State money backs women to work

ALMOST four million dollars in State Government funding will go towards getting two hundred Bendigo and Mildura women working in the aged care sector.

Through employment support charity WomenCAN, participants will complete a free aged care certificate, with a priority for women from diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds, those who have experienced long term unemployment and people aged 45 years and over.

Bendigo WomenCAN ambassador Margot Spalding said the funding was marvellous news following last year’s launch of the charity’s peer support study program called The Placement Circle.

“It’s just wildly exciting that the State Government has confidence in WomenCAN to undertake this big, valuable and very important project,” she said.

“These women will train and do a 12 month earn as you go program, and then WomenCAN will also assist in finding employment in the aged care sector.

“It’s another great thing for Bendigo and it’s going to make such a significant difference in the lives of the women who are involved, their families and people in aged care to know that there’s such a strong focus in this region on providing well trained staff to be caring for them.”

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, said the program could also aid in the state’s COVID-19 recovery.

“There’s a skills shortage and a workforce shortage in the aged care sector,” she said.

“What WomenCAN have been doing, already supporting over 150 women into employment, clearly said to us that this is a very positive and successful program.”