that,” Hubbard recalls, forcing ARRCS to rethink its approach to staffing. In response, ARRCS became the first aged care provider to participate in the Pacific Labor Scheme, a government initiative originally designed to bring in workers for agricultural jobs.“We teach people how to be personal care assistants, they get a qualification, and they stay with us for up to four years,” Hubbard explains. This program has brought in about 130 workers from the Pacific Islands, who have become an integral part of ARRCS’s workforce. However, this also introduces new challenges, particularly regarding cultural integration. “Our workforce includes many non-English speaking workers, and we must ensure that they can communicate effectively with our First Nations residents, who may speak 10 to 15 different languages,” Hubbard notes. This requires a careful balancing act, as ARRCS must navigate the cultural differences between its staff and the communities they serve. The organization’s commitment to cultural sensitivity is evident in its ongoing efforts to provide training and support to its workforce, ensuring that all staff are equipped to provide care that respects the cultural identities of the residents. SENSORY ROOMS Recently, ARRCS completed a 32-bed residential facility in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem.“We finished the Nhulunbuy project on December 22, 2022,” Hubbard reports. This facility reflects ARRCS’s dedication to delivering high-quality care in some challenging environments. But the organization is not stopping there. Another ambitious project is underway in Docker River, where a new 26-bed facility is being built with a $34 million grant. 15 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITY SERVICES (ARRCS)
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