Aged Care Employee Day: Honouring the Compassionate Heart of Our Communities
- Shane Warren
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) proudly joins the nation in recognising Aged Care Employee Day, a time to honour the dedicated professionals who provide compassionate care and dignity to our elders each and every day.
From residential aged care to in-home support and community-based programs, aged care workers are often the quiet, steady presence that holds the wellbeing of our older Australians together. This day of recognition is not just a thank you, it is a call to value the vital human work that happens at the heart of aged care.
“Aged care workers don’t just provide care, they offer connection, comfort, and continuity to those who once cared for us,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “Their work is emotionally rich and deeply human, and too often overlooked. Today, we shine a light on their strength, empathy, and skill.”
Vocationally trained mental health practitioners - including counsellors, community support workers, and psychosocial professionals - play an important role in aged care environments. They support both clients and staff, help process grief and transition, and ensure psychological safety is as valued as physical care.
“In my work with older couples and families, I’ve seen how aged care workers can become an anchor of trust,” said Susan Sandy, Secretary of VMHPAA and senior relationship counsellor. “They carry stories, hold emotions, and foster dignity in the final chapters of life.”
On this Aged Care Employee Day, VMHPAA calls for:
Greater mental health support for aged care workers, who face high emotional loads
Recognition of vocational pathways in aged care, which are critical to the wellbeing of both staff and residents
Continued investment in multidisciplinary care teams that include counsellors, social workers, peer practitioners, and trauma-informed support
To every aged care employee across Australia... thank you for your care, your courage, and your quiet leadership.You are the unsung heroes of our communities.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
Comments