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Media Release
TAFE NSW Griffith | 7 August 2026
Riverina student helping build the future aged care workforce
‘The most rewarding part of aged care is building relationships with residents. You really get to know people and become part of their day. The practical training and placements also give you a greater appreciation of the workload and the commitment that’s required in aged care.’
Kazanne Lees, aged care student
Aged Care Employee Day was on 7 August. It provided an opportunity to recognise and thank thousands of aged care workers across Australia such as local Riverina students like Kazanne Lees. Kazanne is training with TAFE NSW Griffith to join this vital workforce.
In NSW alone, around 1.49 million people are aged 65 and over. In Griffith and the surrounding areas, almost one in 6 residents are now in this age group, driving the growing demand for aged care and support services. TAFE NSW is helping meet that demand by training the next generation of aged care professionals. Many, like Kazanne, are already making meaningful contributions to their communities.
After working in aged care without formal qualifications and helping to support her parents through health challenges, Kazanne decided to turn her natural caring instincts into a career. In February 2026, aged 47-years-old, she enrolled in a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at TAFE NSW Griffith.
"I've spent years helping care for my parents, so supporting people has always been a big part of my life. Studying aged care and disability support through TAFE NSW felt like a natural step for me," she said.
Students like Kazanne complete a nationally-accredited qualification that provides a pathway to further study in aged care, nursing or community services. She says the course has given her the skills and confidence to pursue a long-term career in the sector. She has particularly enjoyed her aged care placements, where she has seen both the rewards and the growing need for skilled workers in the sector.
"The most rewarding part of aged care is building relationships with residents. You really get to know people and become part of their day. The practical training and placements also give you a greater appreciation of the workload and the commitment that’s required in aged care,” she said.
Kazanne hopes to continue working in aged care after graduating. She plans to explore agency work that combines her passion for helping others with the flexibility to travel around Australia.
TAFE NSW Individual Support Teacher, Elizabeth Fornah, said, "We know the demand for aged care and disability support workers is going to continue to grow in communities like Griffith. In the South Inland region, Health Care and Social Assistance is forecast to add around 2,740 jobs by 2028-29. Carers for the aged and people with disability expect to see the largest jobs growth in the region. That's why it's so important that we're skilling local people like Kazanne with the qualifications and practical experience needed to support their communities."
"Through their training, students complete 120 hours of industry placemen. This gives them practical experience supporting clients and helping build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in aged care and disability support roles. There’s growing demand for compassionate, skilled workers across the Riverina and we're proud to be helping train the next generation of carers," she said.
Media contact: Kelsey Harper, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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