Tom Symondson joins IFA board

The chief executive officer of provider peak body Ageing Australia, Tom Symondson, has been appointed to the board of directors of the International Federation on Ageing, which he says strengthens Ageing Australia’s global voice on ageing and aged care.

IFA is a registered charity in Canada, and the board is an assortment of international leaders, working together to advance healthy ageing, equity and the rights and wellbeing of older people. It works closely with the World Health Organisation and the United Nations.

Mr Symondson told Australian Ageing Agenda he is honoured to join the IFA board of directors.

He added that the appointment supports Ageing Australia’s three-year global engagement strategy, which will drive further collaboration and knowledge sharing, and will strengthen services for older people in Australia and overseas.

“The IFA board brings together leaders from across the globe, advancing healthy ageing, equity and the rights and wellbeing of older people worldwide,” he told AAA. 

“It’s a reminder that we are not alone in the challenges we face – and by sharing and learning with our international partners, we can turn these challenges into opportunities.” 

“It’s also a chance to showcase Australian innovation, forge new connections, and learn from some of the world’s best.” 

He joins fellow directors:

• Cherian Matthews, chief executive of HelpAge International – based in London, England
• Jacinthe Roy, executive director of Réseau FADQ – based in Quebec, Canada
• Justin Derbyshire, chief executive of Haven House Children’s Hospice and former chief executive of HelpAge International – based in Essex, England
• Kevin Orr, group vice president and chief investment officer of Winner Medical Group – based in Hong Kong
• Lyu Xiaoli, vice president of China National Committee on Ageing – based in Beijing, China
• Maree McCabe, former CEO Dementia Australia – based in Victoria, Australia
• Dr Prakash Tyagi, executive director of GRAVIS and founder of GRAVIS Hospital – based in Rajasthan, India
• Shusmita Rashid, executive healthcare leader – based in Ontario, Canada
• Sue Hendy, former CEO of Council on the Ageing Victoria – based in Victoria, Australia
• Suzanne Garon, full professor at University of Sherbrooke’s School of Social Work – based in Quebec, Canada
• Tu-Anh Hoang, medical professional and founding member and director of Centre for Creative Initiatives in Health and Population – based in Hanoi, Vietnam
• Zia Khan, senior leader at The Rockefeller Foundation – based in New York, United States of America.

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