Many Australians want to grow older in familiar surroundings, with a sense of connection, comfort and control.
And as our population lives longer, and our systems are asked to do more, the question of how and where we age becomes both a personal and collective challenge.
This conversation explores what it takes to support ageing well at home, from housing and neighbourhood design, to community services. It considers how we can create conditions that allow people to live safely, independently and with dignity as they grow older.
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Our speakers:
Brigid Wilkinson - CEO·Council on the Ageing Tasmania. Brigid is a passionate advocate for reframing the way we think about and respond to ageing and in challenging ageism within our communities. She leads a small team of passionate staff across Tasmania within COTA's advocacy and project areas that support older Tasmanians access the right information, build confidence to ensure they have the supports needed to age well, and receive the respect they deserve.
Stephen Geason - Director·Cykel Architecture
Stephen is a registered architect and Director of Cykel Architecture, a Hobart-based practice known for its innovative, human-centred approach.
With over 25 years’ experience, he is a national leader in designing environments that support people to age well — particularly those living with dementia.
A Churchill Fellow, Stephen has conducted international research into aged care design, and his work includes the acclaimed Korongee Dementia Village in Glenorchy.
He is also a graduate of the University of Stirling Dementia Design School and contributor to the Wicking Dementia Centre’s public education programs.
Jason Byrne - Professor of Human Geography and Planning·University of Tasmania
Jason's research focuses on urban greenspace, climate change adaptation, and environmental justice, with a particular emphasis on urban heat and equitable access to nature.
Jason has led co-designed projects with local governments, including Launceston’s award-winning Urban Greening Strategy, which integrates advanced data analysis with community engagement to enhance climate resilience.
A Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, he has received national recognition for his contributions to planning research and education. Jason is also a frequent contributor to public discourse on sustainable cities and climate policy.
Dr Joanna Sun - Environmental gerontologist,·Wicking Dementia Research Education Centre, University of Tasmania
Joanna leads the DESIGN Project, which focuses on creating inclusive environments that support ageing and dementia care.
With over 20 years’ experience across Singapore and Australia, Joanna has worked as a designer, nurse, programme manager and consultant, bringing practical and research expertise together.
She co-developed Singapore’s first dementia-inclusive environmental assessment tool and was named a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.
Lil Mirtl - Dementia Advocate·Dementia Australia
In her working career, Lil has been a teacher and taught in primary schools, high schools and colleges. She spent three years as a school principal whilst living in North Queensland and worked in indigenous communities promoting inclusive and equitable educational practices.
Lil is a Dementia Advocate and a member of the Dementia Action Week Working Group. She is passionate about dementia friendly communities and has spoken at numerous community events in Tasmania on the topic.