Program publications

ARIIA First Nations Aged Care Workforce Capability Building Program

The ARIIA First Nations Aged Care Workforce Capability Building Program was a nationally delivered initiative designed to strengthen the capability of the First Nations aged care workforce through knowledge sharing, collaboration and implementation support. 

Guided by First Nations leadership and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care providers, workforce representatives and sector stakeholders, the program identified workforce priorities through roundtable discussions, developed the First Nations Hub, showcased case studies of culturally safe practice, curated sector resources and piloted knowledge exchange activities to support learning and implementation across the aged care sector.

For more information visit about the program

This collection brings together three key publications from the program:

• The 2024 First Nations Workforce Capability Roundtable report identifies workforce needs, opportunities and priorities raised by stakeholders. 
• The 2026 Knowledge Sharing Event report captures reflections and emerging priorities from sector discussions.
• The final program report outlines the development and outcomes of the First Nations Hub, the Knowledge Exchange Pilot and broader capability-building activities delivered through the program. Together, these publications document a collaborative, First Nations-informed approach to strengthening culturally safe aged care and supporting workforce development across Australia.

NATSIAACC CEO Kim Whiteley (Warramunga clan from the Wiradjuri Nation):

"The final program report (see selected resources below) is a thoughtful and practical piece of work that captures many of the workforce, service delivery and system challenges experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care providers across Australia, while recognising the strengths, innovation and leadership that already exist within First Nations communities and organisations. 

I particularly appreciated the way the report clearly articulates ARIIA's role as an ally, knowledge partner and implementation enabler, working alongside First Nations leadership and supporting - rather than duplicating - existing work. That clarity of purpose provides a strong foundation for meaningful collaboration across the sector."