Aged Rights Advocacy Service

02/06/2026

This is Mabo Day — a day to honour Eddie Koiki Mabo and the many people who fought for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ connection to Country.

Mabo Day is marked each year on 3 June. It commemorates the historic 1992 High Court decision that overturned the legal fiction of terra nullius and recognised native title in Australia.

It is a time to reflect on truth, justice, land rights, and the ongoing importance of reconciliation.

Learn more:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/commemorating-mabo-day/

Mabo Day commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius.

01/06/2026

This is Pride Month — a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities and reflect on the importance of inclusion, respect, safety, and equality.

Pride Month is also an opportunity to recognise the experiences of LGBTQIA+ older people, including those who may have faced discrimination, exclusion, or barriers to being themselves throughout their lives.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported to live with dignity and choice.

01/06/2026

ARAS is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Barton as its new Chief Executive. The announcement was made by ARAS Chairperson, Anne Burgess AM, who confirmed that Ms Barton’s appointment will take effect from 4 July 2026.

With more than 30 years of leadership experience across government and not-for-profit sectors, Anna brings a strong commitment to social justice and extensive experience across community services and aged care advocacy. Since joining ARAS in 2018 as Operations Manager, she has played a key role in strengthening the organisation and advancing its mission.

Ms Barton holds a Master of Business Administration and is committed to applying her knowledge and experience to advance ARAS’ strategic and operational objectives in support of older South Australians.

“Anna’s extensive experience, leadership capability, and strong values-based approach make her an outstanding choice to lead ARAS into its next phase. Her deep understanding of our organisation, stakeholder connections, and the communities we serve positions her well to continue strengthening our impact.” Ms Burgess said.

“I am honoured to lead ARAS and to continue working alongside our dedicated team and partners to advance the rights, wellbeing and dignity of older people across South Australia.” Ms Barton said.

Please join us in congratulating Ms Barton on her appointment as Chief Executive and wishing her well as she commences this new chapter with ARAS.

28/05/2026

Join ARAS and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters for a free four-part information series supporting older people to better understand their rights, choices and protections in aged care.

📍 St Peters Banquet Hall
🕥 10:30am – 11:30am
📅 Fridays | 12 June – 3 July

Session 1 – Know Your Rights
Learn about Aged Care Rights, advocacy, and recognising and responding to elder abuse.

Bookings advised:
https://www.npsp.sa.gov.au/events/3501_ageing_well_know_your_rights__aras_talks

27/05/2026

ARAS was pleased to attend today’s National Reconciliation Week Breakfast, joining thousands of South Australians in reflecting on this year’s theme and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

The event was a valuable reminder that reconciliation is built through shared responsibility, meaningful action, and continued commitment to listening and learning.

This National Reconciliation Week, we encourage everyone to reflect on how we can each contribute — through our workplaces, communities, and everyday actions — towards a more respectful and connected future.

26/05/2026

This is National Reconciliation Week — a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to reflect on how we can contribute to reconciliation.

National Reconciliation Week is held each year from 27 May to 3 June. The dates mark two important milestones: the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The 2026 theme is “All In”, calling on everyone to take part in reconciliation in meaningful ways.

Respectful services and communities are built through listening, learning, truth-telling, and walking together.

Learn more:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

The theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

25/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day.

National Sorry Day is held each year on 26 May. It is a day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, known as the Stolen Generations.

It is also a time to recognise the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families, and communities, and to reflect on the ongoing importance of truth-telling, healing, respect, and reconciliation.

Respectful care and support begins with listening, acknowledging history, and ensuring people are treated with dignity.

Learn more:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/

Reconciliation Australia’s vision is for a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

24/05/2026

💜 Join ARAS for our 19th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Online Forum.
Empower, Prevent, Protect: A Rights-Based Approach to Elder Abuse

📅 Date: Tuesday 23 June
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 11:30am ACST
📍 Location: Online
🎟️ Cost: Free

This nationally recognised forum brings together public officials and leaders, advocates, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to share insights, evidence and innovative approaches to addressing elder abuse.

The forum will include an introduction to ARAS by Anne Burgess AM, Chairperson of ARAS, followed by presentations from respected leaders including:
• Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner
• Natalie Siegel-Brown, Inspector-General of Aged Care

Together, we’ll explore how a rights-based approach can uphold the dignity, autonomy and wellbeing of older people, while strengthening prevention and response efforts across our communities.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-online-forum-tickets-1988538674706?aff=oddtdtcreator

See it. Stop it. Prevent it. There’s no excuse for abuse.

Join us for ARAS’ 19th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Forum, “Empower, Prevent, Protect: A Rights-Based Approach to Elder Abuse."

16/05/2026

This is IDAHOBIT — the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination.

Held on 17 May, IDAHOBIT is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, included, and free from discrimination. The date marks the day in 1990 when homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization’s Classification of Diseases.

At ARAS, we recognise the importance of dignity, respect, choice, and voice for all older people, including older LGBTQIA+ people.

Inclusion matters at every age.

Learn more:
https://www.idahobit.org.au/

The International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination is THIS SUNDAY! Get involved, download resources, and donate to make an impact!

12/05/2026

Come and say hello to ARAS!

We’ll be attending and presenting at the Aged Care Morning Tea in Barmera — a great opportunity to learn more about aged care and how to navigate it.

📅 Tuesday 26 May 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Barmera Golf Club, Hawdon Street, Barmera

There will be a range of guest speakers from across health, aged care and community services — including ARAS.

This is a free event with no RSVP required, so feel free to drop in, have a chat, and connect with services that can support you or your loved ones.

👉 Please share this with anyone who might find it helpful.

We look forward to seeing you there!