As part of its overall remit to build aged care workforce capacity and capability, ARIIA delivering a pilot program to support First Nations aged care providers and workers. This initiative strengthens culturally safe, evidence-informed aged care services for First Nations seniors across Australia. The program is supported by the J.O & J.R. Wicking Trust, through the project named, Supporting First Nations Alliance Building.
Guided by Community Voices
This program was shaped by insights from the First Nations Aged Care Workforce Needs and Opportunities Roundtable, held in Tarndanya/Adelaide in October 2024. The event brought together over 20 First Nations aged care experts and community stakeholders to explore workforce needs, care models, and opportunities for ARIIA to support the sector through activities that empower workforce capability building and culturally safe service delivery.
Key themes included:
- The importance of relationship-based, culturally appropriate care
- Recognition of lived experience and community knowledge over formal qualifications
- The need for flexible, hybrid models of care that reflect community realities
- Support for family carers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- Greater visibility of best-practice examples and peer learning opportunities
These insights directly informed the design of the pilot activities below.
Activity 1: ARIIA dedicated First Nations Web Page
A dedicated section of the ARIIA Website is now live , showcasing culturally appropriate, evidence-based best practices in aged care for First Nations communities- including information about innovative models of care, workforce recruitment, training and support initiatives, with stories of inspirational leadership from the people that have been involved. Links to ARIIA’s easy to read evidence summaries and research resources to inform and support the aged care workforce and organisations.
This hub features:
- Community-led case studies
- Podcasts and reports
- Practical examples of successful initiatives
It was co-developed with First Nations-identifying aged care leaders and care providers, researchers and designers to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility.
Activity 2: Workforce Peer Learning Program — In Progress
The Workforce Capability Strengthening Activity aims to build local capacity and foster innovation in culturally safe care. This pilot is currently being developed and will offer three First Nations aged care workers the opportunity to visit and learn from leading First Nations aged care providers. Participants will:
- Observe best-practice models
- Receive mentoring
- Co-design adaptation plans for implementation of new initiatives in their own communities
Placements will be negotiated with participating organisations and supported by ARIIA with follow up access to ARIIA’s capacity building programs. . Learnings from the placements will be shared with the wider First Nations aged care sector through presentations and the Knowledge Hub . ARIIA will support the evaluation of the placements to describe success factors and challenges identified during the pilot which will inform the feasibility of delivery of the activity at scale.
Activity 3: Knowledge Sharing Event — Scheduled for May 2026
A national networking event will be held in 2026 to:
- Connect First Nations aged care leaders
- Share success stories and build stronger relationships
- Promote collaboration and peer support
- Highlight sector priorities and challenges
- Include an in-person meeting of the ARIIA First Nations Governance Group
The event will also feature:
- A report on ARIIA’s First Nations program and pilot activities (Activities 1 and 2)
- Planning sessions for future ARIIA work in the First Nations aged care sector
Held in Tandanya/Adelaide, the event will amplify the voices and experiences of First Nations aged care leaders and help shape future initiatives.