Career opportunities will be within closer reach for more regional Australians thanks to a partnership between Greater Charitable Foundation and Generation Australia.
The $440,000 funding boost over two years will help to deliver Generation Australia's Locals for Lifelong Care Careers program to 200 jobseekers as they expand their footprint into the Illawarra, Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.
The Locals for Lifelong Care Careers initiative is designed to help people facing employment barriers to build job-readiness and secure meaningful work in the health care and social assistance sectors within their local communities.
The program is responding to workforce shortages in aged care, disability support and childcare by combining short, targeted training with comprehensive support and direct employer connections.
Jobs and Skills Australia research has identified significant workforce shortages in aged care, with industry sources citing an estimated annual shortfall of around 35,000 workers. In addition, according to the NDIS Review's 2023 workforce analysis, Australia could face a shortfall of 285,000 care and support workers by 2049-50 if workforce challenges aren't resolved.
Generation Australia is striving to address these workforce shortages in the care sector across regional NSW, with their programs reporting an 83 per cent graduation rate and 88 per cent of graduates securing employment within six months of program completion.
Greater Charitable Foundation spokesperson Kirrah McClelland said the partnership will help address shortages in the care sector across regional NSW.
"Greater Charitable Foundation is proud to support Generation Australia with their expansion into regional NSW through the Illawarra, Hunter and Mid North Coast," Kirrah said.
"This partnership highlights our shared commitment to improving financial wellbeing through future-focused employment pathways for people facing barriers to get into the workplace."
Generation Australia CEO Karena Newland said the partnership helps to strengthen the organisation’s impact throughout NSW.
"At Generation Australia we are so excited to be working with the Greater Charitable Foundation to allow us to expand our work into new regions in NSW," Karena said.
"This funding will support our work in empowering locals with the opportunity to transform their lives through meaningful work in the care industry.
"By connecting skilled, motivated talent with employers, we’re not just filling roles; we’re launching local careers and creating brighter futures."