News

Supporting Victoria’s Aged Care Workforce

11 December 2025

The Victorian Government has enhanced support for aged care homes with two key initiatives:

  • Extended Grants: The Residential Aged Care Equipment Program has been extended, now accepting applications until 16 December 2025. Aged care facilities can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to purchase or upgrade essential clinical tools that help nurses conduct comprehensive health assessments. Early detection and timely intervention reduce unnecessary hospital visits.
  • Free Training: All aged care nursing staff are eligible for free Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Older Person training, delivered by La Trobe University. Over 280 nurses have completed the course and around 900 more are registered. The training covers 47 assessments across areas like mobility, pain, hydration, and cognition—boosting confidence and care quality.

These efforts are part of a broader investment in the nursing workforce, which includes free nursing degrees, free TAFE Diplomas in Nursing, new prescribing powers for endorsed midwives, and a 28.4% pay rise for public sector nurses and midwives.

Together, these initiatives aim to ensure aged care homes are well-equipped and staffed, enabling older Victorians to live with greater health, dignity, and independence.

More information is available at health.vic.gov.au/residential-aged-care-equipment-program.

Information on the training is available at latrobe.edu.au/funded-chaop-victoria.