Aged care team celebrates milestone as over 70 migrant staff achieve permanent residency

Not For Profit aged care provider Scalabrini Communities recently celebrated a major milestone for over 70 of its staff at a special afternoon tea event. These dedicated team members, who are now permanent residents of Australia, have been supported by Scalabrini’s ongoing commitment to the Federal Government’s Labour Agreement programme.

In just the past 18 months, Scalabrini has helped over 90 staff members gain permanent residency, providing them with the security to build long-term futures in Australia. These staff members play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care across Scalabrini’s communities. This effort aligns with the organisation’s mission, founded by John Baptist Scalabrini 140 years ago to support migrants.

To continue this important work, Scalabrini has committed $750,000 to its sponsorship programme for the 2024/2025 financial year. This focus on supporting staff has led to an impressive staff turnover rate of just 9%, much lower than the industry average of 35%. Scalabrini’s dedication to its people has earned the organisation several prestigious awards, including the Best Workplace Award for two consecutive years and the Change Champion Award.

A Workplace That Supports Staff

CEO Richard de Haast (pictured below) praised the programme, saying, “By investing in our dedicated carers and healthcare professionals, we not only enrich their lives but also improve the care provided to older Australians. This event celebrates Scalabrini’s mission to support migrants and create inclusive workplaces where staff can thrive.”

Staff members like Ramila and Manjit have shown incredible resilience in their journeys to Australia. Ramila, originally from Nepal, faced significant challenges after arriving in Australia with her husband. Her plans to become a registered nurse were put on hold when she became pregnant, but thanks to Scalabrini’s sponsorship, she found a path to a new life in Australia. 

Similarly, Manjit moved to Australia from India 15 years ago, facing numerous hurdles to gain permanent residency. With the help of Scalabrini’s support, she was able to secure a position in aged care and build a new future for herself and her family.

Good on you, Scalabrini, for making such a positive difference in the lives of both staff and residents.

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A special thanks to our contributors

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Caroline Egan

DCM Media, agedcare101

Caroline has a wealth of experience writing within the retirement and aged care sector and is a contributing journalist for the Villages.com.au and agedcare101 blog and accompanying newsletters.

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Ian Horswill

Journalist

Ian is a journalist, writer and sub-editor for the aged care sector, working at The DCM Group. He writes for The Weekly Source, agedcare101, villages.com.au and the DCM Institute fortnightly newsletter Friday. Ian is in daily contact with CEOs of retirement living, land lease and the aged care operations and makes a new contact every week. He investigates media releases, LinkedIn and Facebook for a good source for ideas for stories.

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Lauren Broomham

Retirement and Aged Care Journalist

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.

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Jill Donaldson

Physiotherapist

Jill has been practicing as a clinical physiotherapist for 30 years. For the last 13 years she has worked solely in the Aged Care sector in more than 50 metropolitan and regional facilities. Jill has also toured care facilities in the US and Africa and is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff who care for them. She researches and writes for DCM Media.

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Chris Baynes

DCM Media, agedcare101

Chris has been a journalist and publisher in the retirement village and aged care sectors for 11 years. He has visited over 250 retirement villages and 50 aged care facilities both within Australia and internationally. Chris is a regular speaker at industry conferences plus is a frequent radio commentator.

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Annie Donaldson

Nurse and Carer

Annie has a long career in both nursing and the media. She has planned and co-ordinated the medical support from both international TV productions and major stadium events. In recent years she has been a primary family carer plus involved in structured carer support.