How to Attract and Retain Quality Support Workers in Regional Victoria
1. Understand What Workers Want
2. Streamline Your Onboarding Process
3. Advertise Locally and Thoughtfully
4. Offer Flexibility Without Chaos
5. Show Appreciation—and Mean It
Need Help Finding Staff in Gippsland or Regional Victoria?
The disability and aged care sectors are experiencing rapid growth—but for providers in regional areas like Gippsland, staffing remains one of the biggest challenges. Whether you're delivering NDIS supports or operating residential services, attracting and retaining reliable, qualified support workers is crucial to maintaining quality care.
Here’s how your service can stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
1. Understand What Workers Want
Support workers aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for work that is meaningful, flexible, and respected. Many also value:
Predictable rosters
Supportive team culture
Ongoing training opportunities
A chance to make a real difference
If you can meet even a few of these expectations, you’ll stand out as an employer of choice.
2. Streamline Your Onboarding Process
Long delays in onboarding can cost you quality candidates. Workers in regional areas often apply to multiple services at once—and the one that acts fastest usually wins.
Tips:
Keep paperwork digital and mobile-friendly
Automate reference and compliance checks where possible
Offer an induction within days of application, not weeks
Partnering with a staffing agency like GSA can help streamline these steps and reduce your time-to-hire.
3. Advertise Locally and Thoughtfully
Don’t rely solely on national job boards. In regional communities, the best candidates may not be actively job hunting. Try:
Posting in local Facebook groups
Sharing testimonials from your current team
Running targeted ads focused on flexibility and work/life balance
Highlight what makes your service—and your region—a great place to work.
4. Offer Flexibility Without Chaos
Support workers often leave roles that feel chaotic or unsupported. Offer flexibility, but ensure your rostering system:
Avoids last-minute changes
Prioritises continuity of care
Allows input from the worker
Small adjustments like giving more notice or honoring worker preferences can go a long way in improving retention.
5. Show Appreciation—and Mean It
Recognition doesn't need to be expensive. A simple "thank you," regular feedback, or small team incentives can dramatically improve morale.
Ask your team:
“What would make you want to stay longer?”
Then act on their answers.
Need Help Finding Staff in Gippsland or Regional Victoria?
At Gippsland Staffing Agency, we specialise in placing experienced, vetted support workers into disability and community services—fast.
Whether you need someone for a last-minute shift or ongoing coverage, we can help.
👉 Visit www.gsalabourhire.com.au to learn more or submit a staffing request.
