Aged Rights Advocacy Service

17/10/2026

It was great for ARAS to be part of the Age Well, Live Well event in Mount Barker!

We really enjoyed connecting with the local community, having conversations, sharing information about ARAS services, and letting older people know about the advocacy and support available to them.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat. It was wonderful to be part of a community event focused on helping people stay connected, informed and living well.

16/10/2026

ARAS is pleased to announce the appointment of Carman Wilson as the new Operations Manager Executive.

Carman joins the ARAS Executive team, bringing more than 25 years’ experience from senior management roles across the social services and health sectors in for-purpose and government agencies. Carman has a strong focus on service delivery, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement and will lead ARAS’ operational functions, working closely with our staff, funding partners, and stakeholders to support the delivery of high-quality advocacy and rights-based services that empower older people to uphold their rights across South Australia.

Please join us in welcoming Carman to the ARAS team.

13/10/2026

International Allied Health Professions Day | 14 October

Today, we recognise the diverse allied health professionals who support people’s health, independence, participation and quality of life.

In aged care, allied health professionals can help older people maintain mobility, communicate, manage nutrition and swallowing, participate in everyday activities, support their mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of falls.

At ARAS, we recognise that good allied health care is person-centred. This means listening to the older person, explaining their options, respecting their preferences and involving them in decisions about their health and care.

Thank you to all allied health professionals for the expertise, care and support you provide to older people across our communities.

13/10/2026

📣 Join ARAS at Community Conversations Day in Tintinara!

ARAS will be presenting at Community Conversations Day, alongside other organisations supporting the local community.

📅 Friday 23 October
⏰ 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
📍 Tintinara Health & Rec Centre

Joining ARAS on the day will be:

• Skylight Mental Health
• Carers SA
• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Advocate for Disability Access and Inclusion..and more

Come along, connect with local services and learn more about the support available in your community. We look forward to seeing you there!

10/10/2026

National Carers Week | 11–17 October 2026

More than three million Australians provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.

This year’s theme, “Care for a carer: Making carers visible”, reminds us to recognise the invaluable contribution carers make and to ensure they also feel heard, valued and supported.

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. This week, take time to check in with a carer in your family, workplace or community. Listen, acknowledge their contribution and ask how you can support them.

At ARAS, we recognise the important role carers can play while ensuring the older person’s voice, wishes, choices and rights remain central to decisions about their life and care.

Learn more about National Carers Week:
https://carersweek.com.au/

09/10/2026

Today is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day—a day to recognise the importance of ensuring everyone can access quality hospice and palliative care.

This year’s theme, “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care,” highlights the fundamental importance of relieving pain and distress and supporting people to live with comfort and dignity.

For older people, quality palliative care must also respect their choices, culture, values and what matters most to them. They should be listened to, included in decisions and supported to have a genuine voice in their care.

ARAS can support older South Australians to understand their aged care rights, express their wishes and raise concerns about their care.

Learn more through Palliative Care South Australia:
https://palliativecaresa.org.au/world-hospice-and-palliative-care-day/

For free and confidential aged care advocacy support, call 1800 700 600.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world.

08/10/2026

Ageism Awareness Day | 9 October

Ageism is not always obvious. It can happen when someone:

* speaks to a family member instead of directly to an older person
* assumes an older person cannot make their own decisions
* dismisses a health concern as “just part of getting older”
* uses patronising or disrespectful language
* excludes an older person from conversations affecting their life or care.

Age is not a measure of a person’s ability, value or contribution.

At ARAS, we believe every older person has the right to be heard, respected and included in decisions. Today—and every day—let’s challenge ageist attitudes and assumptions.

Could ageism be influencing some of your own assumptions? Take the EveryAGE Counts “Am I Ageist?” quiz:

https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/quiz

Speak directly. Listen carefully. Ask, don’t assume. Include older people.

The EveryAGE Counts campaign acknowledges with appreciation that The Benevolent Society was the founder and main funder of the EveryAGE Counts Campaign until 2022. The EveryAGE Counts Campaign also wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the substantial support provided by the Wicking Foundation unt...

06/10/2026

Understanding Aged Care Costs & Financial Advocacy 💰

Confused by aged care fees and charges?

You're not alone. Understanding aged care costs can be challenging, but the right information can help you make informed decisions and feel more confident about your options.

Join ARAS for a free session covering:

✅ Aged care fees and charges explained
✅ Understanding your care plan
✅ Your rights and choices regarding aged care costs
✅ Where to find reliable information and support
✅ How advocacy can help

📅 Monday 19 October 2026
🕐 1.00pm – 2.30pm
📍 Enfield Community Centre, 540 Regency Road, Enfield
💰 Free
☕ Afternoon tea provided

Come along, ask questions and gain practical information to support informed decision-making.

👉 Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/ageing-with-confidence

06/10/2026

📣 Have your say on short stay accommodation in South Australia

The South Australian Government is seeking community feedback on the proposed establishment of a Short Stay Accommodation Register.

A discussion paper has been released, and individuals and organisations are invited to provide feedback through the YourSAy consultation.

📅 Feedback closes 30 October 2026.

Find out more, read the discussion paper and complete the survey:
https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/short-stay-accommodation-register

Tell us how the state government’s planned introduction of a Short Stay Accommodation Register, Code of Conduct and other related reforms should take shape.

04/10/2026

📣 Let’s talk about aged care | Naracoorte

ARAS will be in Naracoorte as part of an upcoming community information session about aged care services and supports.

Join us alongside the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Services Australia and Care Finder to learn more about Commonwealth-funded aged care services, the assessment process and how to find services that meet your needs.

📅 Wednesday 14 October 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Naracoorte Town Hall (Supper Room), 95 Smith Street, Naracoorte

The session is hosted by the Naracoorte Area Health Advisory Council.

✅ No registration required
☕ Light refreshments provided

For more information, contact Alaina Leader at Naracoorte Health Service on 8762 8106.

If you’re in Naracoorte or the surrounding community, come along and join the conversation.