Since the beginning of the Queensland Home Care Workforce Support Program (HCWSP) in mid 2022, a key component has been a range of in-person forums delivered across the State which have created rich discussion and collaboration to raise the aspiration of the Aged Care Sector. The most recent was held in Hervey Bay.
Led by Council on the Ageing, Queensland in partnership with SkillsHubs and Skills Generation, the HCWSP is closing in on the target of adding 2,272 new Personal Care Workers to the industry to support Older Queenslanders.
With a focus on strategies for workforce and reform success, the latest round of workshops involved local aged care providers, both Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Package providers. Jennene Buckley and Tash Edwards of Enkindle Consulting provided practical tools and information to assist providers in planning for the future.
Evaluator for the Queensland HCWSP, Emeritus Professor Julie Byles AO, was also at the Hervey Bay workshop.
“There’s enormous value in forums like these to connect people, fast-tracking progress and reform. The best changes come from grassroots communication and the Hervey Bay forum is a great example of that. Working together we were able to brainstorm new ways of ensuring quality care, potential partners, and community connections,” Julie said.
Fellow researcher and Project Manager, Louise Saxton also participated in the workshop. In addition she also spent time with the staff of ‘The Hive’, the engine room of Skills Hubs. The Hive has been the launchpad for over 1900 Queenslanders gaining employment within the aged care industry. The Hive acts as a central point of contact for candidates and providers, matching the right people to the right job for them within the aged care industry.
While at The Hive, Louise gained valuable insights into how the HCWSP is progressing, resulting in more Queenslanders gaining paid positions in the aged care industry. “Skills Hubs’ Hive in Brisbane is quite literally a hive of activity”, said Louise. “It was truly inspiring to witness the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of the team. Their commitment to connecting with new candidates, guiding them towards successful employment and their assistance in helping them retain that employment is amazing.”
The research team play a valuable role working alongside Skills Hubs, not only from an evaluation perspective but in providing insight into the workforce, providers and the general landscape of the industry.