The Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre has been awarded $35 million dollars of federal funding through the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) grants.
The Care Economy CRC represents a $129 million partnership involving 60 organisations across Australia. This collaboration focuses on advancing care technology, developing data solutions, and initiating workforce improvements.
Mercy Connect, as part of the consortium, stands to benefit significantly, aiming to develop and implement innovative solutions to improve care over the next decade.
Other partners / organisations of the consortium include leading technology and research institutions, aged care, community healthcare, disability services, early childhood education, family services, housing, mental health, wellbeing, and youth services.
Mercy Connect will be involved in advancing care technology, data solutions, and workforce initiatives. This collaboration will support the development of new technology-enabled models of care, enhancing the quality and efficiency of services provided in our sector of disability services and more.
The CRC headquartered at La Trobe University in the Research and Innovation Precinct, will support development of care technology, Apps and interfaces, connected information systems, navigation and decision support tools alongside workforce skills development, and new technology-enabled models of care.
“The Care Economy CRC has brought together a broad coalition who, working together, can improve care in these important sectors. We express our gratitude to La Trobe University for the work that has gone into bringing together these parties who can drive change ,” said Care Economy CRC Chair, Deena Shiff.
Interim CEO Carmela Sergi stated, “The care economy is a rapidly growing part of Australia’s economy, affecting the lives of many Australians. The CRC is dedicated to encouraging innovation and supporting change to achieve contemporary and sustainable future care.”
Mercy Connect CEO Caroline Cummins expressed “we are incredibly excited and honoured to be part of the Care Economy CRC, a groundbreaking initiative that will drive innovation and transformation within the care sector. This partnership allows us to harness cutting-edge technology, advanced data solutions, and workforce development strategies to deliver better outcomes for those who rely on care services across Australia. As part of this collaborative effort, Mercy Connect is committed to contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the care economy, ensuring we create positive, meaningful change for communities and future generations.”