RFBI leaders come together to build a future-ready organisation

• RFBI News

Sonia Lim 24 Sep 2026

Over two days, RFBI leaders from across NSW and the ACT came together for our 2026 Senior Managers Conference, united by this year’s theme, Future ready, together.

The annual conference provides an important opportunity for leaders from across RFBI to step away from their day-to-day operations, connect with colleagues and focus on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of aged care, retirement living and care at home.

This year’s program explored what being “future ready” means for RFBI. From responding to changes across the aged care sector and strengthening our organisational resilience, to embracing technology, developing our leaders and continuing to improve the experience of residents and clients.

Across the two days, leaders heard from internal and external speakers on RFBI’s strategic direction, sustainability and resilience, organisational culture and values, emerging technology, workforce systems, the new aged care framework, leadership development and accountability. The conference also looked ahead to RFBI’s future developments and continued evolution across our Seniors Living services.

Putting consumer voices at the centre

A highlight of this year’s conference was the Consumer Perspectives Panel, bringing the voices of the people we support directly into the conversation about RFBI’s future.

Narelle, a retirement living resident from RFBI Berry Masonic Retirement Village and Jessie, a residential care resident from RFBI Concord Community Village, joined the panel to share their experiences and perspectives with leaders from across the organisation.

Their insights provided an important reminder that preparing for the future isn’t simply about new systems, services or ways of working. It starts with listening to residents and clients, understanding what matters to them and using their experiences to continually improve the way we provide care and support.

This focus continued through discussions about The RFBI Experience, exploring how we can create consistently positive experiences for residents, clients, families and others who interact with RFBI.

Preparing RFBI for what comes next

The conference also provided an opportunity to look at the broader changes influencing RFBI and the aged care sector.

Sessions covered the new aged care framework and re-registration requirements, alongside updates on technology, financial management, benevolence and fundraising, volunteering and future developments. Together, these conversations encouraged leaders to think not only about where RFBI is today, but about the organisation we need to be in the years ahead.

Just as importantly, the conference created time for leaders from different parts of RFBI to share ideas, learn from one another and strengthen connections across the organisation.

As RFBI continues to evolve, our ability to work together, listen to our people and consumers, embrace change and remain focused on our purpose will be critical to ensuring we are ready for what comes next.

Thank you to all of our presenters, panellists and attendees who contributed to two days of conversation, collaboration and learning.

Together, we are building an RFBI that is ready for the future while remaining firmly focused on what matters most – the people and communities we support.