Profiling the new members of the Council of Elders

Last week the Government announced a new term for the Aged Care Council of Elders, while also revealing seven new appointments to the Council. 

The fresh faces bring new perspectives and insights that will contribute to the way consumers perceive aged care services. Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, said this is key to driving change.

“The Council serves as an important voice for older Australians, providing advice to Government to drive change in aged care reform and ageing-related matters,” said Ms Sparrow. 

“Having strong voices at the Council is key to driving changes in Government policies that genuinely resonate with the lived experiences of older Australians. Each new member brings valuable experience and diverse perspectives to the table.”

hello leaders has profiled each member of the Aged Care Council of Elders.

New Council members 

Lyn Whiteway – A passionate consumer advocate, Ms Whiteway is an experienced board member across multiple healthcare organisations and committees, including Asthma Australia, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and RDNS/Silver Chain. She has worked as a peer educator for COTA SA and also receives in-home care.

“I am delighted to be appointed to the Aged Care Council of Elders. I am looking forward to working with like-minded people to help enhance the lives of older Australians,” said Ms Whiteway.

Anna Harrison AM  – Ms Harrison became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) earlier this year for her significant service to aged care and multiculturalism in Western Australia. She is the CEO of Umbrella Multicultural Community Care, having founded the company in 2000, bringing home care services to a diverse range of clients.

Aunty Lynette Cullinane – A Mununjali woman with strong connections with First Nations peoples, Aunty Lynette Cullinane closely supports her community, particularly women and people in rural and remote areas.

Juliet Rankin – Ms Rankin is a palliative care occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience. She has specialised in bringing palliative and end-of-life care services to rural and remote communities across the Northern Territory as part of NT Health.

Vikram Madan OAM – Awarded the Order of Australia (OAM in 2019 for his work in multicultural affairs, the former Major General of the Indian Army previously chaired Multicultural Aged Care’s Board of Management.

James Carey – Mr Carey lives in residential aged care, introducing a new perspective to the Council of Elders as someone with lived experience of residential care. An active aged care community volunteer, he provides invaluable insights.

Dr John Davis – With connections to older people receiving aged care services, Dr Davis also offers insight into important LGBTQI+ community concerns. 

Returning Council members

Anne Burgess AM (Chair) – Appointed as Chair in April, Ms Burgess has more than 40 years’ experience in the social justice sector. Currently, she is the Vice President and Chair Policy Council at COTA SA, Chair of the Board of Directors at the Aged Rights Advocacy Service and a member of OPAN’s Board of Directors. 

“As a group, we are committed to ensuring the voices of older people are heard in the aged care reforms, and that advice based on lived experience is provided to Government. I look forward to working closely with new and returning members to ensure the voices of older people are at the heart of changes being made to aged care,” said Ms Burgess.

Professor Tom Calma AO – Professor Calma is a Kungarakan Elder and member of the Iwaidja people. He has been involved in health, mental health and Indigenous affairs across all levels for over 40 years and is a distinguished consultant, volunteer and academic.

Gwenda Darling – Ms Darling is a proud Palawa woman, aged care and dementia advocate living with frontotemporal dementia. Her career included Government and non-Government work in child protection, mental health, social justice and Indigenous affairs. She has been living with dementia for over a decade and continues to advocate passionately for increased awareness and support. 

“I am honoured to have been reappointed to the Council of Elders. It is a privilege at this time of reforms to put forward a home care package recipient voice with a voice of my experience living with a dementia diagnosis,” said Ms Darling.

“I look forward to working with the new council to ensure Human Rights are embedded in the new Aged Care Act.”

Val Fell OAM – Ms Fell is a vocal advocate for the rights of older Australians, receiving an OAM in 2022 for her services to people living with dementia. She is also heavily involved with Dementia Australia, OPAN and COTA, and has spent time studying for a Bachelor of Dementia Care.

Gillian Groom AO – Ms Groom has five decades of experience as an occupational therapist, before completing a law degree in her 60s. She specialises in elder and succession law.

Professor John McCallum – With 50 years of experience in research, policy and community activism in ageing, Professor McCallum is a recognised industry leader. He is the former CEO of National Seniors Australia.

Margaret Walsh OAM – Ms Walsh received an OAM in 2011 for her services to people with a disability. She is an experienced nurse and manager in disability and aged care sectors, and the National Deputy President for the Association of Independent Retirees. 

The departing members are Dr Michael Barbato OAM, Danijela Hlis, Bill Jolley, Professor Gill Lewin, Sue McCann, Kay Patterson AO and Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM.