Welcome
Welcome to the AFN Summit 2025, where we will gather to explore and advance multidisciplinary approaches to frailty and dementia.
This summit brings together students, early career researchers, health practitioners/allied health professionals, and consumer representatives dedicated to improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with frailty.
We are thrilled to announce that leading frailty expert Professor Kenneth Rockwood will be joining us as our keynote speaker, and will be presenting alongside a distinguished lineup of professionals and researchers in the field.
Expect a dynamic program featuring a mix of information sessions, interactive workshops, career development opportunities, and ample networking. With significant consumer involvement, this summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in improving hospital care for people living with frailty.
Join us in Sydney on 20-21 February 2025 for an inspiring event filled with insightful presentations, innovative research, and collaborative discussions. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of healthcare for people with frailty.
Event Information
The AFN Summit 2025 will be held at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre from 20–21 February 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to the venue and where to stay.
Location & Venue
NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre
Address: 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia
The conference centre is centrally located, making it easy to reach from key transport hubs in Sydney.
Travel
The NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre is easily accessible via public transport, car, and taxi. Here are the best ways to get to the venue:
From Sydney Airport (SYD):
- Train: Take the train from the International Airport Station to Central Station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From Central Station, the venue is a short walk.
- Bus: Take a bus from Sydney International Airport to Town Hall Station, Park St, Stand K. From there, it’s a short walk to the venue. The bus journey takes about 28 minutes.
- Rideshare/Taxi: The journey by taxi or rideshare (such as Uber) takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
For additional route options and to plan your travel, please refer to the NSW trip planner.
Parking
There are several secure parking options within walking distance of the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre:
- Goulburn Street Secure Carpark – 7-minute walk (600 meters)
- Liverpool Street Wilson Carpark – 10-minute walk (800 meters)
- Rydges, Surry Hills Carpark – 5-minute walk (400 meters)
Important: Please be sure to check the parking facilities’ websites for details on rates and operating hours, as these may vary. We recommend confirming costs and availability before your arrival.
Accommodation
To make your stay comfortable, we have partnered with nearby hotels offering special rates for AFN Summit 2025 attendees. Here are some recommended accommodations:
Rydges
- Discount: 10% off
- How to book: Mention “NSW Teachers Conference” when booking to secure the discount.
- Website: Click here
Veriu
- Discount: 15% off
- How to book: Mention “NSW Teachers Conference” when booking to secure the discount.
- Website: Click here
Both hotels are within walking distance of the Summit venue.
Program Guide
Keynote Speakers
Professor Kenneth Rockwood
Professor Kenneth Rockwood is Professor of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine & Neurology) at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and he is a prominent figure in the field of geriatric medicine. Professor Rockwood is widely recognised for his research on frailty and ageing, particularly for developing the frailty index and the Clinical Frailty Scale, which are used in healthcare systems globally.
He has authored over 600 peer-reviewed publications and several books, making significant contributions to our understanding of frailty, dementia, and delirium. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to geriatric medicine.
Professor Ruth Hubbard
Professor Ruth Hubbard holds the position of the Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine at The University of Queensland, and is the newly appointed Director of Internal and Geriatric Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Her academic journey began at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, followed by training in general internal medicine and geriatric medicine in Cardiff, Wales.
Professor Hubbard is highly regarded for her research on frailty in older adults. She has published extensively on the inflammatory causes of frailty and its measurement in clinical practice. She is also the Founder and Director of the Australian Frailty Network (AFN).
Professor Sarah Hilmer
Professor Sarah Hilmer AM FAHMS is Head of Department of Clinical Pharmacology and a Geriatrician at the Royal North Shore Hospital and Conjoint Professor of Geriatric Pharmacology and Medicine at The University of Sydney. Her translational research at the Kolling Institute investigates the impact of frailty on the body’s response to medications and the impact of medications on frailty.
She chairs the Sydney Health Partners Geriatric Medicine Clinical Academic Group, NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group, the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Clinical and Translational Section and its Geriatric Committee. She is involved in teaching and mentoring multi-disciplinary students and clinicians. She contributes significantly to research, clinical practice and policy in geriatric pharmacology.
Submit an Abstract
Abstracts submissions have now closed.
We invite students, early career researchers, and health practitioners/allied health professionals to submit abstracts for the poster display at the AFN Summit 2025.
The Summit theme is “Multidisciplinary approaches to frailty and dementia”, but we will consider submissions on any topic related to improving healthcare for people with frailty.
Two submissions will also be invited to present a rapid-fire talk on Friday 21 February 2025.
Specifications
Abstract
Abstracts must contain the following subheadings:
- Title
- Background & Rationale
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion & Conclusion
There is a max character limit of 2,000 (incl. spaces). References, figures, and tables are not permitted in the abstract.
Poster
Size: Portrait A1 (59.4 cm x 84.1 cm)
Rapid Fire Talks
Two submissions will be invited to present rapid-fire talks on Friday 21 February 2025. These presentations will be a maximum of three minutes and may be supported by up to three PowerPoint slides. More information about the rapid-fire talk will be provided with the invitations.
Key Dates
- Submissions Open: Monday 16 September 2024
- Submissions Close: Sunday 10 November 2024 – *Deadline extended!*
- Outcome Notifications: Week commencing 25 November 2024
- Registration Deadline for Successful Applicants: Friday 6 December 2024
Important Information
Abstract submissions must be made online via the link on this page by 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday 10 November 2024. There will not be any extensions beyond this date.
Successful submitters will be notified via email the week of 25 November 2024.
All selected presenters must confirm their participation by Friday 6 December 2024.
Accepted submitters must register, pay the registration fee, and attend the Summit in person.
Registration
Click here to register
Rates
In-person event: The AFN Summit 2025 will be held as an in-person event from 20–21 February 2025 at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre. This two-day event will feature expert speakers, engaging sessions, and valuable networking opportunities for all attendees.
Refund Policy: Attendees may request a refund up to 30 days before the event start date. Refund requests must be submitted in writing. Approved refunds will be processed through the original payment method within 7-10 business days.
Membership: Your registration includes a free one-year membership to the Australian Frailty Network (AFN). If you would like to opt out, please select that option during registration.
Contact Us: For any questions regarding registration costs, please reach out to [email protected].
Sponsors
Sydney Health Partners Geriatric Medicine Clinical Academic Group (SHP GM CAG)
We are pleased to have Sydney Health Partners Geriatric Medicine Clinical Academic Group (SHP GM CAG) as a sponsor of the AFN Summit 2025. SHP GM CAG is focused on improving health outcomes in frailty and ageing by connecting healthcare services, academic research, and clinical practice. They aim to translate evidence-based research into tangible improvements in patient care. Their work involves collaboration across hospitals, universities, and research institutes to drive innovation in geriatric medicine.
For more information, visit Sydney Health Partners.
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Location - NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre
Got any questions? Please email [email protected]
