A long-term advocate for health reform, Lyn brings over 20 years of experience as a health consumer advisor, representative, and community board member. Having personally experienced sepsis, she is a vocal champion for greater awareness of this life-threatening condition. “Could it be sepsis?” is the critical question she urges all clinicians to ask when faced with a deteriorating patient – a mantra that underscores her mission to improve health outcomes.

Lyn’s impressive contributions extend far beyond advocacy.

From personal health experiences, she also now champions for her husbands care, who has advanced dementia.

She has helped develop courses at Torrens University with Rachel Ambagtsheer – such as “Challenging Ageism” wher you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to recognise and challenge ageism wherever you see it, including within your own behaviour and how you communicate with others. In this one-hour course, you explore what ageism is, where it comes from and the serious consequences it has for older people and the societies they live in. You improve your understanding of ageism and its consequences, learn how to recognise ageism, including within yourself, and explore a range of proactive strategies you can put in place to challenge ageism wherever you encounter it.

https://shortcourses.torrensonline.com/unit/view/id:2912

We digress (however it is a favourite topic).

Previously, Lyn co-authored a paper on experience-based co-design (EBCD), aimed at enhancing care planning for older adults with multimorbidity. Her leadership is also evident in her roles on the SNAP Global Trial Steering Committee and as Co-Chair of the SNAP Consumer Advisory Group. In recognition of her expertise, Lyn was awarded a SPHERE scholarship to lead a systematic review of person-centred care interventions for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

As a staunch proponent of consumer-centred care, Lyn envisions a healthcare system where patients and their families are active co-designers in research and care delivery. She is passionate about fostering safety and quality across the health journey—from primary to tertiary care, and in both public and private sectors.

Lyn’s unwavering commitment continues with her role on the Council of Elders. This Committee is pivotal in ensuring that aged care reforms are not only communicated effectively but also reflect the lived experiences and voices of older Australians. The Council was established in response to Recommendation 9 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s Final Report. This Council serves as a powerful conduit, delivering the voices of older Australians directly to the government.

Through her tireless work, Lyn Whiteway continues to champion the inclusion of lived experiences in shaping the future of aged care and healthcare systems. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of putting people at the centre of policy, care, and reform.

No matter their age.