News

National Older Persons Reference Group member Alan GravolinAlan Gravolin was unfazed by his late wife, Lyn’s, decision to appoint him as her substitute decision-maker. ‘We’d always worked together to make decisions for our family and also for ourselves,’ he says. … Read More »A shared responsibility 

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the release of an independent evaluation of the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP). Through the NACAP, the Department of Health and Aged Care funds 235 advocates and support staff across OPAN’s… Read More »90% satisfied with advocacy support: report

OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group meeting 2024 Loneliness is as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It also increases the risk of a range of conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and… Read More »Maintaining social connections 

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the passage of the new Aged Care Act through the Senate last night, calling it a significant win for older people. OPAN Director, Policy and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds said this was… Read More »OPAN welcomes new Aged Care Act

Bridie Murphy, an Aboriginal advocate with Aged Rights Advocacy Service, OPAN’s South Australian network member.   Tell us a little about your background I am a proud Kuyani/Arrernte woman on my mother’s side. I quit school in year 11. When my… Read More »Advocacy in action: Bridie Murphy

Today, OPAN CEO, Craig Gear launched the National Aged Care Advocacy Program – Presenting Issues Report July 2023–June 2024.  This annual report offers a detailed analysis of the 44,428 instances of information and advocacy support our network members provided to… Read More »New report sheds light on key challenges for older people

OPAN CEO Craig Gear has supported the progress of the Aged Care Bill 2024 in his evidence to the Senate inquiry – provided it addresses some of the key recommendations addressed in the organisation’s submission. ‘OPAN believes this Bill has… Read More »OPAN CEO gives evidence at Aged Care Act Senate inquiry 

Aged Care Act Senate inquiry: National Older Persons Reference Group member Helen Walne gives evidence. Helen Walne told a Senate inquiry last week that her health  had deteriorated significantly in the wake of increased transport costs. Helen, a member of… Read More »Transport costs discriminate against people in rural areas 

Advocacy in action: National Older Persons Reference Group members Scott Hyams and Gwenda Darling Age erodes people’s human rights. ‘To put it bluntly, you are not seen as an equal to our younger citizens,’ OPAN CEO Craig Gear told the… Read More »Eight ways OPAN is tackling ageism

Robin Vote is a member of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, which was formed in 2020 to hear directly from older people about the issues that affect them and to facilitate their active participation in aged care reform. Tell… Read More »‘The best thing about being older is being me’