The 18th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Online Forum 2025 on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 aims to create a national platform to educate and inspire action in the prevention of elder abuse.
The theme, 'Rights First: Preventing Elder Abuse in a Changing Aged Care Landscape', focuses on the vital role of human rights in the evolving aged care system, especially with the upcoming reforms.
Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has curated an engaging lineup of experts and leaders from aged care, Indigenous advocacy, policy, and dementia rights to share knowledge and inspire community-driven change.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Carolanne Barkla, CEO of ARAS, delivering insights on ARAS’s work and impact across 2024–25.
- Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, sharing a vision for culturally safe aged care services.
- Daniella Greenwood, renowned dementia and human rights consultant, presenting on the principles of dignity and autonomy.
The Hon. Nat Cook MP, South Australia’s Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, will open the event with a recorded message, acknowledging the significance of elder abuse prevention and ongoing reform efforts.
This forum provides a safe and inclusive space to hear from a diverse range of perspectives, including frontline advocacy, policymaking, legal insights, and lived experiences. Attendees will come away better equipped to support older people and uphold their rights.
Registration Information
The WEAAD Online Forum has become a signature event for elder abuse prevention in Australia, attracting more than 800 registrants in past years. Don't miss your chance to be part of this powerful conversation.
Date: Wednesday 11 June 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM ACST
Location: Online via Zoom
This event is free and open to all. Whether you’re a professional, advocate, volunteer, student, or a concerned community member, your voice matters. Help put rights first and support a future free from elder abuse.
Elder Abuse - See it. Stop it. Prevent it.