Resident-led committees a meaningful forum for participation
2nd November 2026 | 4 min readHaving a voice in daily life is central to living well
Resident-led committees at our Care Communities enable older people to actively shape the place they call home, contributing to decisions about routines, wellbeing and experiences that matter to them.
The strengthened, rights-based framework introduced under the New Aged Care Act in 2025 reinforced the importance of this approach. The Act places dignity, choice and participation at the centre of aged care, aligning closely with practices already embedded across our Care Communities.
A commitment to resident participation
Resident-led committees provide a formal and consistent forum for residents to share feedback, explore ideas and propose improvements. Meetings are resident-driven, with support from our team, and agendas are shaped by what matters most to committee members — from wellbeing programs and environmental enhancements to connections with the local community.
Through these committees, residents influence decisions that affect everyday life, while exercising autonomy, leadership and purpose.
Giving back at Chelsea Parkside
At Chelsea Parkside Care Community in Melbourne, our resident-led committee identified a shared desire to contribute to children’s health charities. Throughout 2025, residents raised funds by selling handmade craft items, baked goods, and plants grown with love onsite. Their efforts culminated in a Christmas market, where loved ones and community members came to purchase handmade items.
Together, residents donated $1,600 to the royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
“It gives us great pride to be able to help young people in our own way,” says resident Gary.
Shaping experiences at Melville Parkside
Melville Parkside Care Community in Western Australia has an active resident-led social committee that meets monthly to plan the wellbeing calendar. With committee members Pam and Bruce championing creative and cultural outings, recent activities have included visits to the WA Maritime Museum, the Aviation Heritage Museum and the WA Shipwrecks Museum.
This advocacy helped to gain access to the Footsteps program at WA Museum Boola Bardip – an accessible, facilitated experience designed for older people, including those living with dementia. With one-to-one support from museum volunteers, residents enjoy learning, reminiscence and social connection through conversation and shared cultural experiences.
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Commonly asked questions
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Resident led committees provide a formal and consistent forum for residents to share feedback, explore ideas and propose improvements within their Care Community. Meetings are driven by residents, with support from the team, and focus on the topics and experiences that matter most to committee members.
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Resident led committees give residents opportunities to influence decisions that affect their daily lives. Residents can contribute ideas about routines, wellbeing programs, activities, environmental improvements and connections with the local community, while exercising autonomy, leadership and purpose.
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Residents can share their interests and preferences through resident led committees and help plan activities that are meaningful to them. At Melville Parkside Care Community, the resident led social committee meets monthly to plan the wellbeing calendar, including creative and cultural outings.
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Residents at Chelsea Parkside Care Community identified a shared desire to support children’s health charities. Throughout 2025, they raised funds by selling handmade craft items, baked goods and plants grown onsite. Their efforts raised $1,600 for the royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
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The resident led social committee at Melville Parkside Care Community helps plan cultural and creative outings based on residents’ interests. Its advocacy also helped residents access the Footsteps program at WA Museum Boola Bardip, an accessible experience that supports learning, reminiscence and social connection for older people, including those living with dementia.