Community engagement: A path to improved aged care services in remote NT In early May, our Community Engagement and Community Development Program (CDP) teams supported Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and their NT Member, Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS) to engage with nearly 100 community members in Ramingining. The purpose of the visit was to highlight the challenges that our older members and their carers face in accessing services across the East Arnhem Land region. We were also able to link in with East Arnhem Regional Council, Miwatj Health, Carers NT and other community-based service providers to better understand existing services and challenges in delivery. The trip was a great opportunity for senior members of the OPAN and DCLS team to hear directly from community members. We're thankful to our members that felt empowered to talk and share their experiences. Their voices are invaluable, and we know that OPAN will ensure these stories are shared with the right stakeholders to drive further change. “Aging in community can be very challenging. Our kinship systems have a very strong focus on caring for very young people as well as aging people. Matching our [Yolŋu] care system to service providers that come to our community can be very challenging”- Albert Waninmirr, Community Leader. Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) "We’re proud to stand alongside ALPA and OPAN to listen to and advocate for older Yolŋu people in Ramingining. The voices we heard on this visit were powerful and clear—older people want to age with dignity, on Country, and with access to services that respect their culture and community. Through this partnership and with the support of local Aged Care Champions, we’re working to make sure those voices lead change." — Rachael Bowker, CEO Darwin Community Legal Services. Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) "It was a meaningful visit to hear directly from older people in Ramingining about how they want to be supported as they age—on Country and in ways that reflect their culture and community. Everyone deserves access to aged care and independent advocacy, no matter where they live. The partnership with ALPA and DCLS is exploring community-led, culturally safe ways of doing just that. Local ALPA Aged Care Champions play a vital role, walking alongside older people and connecting them with the independent advocates at DCLS. We’re proud to support and evaluate this model, and to share what we learn with government—so services truly reflect the voices, values and strength of Yolŋu communities." — Craig Gear, CEO Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). ALPA Community Services "Partnering with OPAN and DCLS was requested by the ALPA Board. It's fantastic to see this partnership starting to deliver real outcomes and further advocacy for our members in Ramingining and Milingimbi. We're looking forward to continuing our partnership with OPAN and DCLS,and are very confident that the organisational and strategic approach in identifying service gaps will continue to lead to further outcomes.” — Catherine Fairlie, ALPA General Manager Community Services. ALPA Director, Ramingining “I have seen the work that Serina and Hope [ALPA Aged Care Champions] do to support the older people in our community. This is such important work. Sometimes our old people's voices are not heard. This is a great way to try and get the best life for them - they have lived a hard life, supporting their community, and now they are older, it's their turn for the community to support them.” — Daphane Malibirr, ALPA Director Ramingining. More about the Pilot Aged Care Program Manage Cookie Preferences