Boosting our aged care workforce

St Agnes’ Catholic Parish recently achieved a major milestone in workforce development through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Fifteen workers from Vanuatu graduated with a Certificate III in Individual Support from St Agnes' registered training organiastion, John Henry Institute. This achievement marks a key step in addressing the aged care workforce shortage as part of the Australian Government’s Aged Care Expansion (ACE) program.

The graduation ceremony on May 1, 2024, celebrated the dedication of the graduates and the collaborative efforts of key partners. Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, and the local community attended to acknowledge this outstanding achievement.

This initiative began in August 2023 when the 15 Ni-Vanuatu workers arrived in Port Macquarie to embark on their training journey. John Henry Institute, in partnership with the PALM and ACE programs, facilitated comprehensive, hands-on training in workplace health and safety, first aid, and aged care support – skills not readily available in Vanuatu. Natasha Murphy, Manager of John Henry Institute and Learning and Development Manager at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, played a pivotal role in the program’s success.

“Our approach focuses on practical, real-world applications, ensuring workers are job-ready from day one,” Natasha said. “This program not only equips participants with essential skills but also builds a sustainable workforce that improves the quality of care for our residents.”

Ken Ritchie, Executive Manager of People and Human Resources at St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, highlighted the broader impact. “This initiative is more than just filling vacancies – it empowers individuals, supports their communities back home, and strengthens our care services.”

Graduate Pareina Matariki shared her heartfelt gratitude. “Aged care is deeply respected in my culture. This opportunity has allowed me to serve the elderly here and take valuable skills back to my community in Vanuatu.”

The graduates will continue working with St Agnes’ for up to four years, gaining invaluable experience before returning home. Their journey exemplifies the power of international partnerships in creating positive change while enriching both Australian and Pacific communities.

John Henry Institute's dedication to practical training and community engagement has been a cornerstone of this initiative, reinforcing our commitment to building a more sustainable aged care workforce for the future.