Greater Charitable Foundation has committed $440,000 in funding over two years to expand Generation Australia’s Locals for Lifelong Care Careers program into the Hunter, Illawarra and Mid North Coast regions. The investment will support 200 jobseekers facing employment barriers, delivering targeted vocational training, mentor support and direct employer placements within local health care, aged care, disability and childcare sectors.
The initiative addresses persistent labour shortages across regional health care and social assistance industries. Research from Jobs and Skills Australia highlights an annual nationwide shortfall of approximately 35,000 aged care workers, while NDIS Review data projects a broader deficit of 285,000 care and support workers across Australia by 2050 if entry-level recruitment pathways remain unchanged.
Generation Australia reports an 83 per cent graduation rate across its vocational programs, with 88 per cent of program graduates securing sector employment within six months of course completion. The regional rollout focuses on connecting entry-level candidates with local service providers to retain skilled labour within regional communities.
Spokesperson for Greater Charitable Foundation, Kirrah McClelland stated that targeted employment pathways improve long-term financial security for regional participants.
“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.”
Chief Executive Officer of Generation Australia, Karena Newland added that expanding training operations outside metropolitan centres connects local employers with job-ready candidates.
“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.”
IMAGE | Greater Charitable Foundation partners with Generation Australia in $440,000 regional care initiative
