International training organisation looks to reverse shortage of aged care workers

Health carers and nurses as part of Groworx’s regional aged care campaign have touched down in Australia. Photo: Groworx.

International healthcare training organisation Groworx will look to overseas workers as a means to bolster regional aged care.

Groworx’s new initiative will provide offshore-trained and job-ready international care workers and nurses to the Australian sector.

The program will enable aged care facilities to recruit international workers and is set to begin sending workers to locations such as Coolamon and Albury within the next month.

Groworx’s Director of Aged Care and Disability Services Donna Dobson said, “We’re excited to welcome the new Filipino workers to Gilgandra and the community.

“They are a mix of overseas-trained registered nurses and care workers who have completed a Certificate III in Aged Care with an Australian training organisation.

“Upon their arrival, the registered nursing staff will initiate a bridging program to facilitate their registration for practice in Australia.”

General Manager of Coolamon Shire Tony Donoghue expressed his approval of the program and dedication of the incoming workers.

“Most importantly, they [incoming workers] want to build their lives here,” he said.

“This is good for providing better care for the elderly and keeping the intergenerational community ties together,” he emphasised.

CEO of Finley Regional Aged Care Ben Levesque echoed the sentiment: “I think it’s a good opportunity not just for short-term staffing but for the long term.

“Groworx’s program is not just about addressing immediate workforce shortages but is a strategic move to ensure the Riverina’s aged care sector thrives in the long run.

“Groworx’s ‘Saving Aged Care in The Bush’ program is poised to make a transformative impact on Riverina’s aged care sector, securing a brighter future for the region’s elderly residents.

“This groundbreaking initiative represents the power of collaboration, innovation, and long-term vision, all working together to save the heart of regional Australia.”

The influx of new workers will make Groworx the largest provider of care workers and nurses in Australia. The organisation will be supported by the Murray Riverina Local Jobs Program and the Aged and Community Care Providers Association.