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Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program

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Funding opportunity to support building the home care workforce in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia, targeting areas where workforce shortages are most acute.

Current status of program

Opening Soon

The program is expected to open on or before December 2024.

To register your interest, please contact us here.

What is the Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program?

The Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program is a government initiative aimed at building the home care workforce in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia where workforce shortages are most acute. The program will run from 2024 to 2027 and aims to recruit an additional 4,000 Personal Care Workers (PCWs) in these regions. This funding will also help aged care providers expand their local workforce and support PCWs in skill development.

Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program level of support

The program has a total funding pool of up to $20.134 million over three years (2024-2027).

  • The grant amount for individual regions will typically range from $3.3 million to $5 million, depending on the complexity and scope of the proposed activities.

Co-contribution Requirements: Grant recipients are encouraged to provide in-kind contributions towards their projects, which can be up to 20% of the total grant amount. Applicants should clearly indicate the level and type of in-kind contribution in their applications.

Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program important dates

  • Estimated Period of Release: July to December 2024.
  • Grant Period: The grant will be available for up to three years, ending on 30 June 2027.
  • Register your interest with GrantHelper

Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program objectives

The Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program aims to:

  • Build the home care workforce in regional, rural, and remote locations where workforce shortages are most acute.
  • Support aged care providers to expand their local workforce.
  • Assist personal care workers (PCWs) to develop necessary skills and training for working in the sector.
  • Improve human resource practices for better recruitment, retention, and skill development in aged care.

Projects and expenditure eligible for Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program support

Eligible projects must align with the following key themes:

  1. Recruitment of Personal Care Workers (PCWs): Activities to attract new workers to the aged care sector, such as conducting recruitment campaigns, facilitating information sessions, and undertaking pre-employment assessments.
  2. Training and Skill Development: Partnering with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to support PCWs in completing qualifications such as Certificate III in Individual Support or Certificate IV in Ageing Support, and providing mentorship during training.
  3. Capacity Building for Aged Care Providers: Tailored advice for workforce planning, establishing communities of practice, and supporting aged care providers in creating supportive working environments and retaining new recruits.

Ineligible Expenditure

The following activities and expenditures are not eligible for grant funding:

  • Purchase of land.
  • Wages/salaries for staff that do not relate to eligible grant activities.
  • Major capital expenditure or construction works.
  • Costs related to obtaining qualifications such as Certificate III in Individual Support for existing staff.
  • Development of new IT platforms or job boards.
  • Servicing of debt, staff loans, or funding of gifts.

Other Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program important details that you will need to know

To be eligible for funding, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

  • Registered home care service providers.
  • Recruitment agencies, employment service providers, and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers.
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
  • Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) that provide aged care training.
  • Local government and cooperatives.

 

Applications for the Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program will be assessed based on the following criteria:

  1. Alignment with Program Objectives and Outcomes (40%): Applicants must demonstrate how their project addresses the needs and barriers in the proposed region, aligns with program objectives, and adds value to the aged care workforce in that region.
  2. Efficient Use of Grant Funds (20%): Applications must outline how funds will be used effectively and economically, including any in-kind contributions that will support the grant activities.
  3. Organisational Capability and Capacity (20%): Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to address workforce needs, including their experience in cultural awareness and providing wrap-around services in regional and remote areas.
  4. Industry Reach and Relationships (20%): Applicants must provide evidence of their reach within the aged care sector in the proposed regions and demonstrate existing relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as local RTOs and aged care providers.

 

Applicants must:

  • Read and understand the guidelines.
  • Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
  • Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
  • Provide complete information requirements.

 

Applicants are required to prepare the following:

  • Activity Work Plan: Outline of proposed grant activities.
  • Indicative Budget: Detailed budget for the allocation of grant funds.
  • Risk Management Plan: Identification of potential risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Letters of Support: Evidence of support from local stakeholders.

 

See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.

Applications must be submitted via the GrantConnect portal.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

Regional, Rural and Remote Home Care Workforce Support Program resources

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