Australia is getting ready to recognise the quiet force behind the wellbeing of thousands of older citizens. Next Thursday, 7 August, marks Aged Care Employee Day, a national show of appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to caring for older Australians.
Now in its seventh year, the day is an opportunity to reflect on the daily efforts of nurses, personal carers, cooks, cleaners, allied health professionals, and countless others who keep the aged care system running. Across the country, aged care providers, residents, and families are planning tea gatherings, thank-you messages, and informal celebrations to acknowledge these workers’ contributions.
Tom Symondson, CEO of Ageing Australia, says the day isn’t about fanfare but about pausing to appreciate the people who hold up a sector facing intense pressure.
“Whether they’re on the frontline or behind the scenes, every worker in aged care has gone above and beyond this past year,” he said. “We want the public to join us in saying one simple thing: thank you for caring.”
The aged care sector has been through a difficult few years, with reforms, increased scrutiny, and ongoing workforce shortages adding to an already demanding job. Despite this, Mr Symondson said, the care provided has remained “personal, selfless, and deeply meaningful.”
“They’re not doing it for the recognition, but for the people they support each day,” he said. “Still, it’s important that we take a moment, as a country, to let them know their work is valued.”
The day will also mark the announcement of the 2025 You are ACE! Award winners, with more than 500 nominations received across 15 categories. The awards recognise staff who have gone above expectations across a range of roles in the sector, from administration to kitchen teams to care support.
The scale of the aged care workforce in Australia is vast and varied. It includes everyone from senior managers to gardeners, physiotherapists to laundry workers, and volunteers who often give their time freely. Mr Symondson said it’s easy to forget just how many people it takes to support one aged care facility, let alone a national network of them.
“We encourage the workforce to take a breath and reflect on the value of what they do,” he said. “There’s a quiet strength in this sector, and a deep well of compassion that often goes unspoken.”
Mr Symondson added that the public can support the day with simple acts — a phone call, a social media post, or just a face-to-face “thank you.” While formal ceremonies are not the focus, the impact of a kind word can be long-lasting.
“It’s not only about celebration, but acknowledgement. Our aged care workers show up every day with warmth, professionalism, and a willingness to give of themselves. That’s something to be proud of.”
With just a week to go, the call to action is clear: take a moment, say thanks, and show aged care workers that their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Whether you have a loved one in care or simply want to recognise the humanity behind the headlines, 7 August is a moment to say: we see you, and we appreciate you.
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