Peak partnership celebrates diverse workforce

Aged care provider peak body Ageing Australia has announced a partnership with Fronditha Care Foundation – an initiative of not-for-profit aged care provider Fronditha Care – to promote cultural diversity within the aged care workforce.

The campaign will raise awareness of discrimination within the aged care sector, offer support, encourage providers to address workplace discrimination and educate older Australians and their families so discrimination of aged care workers can be reduced.

With the sector facing significant workforce challenges, culturally and linguistically diverse people are integral to addressing vacancy rates in direct care roles – making up more than 50 per cent of the aged care workforce.

Ageing Australia chief executive officer Tom Symondson said the campaign celebrated the contributions of Australia’s culturally diverse workforce while promoting inclusivity, understanding and respect.

“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,” he said.

“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.” 

Through nurturing and caring for support teams, Mr Symondson said quality of care would be improved, and also be more reflective of the diverse communities utilising aged care services – with one in three older Australians being born overseas themselves.

Fronditha Care Foundation was founded in 2023 to enhance Fronditha Care’s commitment to providing culturally appropriate care and collaboratively improve the quality of life of older Australians.

Fronditha Care CEO Faye Spiteri said their vision was for every older Australian to receive the care, support and resources they need to lead a life of dignity, vitality and wellbeing, with collaboration being the best way of supporting that vision.

“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,” said Ms Spiteri. 

Resources and tools for providers, workers, older Australians, and their families can be found on the workforce hub.

Have we missed a new partnership? Send us the details and an image to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au