On 1 February 2022 the Australian Government announced that it was providing $210 million to support the Aged Care workforce, in recognition of their dedication in continuing to care for older Australian’s through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Payment of the Aged Care Workforce Bonus of up to $800 was to be provided to all employees who worked in eligible roles in residential aged care (RAC) and community care (CC) during the census period.
Unfortunately, not all roles were considered eligible as part of the bonus payment, which included roles that did not provide direct care, food or cleaning services in residential aged care. These roles included administration, store persons and gardeners. Your role was identified as one of the ineligible roles.
We acknowledge and share the dissatisfaction you may have felt with regards to the eligibility criteria that the Australian Government determined for this Aged Care Workforce Bonus Payment. Whilst we too were disappointed with this decision, it is important to note that we recognise the valuable contribution of all frontline aged care employees and the importance that each role plays in supporting our residents and clients.
As per previous correspondence, Whiddon would be providing those workers that were not eligible to receive the bonus a $250 gift voucher as a recognition and appreciation of your efforts and commitment not just to Whiddon, but the aged care industry.
We are pleased to advise that the gift vouchers will be delivered to you via SMS and to the mobile phone we currently have on file for you. It will appear as an SMS from GiftPay so please keep an eye out for this message.
If you have any questions on the Aged Care Workforce Bonus, the amount you have received or the gift voucher please reach out to your Director of Services or Community Care Coordinator in the first instance who will be able to answer all your questions.
Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to our residents, our clients and to Whiddon.
Kind regards,
Chris Mamarelis
CEO