Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service

Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service An independent not for profit advocacy organisation for people with disability, older people and carers.

ADACAS provides independent individual advocacy to people with disability, frail older people and their carers in the ACT and region.

Today, ADACAS is taking part in the Men’s Health Muster event at Raiders Belconnen, alongside local organisations promot...
17/11/2025

Today, ADACAS is taking part in the Men’s Health Muster event at Raiders Belconnen, alongside local organisations promoting men’s health, wellbeing and community connection. Our Older Persons, Mental Health and Disability Advocacy teams are here to share information about rights, supports and advocacy.

This event is hosted by the Belconnen Community Men’s Shed to encourage men to connect, share experiences and focus on their wellbeing. We’re pleased to be part of this important initiative. Australian Men's Shed Association play a vital role in improving men’s health by reducing isolation, encouraging peer support and strengthening community ties.

We believe wellbeing begins with understanding, connection and the confidence to ask for help. Our advocates are here to listen, share information and help people take practical steps toward better health and inclusion.

Start a conversation with us today.










This week, ADACAS advocates will be out in the Canberra community, speaking about what the new Aged Care Act means in pr...
02/11/2025

This week, ADACAS advocates will be out in the Canberra community, speaking about what the new Aged Care Act means in practice, after it commenced on the weekend. You can find us at:

Monday, 3 November at 10am-1pm
Canberra Hospital, Garran
In front of Reception

Wednesday, 5 November at 10am-1pm
Cooleman Court, Weston
In front of Coffee Guru

Thursday, 6 November at 12.30-3.30pm
North Canberra Hopsital, Bruce
In the Foyer

From this week, every older person receiving aged care in Australia is protected under the Statement of Rights which is a key part of the new Act.

Some of the areas the Statement of Rights protects:
- Make decisions about their own care and have those decisions respected
- Stay connected with family, friends, culture and community
- Receive safe, high-quality and culturally appropriate care
- Raise concerns or make a complaint without fear

ADACAS advocates are independent and support older people to understand these rights and speak up safely if something doesn’t feel right.

(02) 6242 5060
adacas.org.au










For many people, disability and mental health systems can be confusing. Forms are complex, and sometimes others make dec...
30/10/2025

For many people, disability and mental health systems can be confusing. Forms are complex, and sometimes others make decisions for you instead of with you. The stress and uncertainty can make decision making difficult, especially when the issue affects your care, home or wellbeing.

At ADACAS, we believe everyone has the right to make their own choices without fear or pressure and with full understanding. Our advocates use to empower people with disability or living with mental ill-health to understand their options, the potential risks and consequences of their decisions, what questions to ask and build confidence to decide what’s right for them.

We work with people with disability and those experiencing mental ill-health, helping them grow their skills and feel in control of their own lives. To live with dignity.

We truly believe that when understand your rights and have the right support, you can make decisions with clarity and control.









More than 50 people joined our talk this week about aged care rights and independent advocacy at Tuggeranong Men’s Shed,...
29/10/2025

More than 50 people joined our talk this week about aged care rights and independent advocacy at Tuggeranong Men’s Shed, and we had a great discussion about real issues affecting older Australians.

One question stood out:
“What should I do if I notice something wrong on my aged care statement?”

It’s a question we hear often, and our advocates are here to help.
If something doesn’t look right, ADACAS can:

- Go through your statement with you, explaining each part in plain language.
- Check your Home Care Agreement and Care Plan, to make sure your charges match what you agreed to.
- Support you to raise questions or request corrections with your provider.
- Help you make a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission if issues aren’t resolved.

Every older person has the right to understand their care, their charges, and their choices. If you or someone you care for needs help, our ADACAS advocates are here to listen and help. Our support is free, confidential and independent.

(02) 6242 5060
adacas.org.au









Last week ADACAS held an information stall as part of the Music at Midday concert at Canberra Theatre Centre, featuring ...
29/10/2025

Last week ADACAS held an information stall as part of the Music at Midday concert at Canberra Theatre Centre, featuring the talented Royal Military College Band.

We loved connecting with the community and more than 20 people stopped by to chat about about advocacy, rights in aged care and how to access support.

One important conversation that came up was about elder abuse.

Elder abuse can happen in many ways: through neglect, emotional pressure or control over money or decisions. It’s never okay, and support is available.

From 1 November, the new Aged Care Act will formally recognise a Statement of Rights, giving stronger protections and a foundation to ensure every older person can:

- Make decisions about their life and care, and have those decisions respected
- Receive safe, high-quality and culturally appropriate care
- Access fair assessments and the supports they need when they need them
- Communicate in the language or method they prefer
- Raise concerns without fear of reprisal
- Stay connected with family, community, culture and Country

Our ADACAS advocates are here to listen, provide information, and walk beside older people as they navigate the aged care system, ensuring there is dignity, respect and fairness for every person.

If you’re worried about yourself or someone you care for, ADACAS advocates are here to listen and help. Our support is free, confidential and independent.

(02) 6242 5060
adacas.org.au









If you disagree with a decision about your care, you have the right to ask questions and speak up. An independent ADACAS...
26/10/2025

If you disagree with a decision about your care, you have the right to ask questions and speak up. An independent ADACAS advocate can help you understand the situation, what your options are, and how to have your views heard.

Sometimes that means explaining your rights or helping you put your concerns in writing; other times, it’s simply being by your side in meetings so you feel supported and confident. You don’t have to accept decisions that don’t feel right, we’re here to make sure your voice counts.

This week’s information sessions, for residents and their families, will be at:

Tuesday, 28 October at 10am
Pines Living
272 Beasley St,
Farrer ACT 2607

Tuesday, 28 October at 1.30pm
IRT Kangara Waters
2 Joy Cummings Pl,
Belconnen ACT 2617

Wednesday, 29 October at 10am
Warrigal Calwell
43 Were St,
Calwell ACT 2905

Come along to ask your questions about what’s changing under the new Aged Care Act and how ADACAS can support you to make informed choices about your care.

If we’re not visiting your aged care home this week, follow us to keep up to date with future sessions, or visit www.adacas.org.au to learn more about us.










On Wednesday, ADACAS attended the Eurobodalla Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning Forum in Moruya, hosted by Eurobod...
23/10/2025

On Wednesday, ADACAS attended the Eurobodalla Disability Inclusive Emergency Planning Forum in Moruya, hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council and facilitated by the University of Sydney’s Collaborating 4 Inclusion research team.

The forum brought together government agencies, service providers, emergency management professionals, people with lived experience of disability, and advocates to explore how emergency and disaster management can become more inclusive of people with disability.

Some of the practical ways to make emergency planning safer and more inclusive that were explored at the forum included:

• The Disability Inclusive Emergency Management (DIEM) Toolkit, with self-assessment tools and best practice resources.
• Person-centred approaches to emergency management.
• Local factors that increase risk for people with disability in emergencies.Local strategies to reduce risk and increase resilience.
• Community assets that can be shared before, during, and after emergencies.

This continued learning and collaboration are an essential part of building safer, stronger communities and ADACAS was proud to be part of the conversation. Our advocates continue to refine approaches that help people build confidence and stay safe in ways that reflect their own lives and choices.












Thank you to everyone who came by the ADACAS stall at the Canberra Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo on Monday. ...
22/10/2025

Thank you to everyone who came by the ADACAS stall at the Canberra Retirement Living & Senior Lifestyle Expo on Monday. It was great to meet so many people and chat about aged care, rights, and how our advocacy can help.

One of the questions we heard on the day came from a couple who’d just moved to Canberra and wanted to know where to start with aged care.

If you’ve recently relocated, you can begin by registering with or updating your details in My Aged Care, which connects you with assessments and local services. But it’s not always easy to know where to start or what to ask for. That’s where ADACAS advocates can help, by offering free, independent support to help you understand your options, prepare for assessments, and make decisions that reflect what matters most to you.

Listening to people’s experiences helps us keep our work focused on what really matters to older people and their families in the ACT. We’re grateful for your stories and questions.









What does it feel like to talk to an advocate for the first time? At ADACAS, every conversation is different, but they a...
21/10/2025

What does it feel like to talk to an advocate for the first time? At ADACAS, every conversation is different, but they all start the same way: with listening, respect and care.

You’ll speak with a trained advocate who listens, helps you understand your rights, and works alongside you to make decisions that reflect what matters most to you. Our advocacy is always free, confidential, and independent.

People reach out to us for many reasons.
ADACAS advocates can:

✅ Help older people understand the new Aged Care Act and Statement of Rights, and raise issues about care or access to services.
✅ Support people with disability through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program in Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Illawarra–Shoalhaven regions, to access education, housing, transport, and health.
✅ Assist with NDIS reviews and appeals so that decisions are transparent and fair.
✅ Provide Redress advocacy for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse through the National Redress Scheme, helping them find recognition, support, and healing.
✅ Offer Mental health advocacy, helping people communicate their wishes, access services safely, and challenge decisions.
✅ Help carers and families understand their rights and connect to support.
✅ Promote Supported Decision Making, so everyone can build confidence in their own choices.

If you think you could benefit from advocacy, contact ADACAS today.
02 6242 5060
adacas@adacas.org.au
adacas.org.au









Are there questions you have about your aged care rights, services or support?Join ADACAS this Wednesday at Woden Librar...
20/10/2025

Are there questions you have about your aged care rights, services or support?
Join ADACAS this Wednesday at Woden Library for Community Corner.
Our advocates are ready to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
It’s free.

Whether you receive care at home or in a residential facility, you have the right to be heard, respected and supported to make your own choices.

Drop in for free, independent support and find out how we can assist you.
Wednesday, 23 October 2025
10:15am – 12:00pm
Woden Library
Corner of Furzer & Corinna Sts
PHILLIP ACT 2606

If you can’t join us, follow us to keep up to date with our community stalls and education sessions, or visit www.adacas.org.au.








Our advocates will be at Canberra Seniors Centre on Wednesday, 22 October from 11am to talk about what’s changing under ...
20/10/2025

Our advocates will be at Canberra Seniors Centre on Wednesday, 22 October from 11am to talk about what’s changing under the new Act and what it means for you.

We’ll explain how the new Statement of Rights will give older people stronger protections, greater choice and clearer ways to speak up and how independent advocacy can help make those rights real in everyday life.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free session to ask questions and learn more about the advocacy support available through ADACAS.

Wednesday, 22 October at 11am
Canberra Seniors Centre
10 Watson Street
TURNER ACT 2612










Last week our Disability Advocacy Team Leader, Tanya Jones, joined the Riverina Disability Advocacy Provider Network mee...
20/10/2025

Last week our Disability Advocacy Team Leader, Tanya Jones, joined the Riverina Disability Advocacy Provider Network meeting in Wagga Wagga. Advocates from across regional NSW came together to share ideas and ways to strengthen our work with people with disability.

It was great to connect and learn, and a reminder that good advocacy starts with listening. Strong advocacy networks mean stronger outcomes for the people we support.

ADACAS provides free, independent and confidential advocacy across the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions of NSW, through NSW Disability Advocacy Futures Program funding.

We walk beside people living with disability to help understand their rights, access supports and make informed choices about what matters most. Sometimes, it’s simply helping someone find the right words or feel heard in a meeting that can make the biggest difference.

Please contact us if we can help you.
02 6242 5060
adacas@adacas.org.au
adacas.org.au












Address

Unit 14 Weston Community Hub, 6 Gritten Street
Weston, ACT
2611

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61262425060

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Adacas - ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram