The dining room has long been the heart of any aged care community, but in 2026, it has also become a focal point for regulatory scrutiny. As the sector adapts to the strengthened Quality Standards, the “hospitality” side of aged care is no longer a peripheral concern; it is a core component of clinical safety and resident dignity.
With providers facing a triad of challenges, including compliance, rising costs, and workforce shortages, the Aged Care Catering Summit, returning to ICC Sydney on 26 May, serves as a timely editorial briefing for the industry.
The central theme of this year’s summit is the practical application of the Food and Nutrition Standard. For many providers, the gap between policy and the dinner plate remains a challenge. Sessions featuring experts like Jessica Zilujko from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission aim to bridge this gap, offering clarity on what constitutes “excellence” during a site audit.
Key areas of focus include:
IDDSI and Dysphagia Management: Moving beyond the technicalities of texture modification to ensure meals remain visually appealing and nutritionally dense.
The Malnutrition Crisis: Strategies for identifying and reversing weight loss through fortified, whole-food approaches rather than relying solely on supplements.
Consumer Choice: How to implement “restaurant-style” service that respects resident autonomy without bloating operational budgets.
Efficiency is the other half of the equation. As the kitchen labour market remains tight, the summit explores how technology and smart procurement can alleviate pressure on staff. By co-locating with Food & Hospitality Week, the event allows attendees to interact directly with the latest equipment and supply-chain innovations designed to streamline aged care kitchens.
For leaders, chefs, and dietitians, the summit is more than a professional development day; it is a collaborative forum to solve the sector’s most persistent hospitality hurdles. Ensuring your team is represented is a proactive step toward not only meeting the new Standards but exceeding the expectations of the residents in your care.
The Aged Care Catering Summit takes place on Tuesday 26 May at the ICC, Sydney as part of Food & Hospitality Week. Limited tickets are still available: https://fhweek.com.au/aged-care-catering-summit
