The project, made possible by a $587,000 grant from the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, aims to create a regional aged care learning and research community.

One of the first in the country, the two-year project will offer seminars, lectures and workshops presented by aged care clients, aged care staff, university teachers and researchers.

The project recognised the “importance of life-long learning,” said Director Professor Richard Fleming. Students of nursing, dietetics and psychology at the University of Wollongong will be able to gain placements at IRT facilities.

“The findings of this project will be developed into a model for aged care services provision to not only benefit IRT residents, but the aged care community as a whole,’’ IRT chief executive Nieves Murray said.