Eleven aged care beds at Allawah Lodge aged care facility, in the Riverina town of Coolamon, 500KM southwest of Sydney, have been reopened with the arrival of eight aged care workers and nurses from the Philippines.

The eleven beds, which were closed last September due to staff shortages, represent one third of Allawah Lodge's 33 beds in total. 

Another three employees are expected from the Philippines before February 2024 to further alleviate staff shortages.

Earlier this year, we reported that Coolamon Shire Council spent $136,000 to secure 10 staff from overseas, and an additional $500,000 to house them.

Australia's direct care workforce shortage is estimated to be more than 17,000. Migration is one of the key ways to get more workers into the sector.