As we turn the page on 2025, we pause to reflect on a year that has been nothing short of transformative. At Inclusee, our mission has always been clear: to create meaningful connections and foster inclusion for older Australians. This year, we didn’t just meet that mission—we elevated it.
From the very first day of 2025, our focus was on deepening engagement and expanding opportunities for connection. And what a year it has been! Our clubs grew like never before, offering vibrant spaces for learning, creativity, and companionship. Specialty programs such as Art Week and our Mini Series became highlights of the calendar, sparking joy and inspiring conversations across the country.
We introduced new ways for people to join our community, including private payment options, ensuring that Inclusee remains accessible and flexible for all. These changes weren’t just operational—they were about removing barriers and welcoming more people into a space where they truly belong.
One of the most powerful moments of 2025 was the launch of Say G’Day Day in November - a national initiative encouraging Australians to embrace the simple power of a greeting. Why does this matter? Because loneliness and isolation are silent challenges for so many, and a simple “G’Day” can be the first step toward connection. 
Say G’Day Day sparked conversations across communities, workplaces, and even attracted attention from global organisations, including the World Health Organization. It reminded us all that inclusion starts with small acts of kindness - and that every hello can change a life.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been building something extraordinary: the Inclusee App, set to launch in early 2026. This app will revolutionise how our community connects, making engagement easier, faster, and more intuitive. It’s a bold step forward, and it reflects our commitment to innovation that serves people first.
This year, we connected more volunteers than ever before, expanding our network of passionate individuals who bring warmth and support to every interaction. Their dedication is the heartbeat of Inclusee, and we are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care they give.
In 2025, we successfully completed a comprehensive audit with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, reaffirming our commitment to excellence. We also worked closely with industry leaders on aged care reforms, ensuring that Inclusee remains a trusted voice and a proactive partner in shaping the future of Aged Care.
Our people are our greatest strength, and this year we celebrated achievements that speak volumes about our workplace culture:
These milestones aren’t just numbers - they represent a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
Inclusion isn’t a checkbox at Inclusee. It’s the foundation of everything we do. In 2025, we embedded LGBTIQA+ inclusion practices across programs and policies, ensuring that every person feels respected and represented. We launched initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity, and we continued to champion accessibility in all its forms. Our new DEI strategy sets a bold vision for the future, and our Diversity Champion role ensures accountability and action at every level.
This year, our efforts were recognised nationally and internationally:
These honours celebrate not just our organisation, but the incredible people—staff, volunteers, partners—who make Inclusee what it is. Watch the video below for a visual recap!
To our participants, volunteers, partners, and supporters—thank you. Your trust and collaboration have made 2025 unforgettable. Every conversation, every shared moment, every act of kindness has contributed to a stronger, more connected Australia.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue innovating, growing, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. The future is bright, and together, we’ll keep breaking down barriers and building bridges of connection.
From all of us at Inclusee: thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of impact, inclusion, and connection.
Rachael Cook
Chief Executive Officer
Inclusee
