Launch Technology and Innovation Mentoring Program

November 28, 2019
ACIITC Chair, Dr George Margelis with Federal Minister for Aged Care and Older Australians Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.

The Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council (ACIITC) launched their Mentoring Program today at Old Parliament House with the Federal Minister for Aged Care and Older Australians Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.

The Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council was formed by two industry peak bodies Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) in 2007 with the express intent of providing the Aged and Community Care industry with a vehicle to consider and debate Innovation and Technology related opportunities and to disseminate the research and evidence of the uptake of new approaches.

In 2017, the ACIITC launched the Technology Roadmap for Aged Care in Australia Research Project. This landmark research reviewed a number of workforce considerations and recommended the development of an Industry Mentoring Program.

The ACIITC recognises the important need for building a technology-enabled and innovative Aged and Community Care sector within Australia. The Aged Care Industry Technology Mentoring Program aims to assist with this capacity building.

This Mentoring Program aims to bring like-minded people together in order to build the capacity of Aged and Community Care Sector in Australia for technology and innovation. The initial group of Mentors, selected from the ITAC National Hall of Fame recipients and CIO Forum members, will bring their knowledge and expertise to providing advice and support to mentees.

The main priority of this program is the mentoring itself, building connections between people in order to better the industry.

The program will explore a range of interest areas including:

  • Incorporating technology into Strategic Plans;
  • Planning investment in technology;
  • Building networks and relationships in the sector;
  • Technology and innovation workplace practices;
  • Digital strategies;
  • Information governance and reporting;
  • Building networks and relationships in the sector, specifically global networks;
  • Upgrading technologies;
  • Incorporating technology into Strategic Plans; and
  • Cybersecurity practices.

Chair of the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council, Dr George Margelis said “With a broad range of topics and interest areas along with professional advice from some of the leading names within the Aged and Community Care innovation and technology sphere, this program will enhance the opportunities for greater innovation and uptake of technology”. 

Mentees come from a range of backgrounds including direct care, clinical, management, executive roles and board/governance positions. Participants have been gathered from five states of Australia and internationally for this pilot program.

Dr Margelis confirmed the importance of this program “This investment by the Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council is providing a landmark program which is particularly relevant at this time with its focus on workforce development and industry capacity building”.

For more information contact Secretariat secretariat@aciitc.com.au.