News and events

Each year more than 6,000 Australians die from a fall, and they cost the healthcare system $3 billion a year. Falls Prevention Alliance Australia was launched on 21 October 2025. The Alliance is calling for action to implement Australia's first national plan on falls prevention. The launch brought together passionate advocates, experts, and community leaders united by a shared goal: to prevent falls in older Australians. One of the best ways to prevent and reduce your risk o

As we age, maintaining our health and independence becomes increasingly important. While many older adults focus on cardiovascular and strength training exercises, it's crucial not to overlook balance exercises, which play a vital role in preventing falls—a leading cause of injury among seniors. This article in The Conversation by Prof Anne Tiedemann, Prof Cathie Sherrington and Geraldine Wallbank discusses the importance of balance exercises to reduce risk of falls. It also

Australian culinary icon Maggie Beer, aged 79, recently experienced a serious fall at her home in South Australia's Barossa Valley, resulting in bone fractures. Fortunately, her husband, Col, was present to assist, and doctors anticipate a full recovery. This incident underscores the heightened risk of falls among older adults, as aging can lead to decreased flexibility, stability, and bone density. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fall prevention measure

The SBS podcast episode “Keeping Australians on the Move, and Staying Fit and Healthy” highlights the importance of accessible, home-based exercise for older adults, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  Physiotherapist and PhD candidate, Ima Strkljevic, discusses the development of the "Safe Exercise at Home" booklet and website, designed to help older Australians maintain physical activity safely and independently. Ima translated the

Safe Exercise at Home  has been included on the UN's Decade of Healthy Ageing Platform . The Platform has been designed to create an inclusive, collaborative space where all knowledge relevant for the Decade can be access, shared and interacted with in one place. Click here to read more .

The article from Community Care Review highlights the increased risk of falls among older Australians due to reduced physical activity during COVID-19 lockdowns.  Community Care Review interviewed Rik Dawson from Safe Exercise at Home to find out how this website is looking to address this issue through the offering of tailored exercise programs to help older people maintain strength and balance safely at home. Key Takeaways: Increased fall risk:  COVID-19 restrictions have

Prof Cathy Said spoke on the Neuro Physio Podcast about her current role, and research being done around neuro conditions and older adults. You can listen to the episode here .

Associate Professor Cathy Said appeared on A Neuro Physio Podcast to talk about the creation of the Safe Exercise at Home  website, how people can start getting active, and how you can use the website.  Click here to listen to the episode .

Associate Professor Cathy Said was interviewed by  7 News Melbourne  about the launch of Safe Exercise at Home  and the importance for older people to stay active, especially during COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns.  Click here to watch the segment .

Safe Exercise at Home launched today, 5 May 2020. This online resource aims to encourage and support older people to stay active safely at home during COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. Media Releases: University of Melbourne University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District The launch has also been announced by the Australian Physiotherapy Association who have provided their endorsement of the website.