Health workforce boost to address developmental vulnerability
South Australian allied health university students and graduates working in the early childhood sector are receiving additional support to strengthen service capability and improve outcomes for families.
The South Australian Government is investing in the allied health workforce to deliver targeted developmental support for children in the critical years before school.
Nearly $2 million has been provided through the Localised Capacity Building Grants program, helping build a sustainable allied health sector and connect practitioners with early childhood teachers and educators.
Workforce areas covered include speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and dietetics.
11 grants up to $200,000 were awarded to organisations across the state – from the APY Lands to Coober Pedy, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and the Riverland – supporting:
- expanded placements for allied health university students
- graduate programs, including pairing new graduates with experienced local clinicians through a structured mentoring model; and
- employment opportunities such as allied health assistant roles.
Recipient Novita Services will use their funding to develop a regional workforce development program in Whyalla and Murray Bridge, aimed at allied health professionals early in their careers.
Novita will also partner with universities to deliver student placements in early childhood settings, creating career pathways in regional and remote areas.
The program is another key measure in the Government’s 20-year goal to reduce the rate of South Australian children who are developmentally vulnerable when they start school from 23.8 per cent to 15 per cent.
A full list of recipients is available on our website.
Quotes attributable to Lucy Hood, Minister for Education, Training and Skills
We’re building a multi-disciplinary workforce to reduce the rate of South Australian children entering school developmentally vulnerable.
This program connects health practitioners with educators to deliver better outcomes for all children, supporting their communication and developmental needs.
It provides more ways for students to gain valuable hands-on experience and graduates to step into much-needed roles, particularly in our regions experiencing workforce shortages.
Quotes attributable to Novita General Manager Therapy, Cathryn Blight
Novita are thrilled to have received this support. These two programs reflect our commitment to building a regional allied health workforce that is genuinely connected to community – and together they will make a real difference for children, families and educators across South Australia.