CHSP Provider Hub

As part of its broader mission to strengthen the capacity and capability of the aged care workforce, Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) is delivering a targeted pilot program designed to support First Nations aged care providers and workers. This initiative aims to enhance the delivery of culturally safe, evidence-informed aged care services for First Nations older adults across Australia. By centring Indigenous knowledge systems and community-led approaches, the program supports more responsive and respectful care environments.

The program aims to enhance the delivery of culturally safe and evidence-informed aged care services for First Nations older people across Australia.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. 

This program is aligned with and supports a range of Commonwealth funded aged care initiatives for First Nations people.

Activity 1: ARIIA First Nations Hub - Available now

A dedicated section of the ARIIA website, the First Nations Hub, is now live. It shares case studies on aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including innovative models of care, workforce recruitment and training. The Hub also features stories from leaders involved in this work, with links to research resources from other organisations for the wider aged care workforce and providers to consider and use. The hub was co-developed with First Nations-identifying aged care leaders and care providers, researchers and designers to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility. This hub features:

• community-led case studies
• podcasts and reports
• practical examples of successful initiatives.
• resources

Activity 2: Knowledge Exchange Visit - in progress

The Knowledge Exchange Visit aims to build local workforce capability and support innovation in the delivery of culturally safe care. This pilot activity is currently being developed and will offer three First Nations aged care leaders the opportunity to visit other aged care communities, learn from their ways of working and exchange knowledge about workforce capability building, with a focus on how these approaches might be adapted within their own organisations.

Activity 3: Knowledge sharing event - scheduled for May 2026

A national networking event will be held in 2026 to:

• connect First Nations aged care leaders
• share success stories and strengthen relationships
• promote collaboration and peer support
• highlight sector priorities and challenges
• include a meeting of the ARIIA First Nations Governance Group, held in person.

The event will also feature:

• a report on ARIIA’s First Nations program and pilot activities (Activities 1 and 2)
• planning sessions for future ARIIA work in the First Nations aged care sector.

The event, which will be held in Tandanya/Adelaide, will amplify the voices and experiences of First Nations aged care leaders and help shape future initiatives.