2025 brought both pressure and progress across aged care, disability, and social services - reshaping the social sector in profound ways. From the new Aged Care Act to shifts in disability policy and workforce expectations, organisations have navigated change at every level.

In our wrap-up of the year, we reflect on these, the challenges and cultural shifts that shaped the sector, and what they mean for leaders preparing for 2026. Amid uncertainty, one thing is clear: the opportunity to build stronger, more values-aligned organisations has never been greater.

Will 2026 take the sector beyond the challenges reform, and provide opportunities for real transformation?