The Commission collaborated with organisations to develop resources and measure sustained outcomes. One Victorian local government assessed two online workshops three months later and found 100% agree they benefited from attending the workshop and 94.5% agreed they viewed ageing and older people more positively. Most participants implemented changes to their daily work or conversations such as changing the language they use when talking with, or about older adults (94.4%), sharing learnings with colleagues, friends and family (77.8%), developing age inclusive approaches at work (77.58) and challenging ageist remarks (72.2%). Age Awareness Workshops In July 2023 the Age Discrimination Team published the report Changing Perspectives: testing an ageism intervention, which found that a short, targeted workshop could drive positive changes in attitudes and behaviour, which may be sustained over time. Public interest in the project led the Commission to conduct ongoing talks and workshops across Australia. The Commission conducted 20 workshops and numerous talks during the original research phase (reaching about 500 people either online or in person across Australia) and 14 workshops and 8 talks since August 2023-June 2024, reaching about 1,167 people. The second phase reached audiences of different ages, cultures, languages, geographical locations and professions, including council staff, aged care staff, TAFE teachers, optometrists, dentists, private sector staff delivering aged care services, researchers and policy-makers, and older people themselves. Ongoing evaluations indicate an average of 92% of attendees say they benefited from the workshop, with most commenting that it is good that tricky topics can be discussed in a non-judgemental way, with humour, sensitivity, grounded knowledge and tools to challenge the issue. An unexpected outcome for many older and younger participants is realising the role self-directed ageism can play in limiting their lives. Reflections and comments from attendees on what they have done included: “Stop telling my mum/ others “Hey I’ll grab this for you, or I’ll carry this - because you’re old” (heavy groceries etc.). She’s 51, very capable and definitely not old. It was meant in jest, but I didn’t realise how that narrative might affect her and subconsciously be limiting for her.” “It has really got me thinking about ageism and how it is embedded in everyday life and work without me ever realising. I have made changes where I can - especially in language and have talked to friends and family about ageist comments that are made which most people don’t even realise are ageist!” This project is an important example of how the Commission delivers independent and valuable research as reported in the 2022-23 reporting period, but it has strategically linked ongoing work to challenge ageism into broad professional and community networks. Importantly, the impact of the workshops is sustained, giving participants the information, tools and agency to feel empowered and confident to have conversations about ageism in their workplaces, with family and more. Annual Report 2023–2024 • 39