Supporting the health and wellbeing of people from diverse backgrounds

In rural Victoria, where resources are few and distances long, the true measure of health goes far beyond a visit to the doctor. For many older people from culturally, linguistically, and faith diverse backgrounds, everyday life is marked by subtle barriers—barriers that often lead to isolation, loneliness, and exclusion.

Imagine an elderly resident in a small town, struggling not just with the physical challenges of aging, but also with the inability to fully express her needs because the language and customs of mainstream healthcare feel alien. In these communities, having a workforce that truly understands and respects cultural diversity can make all the difference—transforming isolation into connection, and exclusion into a full and enriching life.

That is exactly the mission of the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing, supported by Benetas. The Centre journeys across regional and rural Victoria to deliver face-to-face training in culturally appropriate care, ensuring that healthcare providers can meet the unique needs of their communities. Instead of relying on impersonal online courses or traveling long distances for off-site training, the Centre brings the learning directly to where it’s needed most. This personal approach allows staff to share their concerns openly, feel valued, and build meaningful connections with their peers.

Before each training session, the Centre holds a pre-training meeting to understand the local landscape. They consider the specific demographics, the cultural makeup of both the service staff and their clients, and the unique challenges of each community. This careful planning helps ensure that the training is not only relevant but also effective, with clear goals tailored to the organisation’s needs.

When the team arrives on site, there’s an unmistakable excitement in the air. Participants appreciate the chance to engage face-to-face, to share their stories, and to learn in an environment that respects their cultural identity. They tell us that it feels refreshing to be seen for who they are, rather than as just another statistic. Certificates of attendance are handed out, and there are moments of genuine laughter as well as learning—a reminder that inclusion is as much about connection as it is about education.

Throughout every session, privacy and dignity are paramount. The Centre is committed to ensuring that all personal stories are shared respectfully, safeguarding the integrity of both the service providers and their clients.

Ultimately, the cultural education provided by the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing is not merely a training program—it is a transformative journey. It equips healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to deliver culturally safe care, ensuring that older Australians from diverse backgrounds can experience health and wellbeing in the fullest sense.

For more information on the regional training in culturally inclusive care, please contact Kath Poloso at [email protected] or visit www.culturaldiversity.com.au.