Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia has launched a new First Nations Hub to showcase culturally appropriate, evidence-based practices in aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The First Nations Hub brings together innovative models of care, successful practice examples, and information on workforce recruitment, training and support initiatives that have been developed around the nation for and by First Nations aged care organisations.
The Hub links to Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia's (ARIIA) easy to read evidence summaries and research resources to inform and support the aged care workforce and organisations. The Hub features community-led case studies and practical examples of successful initiatives, as well as stories of inspirational leadership from the people who have been involved.
ARIIA program and research director, Dr Rebecca Bilton said one of ARIIA's missions is to strengthen the capacity and capability of the aged care workforce.
"Part of this is ensuring the workforce is equipped and has the capability to deliver culturally safe care," she said.
"Our new First Nations Hub was co-developed with First Nations-identifying aged care leaders and care providers, researchers and designers to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility.
"One of the messages we heard clearly from the experts was that it was hard to easily find information on successful implementation of workforce initiatives for First Nations aged care; and that ARIIA could be a good ally by using its expertise to highlight these initiatives, many of which are found at the community level.
"The second barrier to overcome was the lack of support to implement new ideas - so peer-learning support and funding through the knowledge exchange visits will help First Nations leaders adapt good practice shared by others back into their local communities."
The Hub is part of the First Nations Aged Care Workforce Capability Building Program, developed by ARIIA to support First Nations aged care providers and workers and made possible through the generous support of the J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust.
The program was informed by the First Nations Aged Care Workforce Needs and Opportunities Roundtable, which was hosted by ARIIA in Tarndanya/Adelaide in October 2024.
The event impressively 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.
The Hub showcases two of the three activities designed to address insights gathered at the Roundtable. Activity 1 involves case studies of, and resources to support, the successful implementation of good practice, Activity 2 involves knowledge exchange visits. Activity 3 involves a knowledge sharing event (scheduled for May 2026).
"ARIIA's First Nations Aged Care Workforce Capability Building Program aims to enhance the delivery of culturally safe and evidence-informed aged care services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia" said interim First Nations Aged Care commissioner, Andrea Kelly.
"By highlighting Indigenous knowledge systems and community-led approaches, it contributes to care environments that are more responsive, respectful, and grounded in the principles of cultural safety and self-determination," she said.
"This Program is aligned with and supports a range of Commonwealth funded aged care initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that focus on workforce and organisational capability building."
The First Nations Hub features an artwork commissioned by ARIIA, titled 'Journey of care and connection'.
The artwork was created by proud Wiradjuri woman Amy Kilby from the Riverina in New South Wales and represents ARIIA's program of work focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It reflects the themes of respect, innovation and collaboration, and honours the role of Elders and communities in shaping the future of aged care.
