What is NOPRG?
The NOPRG was established in 2020 to ensure older people’s voices directly inform OPAN’s advocacy, policy submissions, and engagement with government. The group shares lived experience perspectives on systemic issues in aged care, contributing insights that help shape OPAN’s advocacy and reform efforts.
Who can apply?
We are seeking older people (50+) from all states and territories, including those in metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas, to ensure a broad range of perspectives are represented. Applicants must either be seeking or receiving aged care services or receiving the NDIS, be current or recent (in the last 5 years) carers or supporters, or community members that have an interest in aged care (e.g. previously worked in aged care or related area).
Before you apply
Requirements to apply, click to view more
- Be committed to improving aged care services through systemic advocacy
- Have the capacity to engage in discussions, share insights, and reflect broad perspectives beyond personal concerns
- Have basic computer skills to participate in online meetings and engagement activities
- Participate in bi-monthly structured meetings held online (using Microsoft Teams) on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays, and consultations as opportunities arise
- Be available to attend an annual face-to-face meeting in Sydney in August 2026
- Where possible, be willing to travel (regionally and interstate) to attend the face-to-face meeting and/or other OPAN engagements as needed
- Please note that accessibility arrangements can be made to accommodate online attendance if you are unable to travel and/or meet in-person.
What's involved? See what's involved
Members participate in:
- Bi-monthly structured meetings (held via microsoft teams, on Wednesdays or Thursdays at 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM AEDT/AEST)
- Annual face-to-face meeting – in 2026, this will be hosted in August at a Sydney venue. Travel and accommodation will be arranged by OPAN
- Consultations as opportunities arise, where their lived experience informs policy, advocacy, and service improvements
- Peer Support Chats (optional), held fortnightly for informal discussions and networking
Members benefit from:
- An induction and mentoring program to support their participation
- Opportunities to contribute to policy submissions, advocacy initiatives, and aged care reforms
- Opportunities to speak or present at webinars, forums, or events
- Being paid a sitting fee in line with OPAN’s NOPRG Sitting Fee policy
- Reimbursement for other OPAN activities when/if required.
Expression of interest form:
Fill the form below and click ‘Submit form’ to send us your expression of interest. We’ll get in touch with you via email or phone.
If you’d prefer to download this form to fill out electronically, click here. If you would like a version that can be printed and completed by hand, click here.
You can email your completed form to us at policy@opan.org.au or post it to PO Box K176, Haymarket NSW 1240.
If you have any questions relating to NOPRG, the expressions of interest process or this form, please email us at policy@opan.org.au
