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October 2025

Welcome to Aged Care News

This newsletter is for community members and services across the Mid North Coast, it’s full of useful information to keep us connected and up to date with what’s going on in our communities.

PalliLEARN – Build Your Awareness & Skills around Palliative Care

How to Talk About Dying & Grief (one of a series of online courses)

When: 14th of October 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm (AEDT) 

Where: Online via Zoom

What you will learn: 

  • Develop the confidence to initiate and navigate conversations about dying and grief 
  • Strategies to listen and respond compassionately 
  • Recognise the importance of self-care and follow-up for those involved in the conversation 

Visit the event website here for more information and to book.

Free, monthly Online LGBTI+ Awareness Training

These sessions support and reinforce sector reforms and requirements in relation to LGBTI+ person-centred care: the aim is to provide key information about older LGBTI+ people, and foster awareness and inclusive actions.

The sessions are for CHSP staff (if available also space staff/providers working across the sector). 

Book via the following links:

Part 1 Training: Foundations

Part 2 Training: Actions & Initiatives.

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Strengthening Aboriginal Cultural Capability in the Aged Care Industry

This series of online workshops will take you on a journey of yarning and deep listening to strengthen your person-centred and culturally safe approaches when working with Aboriginal Elders.   

Workshop 3: Working alongside Elders – Thursday 16 October 2025 1pm to 3pm. Online.   

Workshop 4: Understanding trauma when supporting Elders – Thursday 30 October 1pm to 3pm. Online.   

Workshop 5: Understanding grief and supporting healing for Elders – Thursday 13 November 1pm to 3pm. Online. 

Register here via the Workshop Series Humanitix webpage 

At registration, choose a ticket for each of the workshops you would like to attend.  

Move Well with Qigong for Health, Harmony and Happiness

Each class includes fully guided movement practices to support the health of your physical body, as well as to calm and relax your mind.   Slow and steady flowing movements support participants to work at their own pace, and all practices can be done at individual capacity.  Exercises are done standing, however seated modifications are available if needed. 

Benefits of practicing Qigong 

  • Gentle and easy to follow exercises  
  • Gradual improvement of core strength 
  • Strengthens lower body to improve balance 
  • Improves flexibility and functional mobility 
  • Supports internal organ health 
  • Relaxes the mind and calms the nervous system  
  • Enhances physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  

No previous experience or equipment is needed.  

Location: Bowra St Urunga, NSW 2455.

 Various classes are offered on the Mid North Coast, please contact us for the current program: 

Phone: 0421 476 745

Email: medicinewomantherapy@gmail.com

Web: https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/program/view/4647

Cost per visit: $15 for pension card holders, $20 for others.

Chair Yoga – Coffs Harbour

Enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing for all ages and fitness levels - experience the tranquility and rejuvenation of Chair Yoga!

Whether you're seeking to enhance flexibility, reduce stress, or improve posture, our gentle yet effective practices are tailored to meet your needs and promote holistic wellness. 

Location: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Yarrila Place,  27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour  

Date: Fourth Wednesday of every month (next session Wednesday 28th January 2026) 

Time: 10:30am – 11am 

Cost: FREE 

Enhance: Land-based Strength and Balance Training

Ramsay Health Plus Baringa's "Enhance - Land-based Strength and Balance Training" is a tailored gym-based group program designed to ensure older adults continue to thrive in the community. 

The program is targeted on keeping individuals safe on their feet to reduce their risk of falling and promote a healthier lifestyle. 

The Enhance class focuses on strength and resistance training, balance and proprioception training, and improving an individuals cardiovascular health. 

Location: Ramsay Health Plus, Baringa Private Hospital, 31 Mackays Road, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesdays from 3:00pm 
  • Thursdays from 3:00pm 

Usual clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Clinic is closed on public holidays. 

Cost: Large group classes: from $20 per session (discounted passes available) 

Target age: 50 Plus 

Special requirements or conditions: Clothing suitable to exercise in and enclosed footwear is required. Bring a water bottle with you. 

Minimum experience: Beginner 

Leader qualifications: Exercise Physiologist 

Healthcare clearance requirement: Yes 

Private health insurance rebates: Yes 

Free Brain Training

Join the team for an engaging brain training session where you can challenge your mind and keep your cognitive skills sharp. Engage in stimulating exercises designed to enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities.

Time: 10.30am to 11.30am

Location: Meeting room, Woolgoolga Library

Date: First Monday of the month, with the next session on Monday, 3rd November 2025.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your brainpower.

Book your spot here!

Mahjong

Join us for a fun and friendly game of Mahjong. It's a great way to challenge your mind, sharpen your strategy, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced player or curious to learn, everyone’s welcome – come for the game and stay for the great company.  

Mahjong is held at the following locations:  

  • Forster Library, Mondays from 2pm to 4pm.  
  • Harrington Library, Tuesdays from 1pm (you will need to contact the branch to arrange access)
  • Wingham Library, every Wednesday except the third Wednesday of the month from 12.30pm to 4:30pm. 

For more information call the Manning Valley Library Service on (02) 7955 7001.

Provider Operational Readiness

This list is to guide aged care providers on what to do before and after 1st November 2025, to implement the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program. 

This list has recently been updated to: 

  • change the rules link to the final Aged Care Rules 
  • change the aged care service list link. 

For more information visit the Department's Provider Operational Readiness webpage. 

Aged Care Reform Update Webinar for CHSP Providers

Facilitated by Paul Sadler 

An update and overview of changes as they occur, with up-to-date reform information and advice. 

These programs are targeted at Board and Executive Teams of CHSP and Support at Home Providers 

Date and Time: 6th November 2pm – 3pm AEDT 

Location: Online

Click here to register on the Eventbrite site 

Documentation and Reporting Online Course

All staff are responsible for collecting, sharing and providing information that is for the support of the client, staff, and provider. 

This course will look at what, who and when you should be documenting information. It will provide an overview of the practices for documenting and reporting and why this skill is so important in our everyday work. It will explore what should be documented and reported and discuss the use of templates used in your workplace and recording verbatim language. It will also consider when things can go wrong and the importance of having clear documentation that can be reviewed. 

The course is suitable for staff who work directly with clients and carers in CHSP-funded programs. This includes Support Workers, Direct Care Workers, Social Support staff, Allied Health Assistants, personal care, and lifestyle staff and volunteers. 

Date and time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 2pm - 3:30pm AEDT 

Location: – Online 

Book your Documentation and Reporting course tickets via Eventbrite here. 

National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Community of Practice  

Join a national community of CHSP providers committed to meaningful change. 

Welcoming people across all organisational levels and stages on this ongoing journey building cultural safety.

It is offered as a series of three 1.5-hour online sessions, starting on Wednesday 22nd October at 12pm, and we encourage registrants to commit to attending all three sessions. 

This Community of Practice aims to provide a supportive space to share insights, ask questions, and build lasting change within the aged care sector. There will be guest presenters, facilitated discussion as a large group and breakout sessions for sharing in smaller groups. 

REGISTER for the National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Community of Practice here. 

Regulatory Changes for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program Service Providers 

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a guidance report outlining the changes that will affect NATSIFAC service providers. The New Act will introduce a regulatory model from 1 November 2025, meaning that NATSIFAC providers will be regulated under the Act for the first time.  

You are able to have look at the Guidance report for the providers at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Website.

Keep Able – Assessment Training Videos 

These short videos help you identify issues during assessments, talk with clients, write clear support plans, and know when to refer to Allied Health 

See and Hear – Introduction – Entering the home and in the lounge 

See and Hear – In the bedroom 

See and Hear – In the kitchen 

See and Hear – At the entrance and common walks inside and outside the home 

Watch the Assessment Training Videos here

Rights-based Video on Aged Care Act 

The new Aged Care Act started on 1st November 2025. It includes a Statement of Rights to help make sure older people are at the centre of their aged care.    

A video is available to help explain what rights older people have when accessing aged care services 

The video is available in a variety of languages and Auslan on the Government website here

Have Your Say on Improving Aged Care 

The Improving Aged Care in Australia Survey is now open. The survey, run by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, allows older people and their supporters to give feedback on:  

  • your understanding of the changes to aged care 
  • where you get information  
  • your main concerns  
  • your confidence in the improved aged care system 

Complete the survey here > 

Digital Health Tools for LGBTIQA+ Older People: New Resources

LGBTIQA+ HealthCare Australia has worked with the Australian Digital Health Agency to create resources on using digital health tools, including a fact sheet for older LGBTIQA+ people.  

There are several digital tools to help manage your healthcare: 

  • My Health Record 
  • Electronic Prescriptions 
  • Telehealth  

As the world gets more and more digital, it is understandable that older LGBTIQA+ people might have concerns about these tools.  

You can find the resources on the LGBTIQ+ Health Australia website.

Resources Hub for Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

New resources are available to help older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with obtaining high-quality, culturally safe aged care.

These resources help with: 

  • planning your aged care journey  
  • understanding your aged care rights  
  • contacting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission if your care isn’t right.

Hear from Elders like Aunties Grace, Sandra, Gloria and Jeanette about what good aged care means to them.  

Find these resources on the First Nations Hub.

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Recovery Support Services – Mid North Coast and Hunter

Recovery Support Services (RSS) are available to help you in your recovery journey by providing personalised, immediate and short-term support.  

RSS link you to your own personalised recovery support worker, who can help you navigate and access services and disaster assistance packages.  

Recovery support workers walk alongside you in your recovery journey, providing help to address the complex challenges that emerge after a disaster. RSS also build your connections and link you with local community resources, services, and programs.  

Who can use these services?  

Anyone directly impacted by the East Coast Severe Weather Event (May 2025):  

  • Residents with damaged or destroyed homes  
  • Residents experiencing additional impacts from the floods (e.g. social, emotional and financial)  
  • Business Owners  
  • Primary producers and rural landholders   

You can phone or email your local Recovery Support Service directly. No formal referral is required.  

There is no cost to access Recovery Support Services. Participation is voluntary and customer-led.  

Find out more about the Recovery Support Services on the NSW Government website.

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