Author talks & events

Alice is available to present author talks at public libraries and voluntary associations without charge. These are normally for one hour, but contact me with your requirements.

Blacktown City Seniors Forum – 24 October 2024

2024 BLACKTOWN CITY SENIORS FORUM PANEL
Dr R. Michael Crampton | Education and Engagement Clinical Lead, WentWest
Dr. Michael Crampton is a seasoned General Practitioner with over three decades of
experience. His career has been dedicated to improving healthcare, particularly for older
adults. As a GP Clinical Lead at WentWest, Dr. Crampton focuses on providing education and
support to GPs and their patients.
He has held various leadership roles in medical organisations, advocating for eHealth,
immunisation, and integrated care. Recognised for his contributions to the profession, Dr.
Crampton was named the 2014 RACGP GP of the Year.
Primary topics: Health and Wellbeing

Alice Mantel | Lawyer, writer, OWN board member
Alice Mantel is a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specialising in family and elder law.
She is passionate about helping older people navigate the complexities of retirement, and
her practical advice is grounded in years of experience working with clients.
Alice understands that retirement is a unique journey. Her expertise covers topics such as
continuing to work, navigating the aged care system, exploring housing options, organising
legal affairs, and managing finances. Through her approachable and knowledgeable
approach, Alice empowers older people to make informed decisions and embrace a fulfilling
retirement.
As a current board member of the Older Women’s Network, she continues to advocate for
improving the economic position of older women.
Primary topics: Elder Abuse – Legal – Retirement

Michael Maxwell | Manager Community, Blacktown City Council
Michael is Manager Community at Blacktown City Council. His passionate Community
Development Team are responsible for supporting the wellbeing of all Blacktown City
residents and for creating links to resources that will help them to live their best lives. The
team work closely with our City’s senior’s groups and with the Blacktown City Senior Citizen’s
Advisory Committee to identify and address issues of concern to older residents.
Primary topic: Council (local government)

Ruma Kathpalia | Aged Care Specialist, Services Australia
With over 15 years of experience at Services Australia, Ruma is dedicated to supporting older
Australians and their families navigate the complexities of My Aged Care.
As an Aged Care Specialist Officer, she provides expert guidance on government programs,
including My Aged Care, Centrelink services, and payment entitlements. Her role involves
assisting individuals in understanding aged care fees, eligibility for government support, and
accessing residential care or Home Care packages.
She is committed to ensuring older Australians receive the care and support they need to
maintain their independence and quality of life.
Primary topic: My Aged Care

Preparing for retirement – 9 February 2023

Parramatta Library, 1-2 pm

Event Overview

Women experience retirement differently to men. Mostly, they live longer and are worse off financially. During the last third of their life, they take on many roles – they care for their parents, their grandchildren and their partner.

When approaching her own retirement, former lawyer, Alice Mantel realised that few books could answer the questions that were important for her – how will I spend all that extra time? Where should I live? Do I still matter if I am no longer working?

Researching those questions led Alice to write her own book, Every Woman’s Guide to Retirement. This personal and practical book presents a positive view of retirement, assisting women to better navigate this major turning point in their life.

As an experienced lawyer, Alice writes as a friendly adviser who explores the complex situations that women frequently encounter such as organising their legal affairs, understanding the aged care system, exploring housing options and managing finances.

Every Woman’s Guide to Retirement is written in an engaging style, providing actual case studies, thorough research and encouraging an active, connected lifestyle.

This talk will specifically focus on leaving work, preparing for your retirement and making your first year’s retirement plan.

To register: https://parramatta-events.bookable.net.au/?fbclid=IwAR3tHtCQSEQJZfcIyLdJsOTz5GvVcyNtuAAlagg5_8YIJ9xwiHVDaqhAdpY#!/event-detail/ev_51e6b7eedb0b4261a42700f1a87d7b47

13 October 2022 – Burwood Library
Get retirement ready

11 April 2022 – Homebush Probus
All about Wills 

Probus president, Ian Albertson and Alice Mantel 

Learning the meaning of ikigai

Even in retirement there are plenty of new things to learn.  Enjoy dinner and good conversation while learning about the Japanese concept of Ikigai which is very relevant to our daily lives.