Mount Alexander Shire Council wins Positive Ageing and Wellbeing Award
Published on 28 March 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council is proud to announce they’ve won the LG Pro Positive Ageing and Wellbeing Award.
The award celebrates councils who are actively promoting health and wellbeing, and striving for age-friendly societies.
LG Pro is Victoria’s local government member association, and they offer professional development and networking opportunities.
Council won the award for their ‘Earn and Learn’ model, an initiative that allows staff to simultaneously work and complete their training.
Council’s Manager Community Wellbeing, Rosalie Rogers, said that Council is thrilled to receive this award.
“We’re very proud of our ‘Earn and Learn’ model,” said Ms Rogers.
“It means that we can hire staff for our Community Wellbeing team and help them complete their training while also working.
“It’s a great way for our team members to gain qualifications without having to take time off work.
“It also means they’re learning on the job as well as in their formal studies.
“This is why we have such fantastic, knowledgeable and qualified staff.”
Council’s Intake Assessment Coordinator, Milly Palmer, said that the ‘Earn and Learn’ model was a necessary step to take.
“In 2019, our staff base was getting a lot older, and reducing their days and availability,” said Ms Palmer.
“We just weren’t getting enough applications for qualified staff.
“I came up with this idea, which I worked on for two and a half years before it came into fruition, and it was based it on my nursing training.
“Currently, 16 of our 27 staff have come through the traineeship program.
“It’s been a really positive experience for all of us.”
The Community Wellbeing team cares for senior and vulnerable community members. They provide direct care support, deliver meals on wheels, help senior residents use technology and much more.
“Well done to everyone on the team! The award is well-deserved and shines a light on the good work we do in the aged care sector,” said Ms Rogers.