Humans of Aged Care: Good News Stories from the Aged Care Sector

At a time when there’s a lot of news about the aged care sector I wanted to shine a light on the great work being done by so many in the front line at the moment.

Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) has developed the Humans of Aged Care initiative that tells the stories of the humans of aged care, in their words.

ACSA is the leading peak body supporting over 700 church, charitable and community-based not-for-profit organisations that provide accommodation and care services to older Australians.

“Every corner of Australian Aged Care holds untold stories of inspirational individuals. These are the stories of people who commit themselves to this industry and those in their care.  

From care workers and their colleagues, to unpaid carers and volunteers devoting themselves to the care of 1.3 million older Australians each and every day, to our older Australians receiving care and their families – here are their stories, told in their words”

Humans of Aged Care

Here’s a snapshot of the stories told on the Humans of Aged Care website. I encourage you to read these stories.

Lynne Waterford, Registered Nurse,

Koonambil Aged Care Ltd, NSW

     

“I didn’t think Aged Care would be for me, but I gave it a go and I’m still here 16 years later. It is not just a job to me. It is more than that. The residents and families that you have been working with become part of your life and family.”

Lisa Brook, Team Leader, IRT 5 Islands Resort,

Port Kembla, NSW



“If you want to make a change in someone’s life, this is the job. You are the last link in their journey and that must be your focus.”

Peni Tiati, Carer,
Crowley Care, NSW


“Seeing a smile on the residents’ faces at the end of the day, and creating special friendships with the residents and their families makes me really appreciate the work I do. Every day is different and knowing that you are helping someone leaves you feeling very humble and content.”

Irene Reeves, Volunteer,
Koonambil Aged Care Ltd, NSW


“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can learn something new from our older generations each and every day. I love listening to them, hearing about their lives and their growing up. Some of them have some very interesting stories to tell, and it's just great to sit and listen to them.”  

Humans Of Aged Care is all about celebrating the amazing individuals and stories that make Australian Aged Care so special.

 

ACSA wants you tell them about someone you know – it might be someone delivering care as a care worker or anyone that works in an aged care facility (cook, cleaner, administrator, manager etc), an unpaid carer or volunteer, or resident/individual receiving care and their family members. Or perhaps a special relationship you’ve observed or been a part of. 


ACSA wants to share these stories so they can spread the word about the good that is done every day in aged care.

A Successful Day at the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 28, 2026
What a day! Thank you, Shoalhaven! 💙 Health Staff Australia was proud to be part of the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026, joining the community for a wonderful day focused on connection, inclusion, support and celebrating people of all abilities. With 97 stallholders coming together under one roof, the Expo provided an incredible opportunity for individuals, families, carers and community members to discover services, ask questions, share experiences and connect with organisations that can make a meaningful difference. Connecting with the Community Our Health Staff Australia team was there with our very own stand and table, and we were delighted to welcome so many people throughout the day. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, took the time to chat with our team, asked questions and took our details. We loved meeting members of the Shoalhaven community and having the opportunity to introduce Health Staff Australia and the services and support we provide. "The conversations, connections and genuine interest we received made the day a real success for our team."

Health Staff Australia Is Excited to Return to the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 4, 2026
Health Staff Australia is excited to be attending the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026 once again as a supplier and exhibitor! Having attended in previous years, we know just how valuable this event is for bringing together people with disability, families, carers, support workers, health professionals, community organisations and service providers. Each year has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, have meaningful conversations and connect with the Shoalhaven community. We’re looking forward to being back at Bomaderry on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, and we can’t wait to see both familiar faces and plenty of new ones. Come and Meet the Health Staff Australia Team Health Staff Australia will have a dedicated table at the Expo, and we’d love for you to come and introduce yourself! For our team, attending events like the Shoalhaven Disability Expo is about much more than simply being there as an exhibitor. It gives us the opportunity to connect with people directly, understand the needs of the community, answer questions and introduce people to the services and support we provide. Our previous experiences at the Expo have been incredibly positive. We’ve enjoyed meeting individuals and families, connecting with other service providers and professionals, and building relationships within the local community. These face-to-face conversations are an important part of what we do, and we’re excited to continue building on those connections this year. Whether you’re already familiar with Health Staff Australia or are discovering us for the first time, come and have a chat with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share information and talk about how our services may be able to support individuals, families and organisations. Discover Services, Support and Opportunities The Shoalhaven Disability Expo brings more than 90 exhibitors together under one roof, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the range of services and resources available throughout the Shoalhaven and surrounding communities.

More Than a House: How Supported Independent Living Creates a Place to Thrive

July 28, 2026
For many people, home is much more than four walls and a roof. It's where routines are formed, confidence grows, friendships develop and life's everyday moments happen. For people living with disability, having the right home environment can make a significant difference to their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. That's where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. Designed for NDIS participants who require support with everyday living, Supported Independent Living offers more than just accommodation. It provides a safe, supportive environment where people can develop practical life skills, work towards their personal goals and enjoy greater independence while receiving the level of support they need. Rather than focusing on what someone can't do, SIL focuses on what they can achieve with the right support beside them. A Home That Supports Independence Moving into a Supported Independent Living home is often a significant milestone. It represents the opportunity to gain greater independence while maintaining the reassurance of having experienced support workers available when needed. Every participant has unique goals, abilities and aspirations. Some may be working towards managing daily household tasks independently, while others may be focused on increasing community participation, building confidence or developing stronger social connections. SIL is designed to support these individual journeys, recognising that independence looks different for everyone. The beauty of Supported Independent Living is that support is personalised. Participants receive assistance that encourages them to do as much as they can for themselves while providing help where it is needed, creating the perfect balance between independence and support. Everyday Skills That Build Confidence Many of the skills we use every day are things we often take for granted. Preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, managing appointments or keeping a home organised all contribute to living independently. Within a Supported Independent Living environment, these everyday activities become opportunities for learning, growth and achievement. Participants are encouraged to build practical life skills such as: Preparing healthy meals Shopping and budgeting Household cleaning and organisation Personal care routines Time management Using public transport Managing appointments Developing communication and social skills Every new skill learned contributes to greater confidence. Often, it's the small achievements that create the biggest sense of accomplishment, helping participants feel more capable and empowered in their daily lives. More Than Support—A Sense of Belonging One of the greatest benefits of Supported Independent Living is the sense of belonging it can provide. Living alongside others creates opportunities to form genuine friendships, share experiences and enjoy everyday moments together. Whether it's cooking dinner, celebrating birthdays, watching a favourite movie or heading out into the community, these shared experiences help reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections.  Feeling part of a household can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing, helping participants build confidence not only within their home but also in their wider community.