Based on current case numbers in the community and within aged care residents and staff in these areas, single site workforce arrangements in hotspots and high risk locations can begin to cease. The Australian Government would like to thank the residential aged care sector for its hard work and collaboration in moving to these arrangements.
Australian Government funding support under the Support for Aged Care Workers in COVID-19 Grant (SACWIC) is available to support providers who have implemented single site arrangements during the relevant grant period.
Providers should commence transition out activities so that normal working arrangements can recommence from the dates set out below. After these dates, eligible providers can submit applications for the SACWIC grant. This will remain open until 30 June 2021.
If you are experiencing financial challenges, you may be able to apply before the end of the activity period. We encourage you to contact the Department of Health to discuss your application.
|
State |
Local Government Area/Suburb |
SACWIC Grant Activity Period |
|---|---|---|
|
New South Wales |
Northern Beaches LGA |
18 December 2020 – 29 January 2021 |
|
Victoria |
Brighton |
31 December 2020 – 29 January 2021 |
|
Doveton |
||
|
Glen Waverley |
||
|
McKinnon |
||
|
Mordialloc |
||
|
Moorabbin |
||
|
Queensland |
City of Brisbane |
8 January 2021 – 22 January 2021 |
|
City of Ipswich |
||
|
Logan City |
||
|
Moreton Bay Region |
||
|
Redland City |
Public Sector facilities in Victoria are continuing single site arrangements until February 2021, as funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, Queensland Government Aged Care Direction No.20 remains in place which recommends Aged Care Facilities limit the mobility of their workers.
Providers are also encouraged to take steps to understand your workforce by developing a register for recording each workers mobility and their skills and training. Further advice on how to prepare for and implement a single site workforce arrangement can be found in the National COVID-19 Aged Care Plan. This guidance will support providers to prepare in the event single site arrangements are required again in the future.
The Support Hub, assisted by ACSA and LASA, is available to support aged care providers and workers with transition out activities. You can visit The Guiding Principles Support Hub or seek assistance by phoning 1800 491 793 (free call).
Workers and managers can also obtain free counselling support by phoning 1300 687 327 or visiting Converge International to book an appointment. Converge International will deliver up to five free counselling sessions per person, per issue. Services include employee and manager support, career guidance, financial counselling and family support. Make sure you state that you are from the 'Department of Health – Aged Care Workforce' when booking.