NSW Funding Boost Helps RSL LifeCare Train Women for Regional Aged Care Roles

RSL LifeCare is proud to announce it has been awarded $170,000 in funding under the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program to deliver a transformative new initiative that supports women in regional NSW to become qualified carers for veterans and seniors.

The program, Empowering Women, Supporting Veterans & Seniors, will offer aged care traineeships to women in Merimbula, Port Macquarie, Dubbo, Narrandera, Condobolin, Nowra and Wagga Wagga—regions where employment opportunities for women and access to care are critically needed.

Up to 40 participants will receive formal training toward a nationally recognised qualification, alongside paid placements that allow them to earn while they learn. Crucially, the program includes wraparound support tailored to the realities of regional life—such as transport assistance to overcome geographic isolation, digital tools to ensure access to remote learning, and personalised mentoring to guide women who may be returning to work after years away.

Each element of the program has been designed to remove common barriers to workforce participation—whether it’s confidence, connectivity, cost or caregiving responsibilities. By investing in these women, the program not only builds local skills and economic resilience but ensures that veterans and seniors receive the compassionate care they deserve, delivered by people from their own communities.

New data paints a clear picture of the opportunity this program unlocks: Women in regional NSW are still 7.5% less likely to be in full-time work than their city counterparts (ABS, 2024), while rural aged care providers are grappling with staff shortages as high as 20% (AIHW, 2023). This program directly addresses both issues—creating meaningful, local jobs for women and delivering the care veterans and seniors urgently need. And the economic impact is significant: the Regional Australia Institute estimates that supporting just 10 women into local employment can inject more than $860,000 into the regional economy each year.

RSL LifeCare CEO Janet Muir said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening communities, supporting women’s career advancement and improving care outcomes for veterans and seniors.

“At RSL LifeCare, we’re committed to building stronger, more resilient communities by creating meaningful employment pathways for women in regional areas,” Ms Muir said. “This grant enables us to not only open new career pathways for women in regional NSW, but also deliver compassionate, skilled care for the veterans and seniors who depend on us. It’s a win for individuals, families and communities alike.”

Established in 1911, RSL LifeCare is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans and seniors through specialised veteran services, residential care, retirement living, and home care across NSW and the ACT.

This new program builds on RSL LifeCare’s deep understanding of both the veteran and aged care sectors and leverages its experience in providing training and development opportunities for those wanting to make a difference.

“This is more than a jobs program,” Ms Muir added. “It’s about equipping women with the tools, confidence and qualifications they need to thrive, while ensuring our seniors receive the dignity and care they deserve.”

The Return to Work Pathways Program, launched by the NSW Government in 2022–2023, aims to break down barriers for women returning to the workforce by supporting training, mentoring and access to employment. This year, 10 projects were awarded funding to support women from diverse backgrounds, with RSL LifeCare’s project among those recognised for their innovation, inclusivity and community impact.

Director of Women NSW, Tanya Smyth said, “Once again, the Return to Work Pathways grant program was highly competitive. Each of the ten successful organisations have centred their design around the specific needs of the women their programs are designed to support. These programs are innovative and engaging, and they are primed to make a significant difference in the employment and economic outcomes of the participants.”

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