Helping Hand’s commitment to supporting regional communities goes far beyond infrastructure. While we are dedicated to ensuring older people can age in place locally, we are equally focused on building a strong, skilled workforce that can support them now and into the future.
In Whyalla, where demand for aged care continues to grow, this dual focus is especially important. Alongside redevelopment and expansion works at both our Yeltana and Copperhouse Court care homes, we are also supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals through student grants.
In 2026, Helping Hand has proudly sponsored two Adelaide University Whyalla Campus students through our Allied Health Study Support Grant. This one-off financial contribution helps to reduce financial barriers, so students can complete their studies and undertake placements, including with Helping Hand. This year’s Whyalla-based recipients are Matilda Dixon, Occupational Therapy student, and Ann Jins, Physiotherapy student.
Helping Hand’s Allied Health Manager, Helder Borges, recently attended the Adelaide University Whyalla Campus Student Acknowledgement Evening, where he presented both grants and celebrated the students’ achievements ahead of their upcoming placements.
L-R: Ann Jins, Physiotherapy student, Matilda Dixon, Occupational Therapy student and Helder Borges, Allied Health Manager at Helping Hand.
When asked how the funding would support her studies and what inspired her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, Matilda said:
“The support from this grant will help me undertake my placement locally, as I live in Port Augusta and am passionate about giving back to regional communities. I chose to study Occupational Therapy due to personal experiences with family members living with dementia. Seeing firsthand how an Occupational Therapist supported them to live their best lives made me realise this is something I really wanted to be part of.”
Fellow recipient Ann also spoke about the impact of the grant and her motivation to study physiotherapy:
“Receiving this grant not only supports me to complete my degree, but also allows me to become more involved in my community since moving rurally, with the financial freedom to explore opportunities such as volunteering as a medic or first aid assistant,” she said. “My interest in physiotherapy comes from wanting to support people beyond a purely clinical setting. In my previous volunteer roles at Calvary Adelaide Hospital and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, I saw the benefit of building strong relationships between physiotherapists and their patients and gained insight into the many different settings where physiotherapists can make a difference.”
Investing in the next generation of skilled workers is vital, not only for the sustainability of the sector, but particularly for regional communities like Whyalla, where Helping Hand is the sole residential aged care provider. Maintaining a strong workforce in regional areas remains an industry-wide challenge, and one we are committed to addressing.
By supporting students like Matilda and Ann, Helping Hand is building a pipeline of future professionals who will play a vital role in helping older people to live well within the communities they call home.
Find out more about Helping Hand’s Allied Health services.
