Rewriting the Standards: How Collarcare’s Quality Framework Is Raising the Bar in Agency Staffing

Australia’s regional and remote healthcare facilities continue to face a persistent challenge: workforce shortages that directly impact the quality and consistency of care. While the demand for nurses, personal care workers, and allied health professionals in these areas is rising, attracting and retaining skilled talent remains an uphill battle. At Collarcare, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when it comes to regional recruitment. That’s why we’ve built a national workforce strategy specifically designed to overcome these barriers and it's already making a meaningful difference for providers across the country.  Why Regional Staffing Is So Challenging Several factors contribute to the difficulty of attracting healthcare professionals to regional and remote settings: Geographic isolation and limited access to amenities or professional development opportunities Increased workload and fewer on-site supports Short-term contract fatigue , with many candidates hesitant to move for temporary roles Housing shortages and inconsistent travel reimbursements Lack of visibility for regional roles in broader recruitment platforms As a result, many aged care homes, hospitals, and community services are left struggling to meet minimum staffing levels — especially during outbreaks, peak holiday periods, or unplanned leave. How Collarcare Is Taking a Different Approach We’re not just placing staff, we’re building sustainable, responsive workforce pipelines tailored to regional realities. Here’s how: 1. Local First, Always Our model prioritises sourcing talent locally where possible. We actively build relationships with clinicians based in or near regional areas, offering flexible working options and consistent placements to encourage retention. 2. Mobilising the Right Talent, the Right Way Where local supply is limited, we mobilise talent from metro areas, not just reactively, but strategically. This includes: Offering accommodation solutions and travel allowances Ensuring staff are fully briefed on community expectations and site protocols Working with clients to build multi-week rosters that make travel worthwhile 3. Real Relationships, Not Rostering Robots We take the time to get to know our staff . Our consultants speak with every candidate, understand their preferences, and support them throughout each placement, creating loyalty, confidence, and better continuity of care for our clients. 4. Rapid Response for Urgent Needs Many of our partner facilities rely on Collarcare for last-minute coverage during outbreaks, natural disasters, and unplanned absences. Our national pool of vetted, ready-to-work clinicians means we can respond swiftly and with quality. 5. A Values-Driven Workforce Our recruitment strategy is underpinned by quality and care, not just speed. Every candidate undergoes robust compliance screening, competency checks, and ongoing professional development through our learning partner, AusMed . Results That Matter What started as a bold idea in 2023 has grown into a trusted workforce partner supporting hundreds of aged care and health services across Australia — from Tasmania to Far North Queensland and everything in between. At Collarcare, we don’t just talk about supporting regional healthcare. We’ve built the infrastructure, team, and technology to deliver it — ethically, reliably, and with genuine care. Looking for support in your regional facility? Get in touch with our team to explore how Collarcare can help you build a stronger, more sustainable workforce. 1300 927 522 hello@collarcare.com.au

Every year on May 12, International Nurses Day offers a moment to reflect on the incredible contributions of nurses around the world. In Australia, nurses form the backbone of our healthcare system - from hospitals and aged care facilities to remote communities and crisis wards. Today, we honor not just what nurses do, but who they are - the heart, soul, and strength behind every patient journey.