Boost for Deniliquin aged care
The Deniliquin region has reached the next stage of capital works to support regional health and aged care in the western Riverina region, opening two new education spaces.
Back in November 2022, the Three Rivers Department of Rural Health at Charles Sturt University was awarded $2.25 million in funding under the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Aged Care Expansion Grant to be used to complete works in the Deniliquin region.
The funding allowed for capital works projects with two partner aged care facilities in the western Riverina region of south-western NSW, the establishment of extensive professional development programs for the local aged care workforce and the expansion of student placement programs in Deniliquin, Finley and surrounding areas.
Community-owned and operated Navorina Nursing Home and Southern Cross Care NSW and ACT Orana Residential Home opened the two new education spaces on 5 May. It’s hoped the spaces will enhance the existing student placement program at the two facilities.
Deniliquin-based clinical educator and lecturer in Rural Health with Three Rivers DRH Cassie Biggs said these changes will positively affect residents’ lives and student learning opportunities.
“The capital works funding has enabled both sites to undertake work to enhance the residential spaces while providing an opportunity to increase student learning activities,” she said.
“During their placement, students live and work in the local community, embracing country life. These placements showcase the rewards of working in aged care within rural communities.”
A refurbished indoor area at Orana Residential Home will provide an educational hub for living skills training and intergenerational knowledge exchange, supporting student-led programs, didactic lectures and workforce preparation experiences.
For residents at Navorina Nursing Home, there will be a functional mobility garden and intergenerational meeting space too.
Ms Biggs said the student placement programs contribute to the growth of a compassionate and empathetic clinical workforce that understands the challenges of the industry.
“Our residents enjoy the social interaction and find a sense of value in contributing to student learning, and they are, by far, the best teachers,” she said.
“Students gain insight into the benefits of rural living, the sense of community and the work-life balance that it offers and hopefully will consider a career in the country when they graduate.”
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