethanie Main Stage is the main hub for engaging and educational sessions, featuring renowned guests and speakers throughout the weekend.
MC’d by Verity James
FRIDAY 11 JULY
10.00am - 10.05am: Welcome to Country
10.05am - 10.15am: Official Welcome
10.15am - 10.45am: Keynote Address: Age Well
David Beard, HFRC
Over a 40-year career working with people from 15 to 100+ years David has learnt the keys to living a long and healthy life filled with adventure, passion and purpose.
In his Age Well presentation, he shares the lessons he has learnt from some amazing old-timers. He combines this with eight years study at three different universities on two continents, and ongoing analysis of the latest developments in ageing research, to give you the most up-to-date information on ageing and health.
David’s presentation covers the characteristics of those seniors who have lived long and engaging lives, right to the end.
In his presentation today you will be challenged to stop the slide, stay in control and make a difference for the ones you love.
You’ll walk out of here with a blueprint to age well.
11.30am - 12.00pm: Strengthened Standards Explained: What they mean for You
Annie Pathak , Bethanie
New Aged Care standards are being introduced by the government to raise the quality and safety of care and put you – the customer – at the centre of every decision. But what do these changes actually mean when you’re choosing a provider? In this session we’ll break down the Strengthened Standards in simple terms, explaining how they support your rights, protect your wellbeing, and give you more say in the care you receive.
Join us to find out what good care looks like – and how to make sure you continue ageing well in an environment where you feel safe, valued, and understood.
12.45pm - 1.15pm: From Nutrition to Connection: Why Food Matters
Tony Rutherford and Vivek Shetty, Bethanie
Mealtimes in aged care are about more than just nutrition. They’re moments of comfort, connection, and enjoyment. In this session we’ll explore how food enhances quality of life in residential care, from the importance of choice and flavour to the role of the dining environment in creating meaningful daily experiences. By raising the bar in quality, individual preferences, and freshly prepared meals that nourish both body and soul, this session will help you understand what great food experiences can – and should – look like every day.
Join us for a taste of what’s possible with a cooking demo and delicious snacks to sample!
2.00pm - 2.30pm: Support at Home Unpacked: What You Need to Know
Leanne Plowright, Juniper
Change can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be when you have the right information. Join Juniper as we move forward from Home Care Packages and step into the new world of Support at Home. Got questions? We’ve got answers.
- How do I access Support at Home?
- What’s different from my current Home Care Package?
- What happens to any unspent funds?
- Will my funding change?
Our expert team from Juniper will be on stage to guide you through it all and ensure you feel confident about the changes ahead. Make sure you bring your questions along!
3.15pm - 3.45pm: Shopping & Saving Safely Online
Linda Ross, APIWA
Linda is the CEO of an online and instore Not-for-Profit that exists to save seniors money. She will outline her Top 10 Tips to saving on line and avoiding being scammed and will answer any questions from the audience.
SATURDAY 12 JULY
10.00m - 10.30am: From Nutrition to Connection: Why Food Matters
Tony Rutherford and Vivek Shetty, Bethanie
Mealtimes in aged care are about more than just nutrition. They’re moments of comfort, connection, and enjoyment. In this session we’ll explore how food enhances quality of life in residential care, from the importance of choice and flavour to the role of the dining environment in creating meaningful daily experiences. By raising the bar in quality, individual preferences, and freshly prepared meals that nourish both body and soul, this session will help you understand what great food experiences can – and should – look like every day.
Join us for a taste of what’s possible with a cooking demo and delicious snacks to sample!
11.15am - 11.45am: Future Planning with Family
Bethanie
12.30pm - 1.00pm: How to Plan For Retirement
Lennon Matthews-Rowell, LMR & Co
The presentation will teach the basics of how to prepare for retirement. It will cover the following topics:
Superannuation - Why to put money into super, how and when you can access your super
Centrelink - Age pension assessments and eligibility, Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS)
Importance of preferencing personal decisions rather than discal - Asset disposal, making the most of retirement while young and healthy
All of Lennon’s presentations are designed so that attendees will learn practical information to take away and apply to their lives.
1.45pm - 2.15pm: All Ears: The Link Between Hearing Health, Dizziness and Falls
Dr Barbara Heinze, Lions Hearing
Join us for a session exploring how our ears are related to balance and dizziness. Highlighting Perth-based research from Ear Science Institute Australia, we will identify the risk factors for and the impact of untreated hearing loss and dizziness.
3.00pm - 3.30pm: Advanced Health Planning & Wills
Lynn & Brown Lawyers
A discussion about the importance and key differences of having a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Guardianship.
