UNE, via UNE Partnerships, has partnered with Katalis, a joint 5-year Australia-Indonesia Government business development initiative, to deliver their Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) to a pilot group of final-year nursing students in Indonesia. Graduates of this program will hold a qualification to support their pursuit of employment opportunities in the Australian aged care sector.
The Koala spoke with Benjamin Gilmore, CEO of UNE Partnerships who said “being the delivery partner in a program that supports the broader Australia-Indonesia relationship is an incredible opportunity for UNE.”
“It’s a win-win-win,” said Gilmore. “Australia is facing critical shortages in the personal care worker space, and this program seeks to address that by increasing the pool of highly educated and motivated professionals from Indonesia. Elderly patients win by receiving improved care outcomes, students in Indonesia win by having the opportunity to gain experience in Australia, and the UNE wins in being the delivery partner.”
Right, he is. According to research informing the program, Australia faces a shortage of at least 110,000 direct aged-care workers within the next decade. A shortage of 400,000 aged care workers is projected by 2050, unless staffing issues are addressed. By 2031, nearly 20% of the population is expected to be aged over 65, up from around 16% in 2022, meaning demand for care will continue to grow.
Under the joint program of the Australian and Indonesian governments, Katalis, is supporting the first cohort of 20 individuals recruited from Binawan University’s Nursing alumni and further trained by University of New England Partnerships in a six-month course which is due to commence next week. From 2026 onwards the program size will be increased to 75+ nursing students and graduates, training by UNEP and work experience ensuring consistency of standards.
The Koala wishes UNE well in the delivery of this new program.
