Aged care training hub opens in Mandurah

An announcement about the opening of the Coolibah Care training hub for the aged care industry has been welcomed by the Council on the Ageing (COTA WA).

COTA WA Chief Executive Officer Mark Kinsela welcomed the opening of the centre in Mandurah, stating that the launch of the Coolibah Care training hub signifies a bold stride towards empowering staff and students with hands-on and online learning.

The centre will assist with the training of future generations of aged carers, made possible by the $100,000 grant from the WA Government’s Regional Development Grants Program to fund the centre.

“This centre isn’t just a response; it’s a solution. It is pleasing to see that the Cook government is taking steps to address workforce challenges within aged care and elevate the standards of care older Australians in aged care rightfully deserve,” Kinsela said.

COTA WA Board Chair Mary Anne Stephens highlighted that with an expected shortfall of at least 110,000 aged care workers by 2031 across Australia, this was a positive forward step in ensuring there are facilities to train these aged care workers.

“Fostering a workforce with access to training opportunities and the chance to enhance their skill sets is so important when it comes to the quality of care older individuals receive,” Stephens said.

“Delivering top-tier care for our seniors demands a highly skilled and supported workforce. The opening of this training hub is an example of innovative solutions to tackle these issues head-on, particularly in regions where service demands are at higher levels.

“The opening of this training hub is an example of what can be achieved when government backs innovation at the grassroots level. It’s a catalyst for empowering workers in the regions.

“We eagerly await witnessing the tangible impact and positive outcomes that this centre will bring into action, setting a new benchmark for excellence in aged care.”

Image credit: iStock.com/kazuma seki