Welcome to our first edition of the Community Care News Digest for 2021! In this edition of the News Digest you will read about all the latest updates, information, resources and events that are occurring across the region. 

It has been a long road that we have all been on over the last year, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and international politics affecting how we live, work, and experience the world. Since November’s edition of the News Digest, there have been several new updates affecting the aged care and disability sectors, as well as the broader community sector. One of the key updates is that the Final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was released this week and in response the Australian Government has injected $452.2 million into the aged care sector to address the immediate priorities. 

There has been news on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and the national roll-out strategy to be implemented over the next year, for which you will find information in a number of languages as you continue reading. 

Wellness and reablement resources have also been made available through the CHSP Digital Landing Page, which provides a single point of access for this information. In addition to this, CHSP wellness and reablement self-paced training gives you three learning modules and 12 months’ access to the My Aged Care Learning Environment (MACLE). Continue reading for further details and conditions to registering for this training. 

Applications are now open for the 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) and will close on 18 March. This will make thousands of residential care places available, as well as offering short-term restorative care (STRC) places and up to $150 million in capital grants for residential aged care. 

Over 65 and want to keep your brain active? Order your Brain Bootcamp giftbox today! Brain Bootcamp is an initiative whose goal is to increase awareness of dementia risk factors and offer lifestyle changes to older Australians. Read on for further information. 

You will also find information about several events to participate and develop your knowledge in certain areas such as dementia and mental health awareness; Dementia Australia and Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) are hosting a number of webinars on these topics through to April and May 2021. Workshops are also available from Dementia Reframed, who can provide quotes and dates when you call them. 

Not only is it the start of autumn but ZEST season too! Going into its 11th year, the 2021 ZEST Awards nominations are now open. Read on to see how you can nominate that inspiring and deserving colleague, volunteer or manager of yours!

For details on these stories and more, please follow the News Digest link below. Also, remember to check in with us on social media and connect with us on LinkedIn.