Ageing Australia is proud to announce its partnership with the Fronditha Care Foundation to promote cultural diversity within the Australian aged care workforce.
Aged Care in Australia is facing significant workforce challenges, with high vacancy rates in direct care roles. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people are integral to our aged care workforce, and their recruitment is critical to addressing these challenges.
“Aged care workers are the heart of our sector, and this campaign celebrates the incredible contributions of our culturally diverse workforce while promoting inclusivity, understanding, and respect,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson.
“Every day, our dedicated workers provide compassion and connection to older Australians from all walks of life. We want to ensure they feel valued, respected, and supported in their roles.”
“With aged care increasingly reliant on workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, it’s more important than ever to foster inclusive, welcoming workplaces where everyone feels safe and empowered.”
“When we nurture our care and support teams, we strengthen the quality of care for older Australians and build a sector that is truly reflective of the diverse communities we serve,” said Mr Symondson.
The cultural diversity in aged care campaign aims to raise awareness of discrimination within the aged care sector, provide support for aged care workers who feel discriminated against and encourage providers to tackle this issue and support their workforce.
According to the Diversity Council of Australia, workplaces are happier and more effective when diversity is embraced, and the organisation and employees actively build inclusion. This will foster respect and a sense of belonging, allowing staff to focus on providing high-quality, person-centred care.
As part of its campaign, Ageing Australia has launched a dedicated suite of resources and tools to help the aged care sector promote cultural diversity, prevent discrimination, and foster inclusivity. Accessible on the Workforce Hub, these resources offer practical advice and support for providers, workers, older Australians, and their families.
Fronditha Care CEO Faye Spiteri OAM explains why this initiative is important.
“Key to supporting the Fronditha Care Foundation’s vision – for every older Australian to receive the care, support and resources they need to lead of life of dignity, vitality and wellbeing – is collaboration,” she said.
“We’re committed to partnerships that contribute substantially to the improvement of service delivery across aged care; our partnership with Ageing Australia does this through the cultural diversity campaign.
“Our collaboration on this project is focused on strengthening sector capacity to support Australia’s culturally diverse workforce and sheds light on the role aged care organisations play in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all.”
Ageing Australia and the Fronditha Care Foundation are dedicated to creating a culturally diverse and inclusive aged care sector, where older Australians receive high-quality, person-centred care, and aged care workers thrive in a supportive, respectful environment.
Further information
Aged care workers and providers can visit https://employment.agedservicesworkforce.com.au/culturaldiversity/
For more information on the Fronditha Care Foundation visit https://frondithacarefoundation.org/
Media contact: Peter O’Dempsey 0499 106 957 or
