How Can We Better Navigate Staffing in Aged Care Facilities during COVID-19?

The question being asked across the country right now is “Why wasn’t aged care in Victoria better prepared for coronavirus outbreaks?”
ABC 7.30 investigated this issue on August 4th, reporting that “when the first signs of COVID-19 outbreak emerged in aged care facilities in March, it quickly became clear that the vulnerabilities it was exposing were not just those of the frail elderly, but to the system itself of the inherent weaknesses of its workforce.” Watch more here.

COVID-19 Has Exposed the Vulnerability of the Aged Care Workforce

ABC’s 7:30 report questioned the vulnerability of the aged care workforce and raised the issue of the aged care workforce’s ability to deal with the pandemic, referencing “woefully paid” staff with “no minimum training qualifications”.


The Royal Commission into Aged Care will be holding a special sitting next week to look at lessons learnt to date as to what has happened in aged care facilities. At the same time, the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 has been seeking an explanation from the Federal Minister for Aged Care and related health bureaucrats as to why the early tragedies in aged care failed to trigger preparation for future outbreak

We’re Watching the Victorian Experience Closely

As the leading provider of staff in the aged care industry in NSW, we’re watching the Victorian cases closes, while working hard to support clients who may be impacted by COVID-19. In March 2020 my team supported an Aged Care facility who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sydney helping staff the facility around the clock for four weeks while their staff were in isolation. My team and I are committed to providing qualified and experienced staff to maintain quality of care.


In Victoria every healthcare service and related service where they might find a ready workforce is under pressure because of the community transmission, and there are limits to the identification of a replacement workforce. To compound this issue, ABC 7.30 Reports that only 1 in 3 care workers in Australia have completed the infection control training and the request to put the list of homes with public outbreaks was denied.


Is the response too slow? Can the system cope?

Australian Government’s Guidance for Residential Aged Care Services

The Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission has expanded on the government's guidance with advice for providers of residential aged care services to protect consumers in residential facilities and home care services from the health risks related to COVID-19. This includes specific issues, actions to take, and helpful strategies to ensure the ongoing safety of aged care consumers. You can access the Commission's advice on their website here.


Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, the Commission is encouraging aged care providers to come up with innovative ways to ensure the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of consumers in their care, from keeping in touch with family and friends to activities that promote engagement. Some of these examples can be viewed here. Scroll down to watch the short video that contains four examples of services' innovative approach to the pandemic, and the current restrictions on visitors.


The Illawarra Mercury reported a new special care unit to protect its residents, staff and the community.  Warrigal is getting more COVID-19 ready by trialling a new special care unit at Warilla. The senior living provider has not recorded any confirmed coronavirus cases in any of its facilities but decided to develop the special care unit itself in its ongoing efforts to protect residents, staff and community from exposure to the virus. Read more here. 

How Can We Better Navigate Staffing in Aged Care Facilities during COVID-19?

The question remains - how can we ensure and support safe, quality care for aged care consumers during visitor restrictions relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?


This Sydney Morning Herald article by Farrah Tomazin and Max Kozlowski was written 10 months ago, prior to COVID-19. This demonstrates there was already a shortage of staff in aged care due to funding shortages to aged care providers from the Australian government. 



Now the industry is at a breaking point, and the sector being criticised, even though they are doing a phenomenal job under the circumstances.


Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide. The impact is devastating — ripplin

Changing the Narrative on Suicide

September 8, 2025
World Suicide Prevention Day 2025: Changing the Narrative on Suicide Why World Suicide Prevention Day Matters Each year, an estimated 720,000 people die by suicide worldwide . The impact is devastating — rippling through families, friendships, workplaces, and entire communities. Behind every statistic is a story, a life, and loved ones left behind. This reality reminds us why World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) matters. On 10 September 2025 , people and organisations across the globe will come together to mark WSPD under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This year, the campaign is placing particular emphasis on accessibility, with resources translated into more languages so the message of hope can reach more people, in more places. As Professor Jo Robinson, President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), shares: “Suicide prevention is a shared commitment that unites us across borders, cultures, and communities. As we continue our journey to change the narrative on suicide, let us ensure our message of hope and understanding reaches everyone — in every corner of the world.” What Does “Changing the Narrative” Mean? For too long, conversations about suicide have been surrounded by silence, stigma, and misunderstanding. Changing the narrative means shifting towards openness, empathy, and support. It’s about making suicide prevention everybody’s business — not just the responsibility of mental health professionals. The movement calls us to action in several key ways: Raising awareness and understanding through open, compassionate conversations. Advocating for the decriminalisation of suicide and the development of national suicide prevention strategies. Taking action by checking in with loved ones, sharing stories, and participating in training. Ensuring that people in crisis areas have access to mental health care and protective support. Ways You Can Get Involved in World Suicide Prevention Day 1. Start a Conversation and Raise Awareness Online A simple post using #WSPD can help challenge stigma and spread hope. Free resources, posters, and videos are available through organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, Lifeline, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention. 2. Raise Awareness at Work Workplaces play a powerful role in shaping culture and supporting staff. Host an event, share resources with your team, or consider creating a wellbeing initiative that prioritises mental health in your workplace. 3. Reach Out to Someone If you notice a friend, colleague, or family member struggling, reaching out can make all the difference. Asking “How are you really going?” might be exactly what they need to hear. 4. Listen Well When someone shares their worries, listen without judgment. Don’t minimise their feelings or rush to provide answers. Sometimes, being heard is the most powerful form of support. 5. Rethink Attitudes Toward Mental Health Reject harmful ideas like “just get over it” or “toughen up.” Encouraging openness shows people it’s safe to talk about their struggles and seek help when they need it. 6. Encourage People to Seek Support Whether it’s through a GP, a counsellor, or a helpline, professional help can make a huge difference. Remind those around you that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

The Youth Is Needed

August 6, 2025
International Youth Day – Celebrating the Future of Healthcare Each year on International Youth Day, we honour the creativity, resilience, and potential of young people around the globe. At Health Staff Australia, we believe it’s also a powerful opportunity to highlight how youth play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country — from aged care to frontline nursing and allied health services. Young healthcare professionals are not just the future — they’re already making a difference today. Whether it’s through their work as Registered Nurses (RNs), Assistant in Nursing (AINs), Support Workers, Doctors, Occupational Therapists (OTs), or in countless other roles, young people are stepping up with compassion, innovation, and a drive to care. Youth in Aged Care and Nursing: The Impact is Real Australia’s healthcare landscape is changing rapidly, particularly as our population ages. This makes sectors like aged care and disability support more vital than ever. Youth who choose careers in these fields bring fresh energy, empathy, and a willingness to learn — helping to enhance the quality of care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. The nursing profession is the largest single health profession in Australia, and as the Australian Parliament notes, “workforce planning is critical to ensure alignment of nursing supply with demand required by the health system, to create a sustainable nursing workforce for Australia” ( source ). That means we need more young people to consider healthcare as a career path — and not just any role, but those in high-demand sectors like residential aged care, community health, mental health support, and disability services. 

Signs You’re Meant to Be a Support Worker

July 2, 2025
You Were Made for This: The Qualities That Make a Great Support Worker – and How to Grow Them Support work is not just a job. It’s a quiet kind of strength, a steady hand, and a heart that chooses care—again and again. At Health Staff Australia, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a truly compassionate support worker can make. But what is it that makes someone right for this role? And how can you grow into the kind of carer you aspire to be? Whether you’re new to the field or have been walking alongside others for years, this is for you.