PNG Aged Care graduates to boost regional services

Aged care workers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) graduated in Brisbane this month with Australian standard qualifications as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The 21 workers from PNG provinces including Western Highlands, New Ireland and Morobe are helping to fill staffing shortages at regional aged care homes including at Allora, Chinchilla, Murgon and Taroom in Queensland’s Western and Darling Downs.

The workers employed by Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) will remain working in Queensland for up to four years, ensuring consistency and continuity of care for residents and allowing the workers to further develop their skills and send income home.

SCCQ CEO Jason Eldering said the skills and workforce shortage in the aged care was among the sector’s most pressing challenges, particularly in regional and rural areas.

“We need to attract and retain workers who not only have the necessary qualifications but also the passion to serve our older Australians with dignity and respect. Our PNG workers have brought an incredible sense of joy and family into our homes and have fostered a warm and loving environment where our residents feel genuinely valued and cherished,” he said.

“We are deeply grateful for the positive and lasting impact they’ve made on the lives of our residents, as their contributions are helping us deliver our vision of growing communities where best lives are lived. By investing in their training and development, we are giving back to those who have given so much to our residents and communities, building a future where their dedication and talent continue to thrive.”

The innovative study program consisted of face-to-face workshops, workplace training and assessments as well as some online support. The training was delivered by the registered training organisation, Akadia Training.

Graduate Ancy Fimaimba said her new qualifications supported income and opportunities for her family back home.

“The certificate three has positioned me as a skilled employee in Australia, enabling me to earn more and provide new experiences for my family. It has also inspired our extended family to seek job opportunities abroad,” Ancy said.

The workers were recruited as part of the Australian Government’s Aged Care Expansion (ACE) program, which supports PALM scheme workers to attain a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) while working in Australia.

The PALM scheme has proven to be a positive partnership between SCCQ and the PNG workers, creating a win-win situation where staff shortages in aged care are alleviated, and the workers gain valuable experience and qualifications.

The graduation event is a momentous occasion, celebrating the achievements of the PALM workers and reinforcing SCCQ’s commitment to building a resilient workforce capable of delivering compassionate, high-quality care to Australia’s elderly population.

Pictured: (L-R): Francess Wassaw, Racheal Tikeitul, Hannah Green, Jamillar Levakia (credit: Aaron Shambrook)

(Source: SCC Qld)