A new research and training initiative led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) will help make aged-care workplaces safer, healthier, and more supportive for staff across regional and rural communities.
The CARE-R Project (Cultivating Aged-care Resilience and Engagement in the Regions) will tackle one of the sector's fastest-growing challenges – psychosocial injury caused by stress, burnout, and exposure to trauma.
The project is funded by the Applied Research Grants Program through TAFE Queensland's TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support.
UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the project reflected the University's commitment to research that strengthens communities and delivers practical outcomes.
"The CARE-R Project is about helping the people who care for others," Professor Nelson said.
"As the sector evolves, it's critical we safeguard the work that only humans can do – the connection, compassion, and judgement that sit at the heart of quality care.
"It brings together UniSQ's research expertise and the on-the-ground experience of industry partners to create practical, evidence-based solutions that improve mental health and resilience in aged-care workplaces.
"Through this research, and our leadership of the Southern Queensland Education Alliance in partnership with TAFE Queensland, we're ensuring the care workforce feels supported, valued, and equipped to deliver the highest quality care."
The project will work directly with aged-care workers and managers to identify the most prominent sources of workplace stress and co-design practical tools to prevent harm and build resilience.
Led by Professor Marion Gray from UniSQ, the team will develop two key resources – a Leadership Workshop to train supervisors and managers in recognising and managing psychosocial risks, and an open-access digital platform offering online wellbeing modules and practical resources for aged-care workers.
Professor Gray said the initiative would help address growing pressures in the aged-care workforce.
"Aged-care workers face increasing stress and emotional demands, often with limited access to training or support, particularly in regional areas," she said.
"Through CARE-R, we'll be working alongside them to create tools that make workplaces safer, more supportive, and more resilient."
The project will be implemented in partnership with Southern Cross Care and Ozcare, representing more than 60 sites and 6,000 staff across Queensland.
Future plans include adapting the CARE-R platform for national use and developing a version for students preparing to enter aged-care placements.
TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support Executive Director Renee Hindmarsh said the CARE-R Project would deliver benefits for Queenslanders.
"We're proud to support UniSQ with an Applied Research Grant because this project will help deliver evidence-based, meaningful training solutions for the aged-care workforce," Ms Hindmarsh said.
"At some stage, aged-care touches all of our lives, and supporting the skills and wellbeing of this critical workforce is key to ensuring quality care and safe, rewarding careers."
The TAFE Centre of Excellence Health Care and Support, led by TAFE Queensland, is a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland Governments to innovate education and training that addresses critical skills shortages in the health and care sector.
