Uniting AgeWell Central Stage
The Uniting AgeWell Central Stage serves as the main destination for engaging and educational sessions, featuring well-known guest speakers and presenters throughout the weekend.
MC’d by David Mann
FRIDAY 20 MARCH
10.00am - 10.05am: Welcome to Country
Wurundjeri Elder Tony Garvey
10.05am - 10.15am: Official Welcome
10.15am - 11.15am: Keynote Address: Making money and saving tax in challenging times
Noel Whittaker AM
Retirement can be a nightmare. There are so many things to consider such as: estate planning, the best way to hold your assets, coping with the different Centrelink rules, and navigating the downsizing ad Age care challenges. Noel is renowned for making things simple. This presentation will cover all these issues and help you to optimize your future.
11.45am - 12.15pm: Home Care and Aged Care Planning
Cassandra Lester, Uniting AgeWell
Mini exercise session and interactive talk/demonstration relating to strength and balance and ways to manage your health and fitness to keep people active and connected and living independently.
Exercising is so important to overall health, wellness and quality of life – especially as you age. In this fun and engaging exercise session presented by one of Uniting AgeWell’s skilled and experienced exercise physiologists, you’ll find out how much exercise you should do, what types of exercise are best for cardiovascular and bone health, muscle retention, falls prevention and an overall feeling of wellness. Simple, safe exercises you can start today and all the advice you need to seek more professional assistance for ongoing support.
12.45pm - 1.15pm: Making Confident Choices About Care, Costs and Home
Rachel Lane, Aged Care Gurus
Ageing well doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from understanding your options and making informed choices early. In this practical and engaging session, Rachel Lane cuts through the confusion around ageing, care and costs in Australia. She explores what ageing well really looks like, from staying independent at home to knowing when and how to access support, and what it will actually cost. With real-world examples and plain-English explanations, this presentation empowers individuals and families to plan ahead, avoid common mistakes and feel confident about the years ahead.
1.45pm - 2.15pm: Find your new Way to Live at Lifestyle Communities
Gareth Lee, Lifestyle Communities
Join us for a relaxed 30‑minute presentation designed to help you learn more about Lifestyle Communities and decide if it’s right for you. We’ll explain the Lifestyle Communities Choice Model, including how it works and how it can help free up equity while supporting independent living. You’ll also hear about our 25 communities across Victoria, covering locations, home types, shared facilities, and lifestyle features. The session provides a clear overview of day‑to‑day life and what to expect next. Have your questions ready, as we will leave some time at the end of the session for a Q&A.
2.45pm - 3.15pm: Cybercrime Awareness and Scams
Leading Senior Constable Aaron Heriot, Leading Senior Constable Janie Lambert, Victoria Police
Crime trends, types of scams, identity theft and how to protect yourself online. Where to report crime and get help.
SATURDAY 21 MARCH
10.15am - 11.00am: Ageing Well is Your Choice
Laura Westhorpe, HomeMade
For many Australians, growing old in the comfort and familiarity of their home is essential. Yet navigating the complexities of aged care can feel daunting, as traditional models often limit people's choices.
HomeMade's CEO, Laura Westhorpe, will share an innovative approach to aged care that is redefining in-home support. By choosing HomeMade as your aged care provider, you can stay in the sanctuary of your own home, have transparency into how your package funds are spent, and choose your own trusted service providers. With help from HomeMade's expert team, you can maintain your autonomy at a time when it matters most.
11.45am - 12.15pm: Retirement Living Redefined at La Dimora
Tim Grover, La Dimora Retirement Resort
We will host a presentation featuring a panel of residents. The session will begin with a brief overview of the community, followed by a guided discussion where residents share their personal experiences of living at La Dimora.
They will speak about the sense of freedom, connection and genuine peace of mind they felt when making the decision to move. Residents will highlight the active lifestyle they enjoy, with regular events, welcoming shared spaces and meaningful friendships that naturally evolve within the community. They will also discuss the low-maintenance homes they have purchased, designed to remove the stress of ongoing upkeep.
Thoughtfully planned, accessible residences support independence, complemented by Hidden Valley Resort’s resort-style amenities that enhance wellbeing. Our presenter will also outline the transparent fee structure and the government legislation that provides important protections. Residents will reassure guests that life does not feel isolated after moving in, with local shops, services and everyday conveniences located close by.
12.45pm - 1.15pm: How to Plan For Retirement
Chris Snepvangers, Silverchain Group
Understanding the changes to aged care can feel overwhelming. To help make things clearer, we will explain what the new Support at Home program is, how the program works, what has changed, and what it means for your care.
We will also guide you through the new categories, what contributing to your care means for your hip pocket, and the options available to you.
1.45pm - 2.15pm: Innovations Bringing Joy and Connection
Jacinta Jarutis, Medical & Aged Care Group
Medical & Aged Care Group (MACG) is transforming residential aged care by pioneering a range of innovative programs and technologies. MACG has introduced wellbeing innovations that address loneliness, support dementia and neurodiversity, and foster social and cultural inclusion. These innovations, Abi the robot, Virtual Reality, TeaTime App and interactive Sensory Wizard. bring joy, connection and new experiences to older people, their families and communities. Hear about our journey with our Innovation partners, Andromeda Robotics, TeaTime Family, Sil VR Adventures and meet Abi, the social companion robot. (Conversations with Abi in over 90 languages)!
2.45pm - 3.15pm: TBC
