Do It Yourself (DIY) Establishing the Community Connector Program
Is your rural community struggling to attract and keep skilled workers particularly health professionals?
Our DIY Establishing the Community Connector Program is here to change that!
The Community Connector Program focuses on communities providing essential support during the first year of resettlement, that Dr Cosgrave has established is crucial for long-term retention.
By joining this program, you’ll dive deep into the Community Connector Program and receive step-by-step guidance on how to establish and operate this essential solution for skilled worker rural retention.
Transforming Rural Workforce Dynamics
Tailored Specifically for Community Leaders in Rural Environments
Attracting and retaining skilled workers is a challenge everywhere, yet it’s even more complex for those in rural and regional communities.
If you’re a key figure in your rural or regional community—be it as a representative of your local Business Chamber, Health Workforce Strengthening or Economic Development Taskforce, Council staff or elected Councillor, representative from a local Primary Health Network or Regional Development Australia or an owner or senior executive of a private or public health or social care organisation or service—our Community Connector Program is designed for you.
The Program is the perfect fit for those committed to driving positive change in rural health and economic development
Join us to empower your community with sustainable health workforce solutions
DIY Option: Begin Whenever You’re Ready – Get Started!
Enrol in our DIY Establishing the Community Connector Program Today and Unlock Over $9,000 in VALUE!
Implement Our Proven Program
The Community Connector Program is modelled after the successful workforce attraction and retention initiative operating in Marathon, Ontario since 2011. The program was identified by Dr Cosgrave during her Churchill Fellowship to Canada in 2019 and was subsequently piloted in rural Australia in 2021-2022 by a team of researchers led by Dr Cosgrave with funding from the Foundation of Regional and Rural Renewal. The research team proved the program’s effectiveness in the rural Australian context and also created and tested a blueprint and practical tools for rural leaders to use to establish, manage, and sustain their own community-led and funded Community Connector Program.
There are four steps for implementing the Establishing the Community Connector Program (CCP):
1. Ready, 2. Set, 3. Go, 4. Next
We're here to help you ...
Module 1: Ready
Kickstart your journey with essential community development principles. Tailored for dynamic leaders, this module primes you for evaluating and integrating the CCP into your community, setting the stage for transformative change.
Module 2: Set
Transition from theory to action. Learn how to structure your CCP initiative and secure funding, ensuring you’re fully equipped to appoint a Community Connector who’ll be the catalyst for your community’s healthcare and social care evolution.
Module 3: Go
Activate your CCP with precision. This module empowers you with strategies for meaningful community engagement and workforce development, laying down the blueprint for a thriving healthcare and social care ecosystem.
Module 4: Next
Elevate and sustain your success. By joining the CCP Impact Network, you’ll gain access to a supportive community and resources that ensure the longevity and growth of your CCP efforts.
By joining this program, you’ll develop a practical understanding of these modules and learn the skills needed to implement the Community Connector Program to help address your community’s skilled worker shortages (particularly health professionals).
What Rural Business Leaders Like You Say...
"A Great Outcome for Glen Innes: Through Implementing the Community Connector Program"
What a day it was 18 months ago when Dr. Cath Cosgrave pitched the Attract Connect Stay model to Glen Innes. Progressing through the READY SET GO NEXT stages, we tailored the program to our town. The stages are clear and guided us in establishing our Community Connector position, leading to this great outcome for Glen Innes. The first of many! I am grateful to be part of Attract Connect Stay – Glen Innes and our wonderful community.
KAREN MUNSTER
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
ATTRACT CONNECT STAY - GLEN INNES INC.
"The jewel in the crown is the Community Connector [Program], by far"
At Western District Health Service, the Attract, Connect, Stay Framework has been revolutionary… The jewel in the crown of the Attract, Connect, Stay Framework is the Community Connector [Program], by far. We’ve only had our Community Connector in place now a few months, but already we’ve settled in 17 individuals [health professionals] as well as their family members. We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Attract Connect Stay team guiding us along the way.
TROY COX
PEOPLE & CULTURE MANAGER
WESTERN DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE
"Revolutionizing Recruitment with the Community Connector Program"
Inspired by her [Dr Cath Cosgrave’s] research and a model she observed in Marathon, Ontario, we’ve developed Australia’s first Community Connector Program. This initiative is a game-changer in connecting new employees and residents with our community, proving to be a key retention strategy. The success of the pilot program was remarkable, leading to full funding by the Council for two years. Cath’s willingness to share her knowledge, combined with her expertise, has been instrumental in achieving tangible benefits for our community. We eagerly anticipate continued collaboration with her to support and grow our local businesses and the broader region.
FIONA LE GLASSICK
GENERAL MANAGER - GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL
Establishing the Community Connector Program
This is the definitive Community Leadership Program for Advancing Rural Healthcare and Social Care Workforce Growth
This program is designed to equip rural and regional community leaders and members of regional development networks with strategies to overcome skilled worker shortages and to build strong, sustainable health and social care networks in their rural communities.
It will empower these leaders with the necessary skills and confidence to establish, manage and fund an evidence-informed program to effectively attract and integrate health professionals into their rural environment.
Wondering if This Program is for You?
Ask Yourself the Following Questions…
Are you a community leader or part of a local economic development group in a rural area?
If you play a key role in shaping your community’s future and are looking to address skilled workforce challenges, this program is designed for you.
Does your rural community face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers, especially health professionals?
This program offers targeted solutions for communities struggling to maintain a stable, skilled workforce particularly for health and social care businesses.
Are you interested in developing a community-engaged approach to support the settlement and social integration of new workers and their families?
The CCP focuses on building strong community ties and support systems for new arrivals, which is crucial for their successful integration.
Do you want to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of your community by ensuring access to quality healthcare and professional services?
A key outcome of the CCP is improving your community’s access to essential services by attracting and retaining the right talent.
Are you looking for practical tools and strategies to address local economic development and skills shortages across various sectors?
The program provides comprehensive strategies and resources to tackle broader economic and skills challenges in your area.
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, the DIY Establishing the Community Connector Program could be the perfect fit for your needs. Apply now to start making a significant difference in your rural community.
Our DIY Establishing the Community Connector Program is the answer to better attract and retain skilled workers especially health professionals to live and work in your rural community!
Enjoy Comprehensive Support in 3 Key Areas
Our Community Development Approach to achieving a Skilled Workforce
Experience Holistic Support in 3 Essential Areas
1. Leadership & Integration
Gain expert guidance and training from Dr. Cosgrave to confidently lead this community-driven initiative.
2. Comprehensive Tools & Strategies
Utilise our specialised toolkit and resources tailored for investigating your community’s readiness, supporting community network building and getting started on establishing a Community Connector Program.
3. Program Establishment and Sustainability
Learn the key aspects of managing and securing funding for the Community Connector Program. This includes building sustainable financial models and ensuring efficient management of the program to maintain its long-term success and relevance in the rural community.
Here’s What’s In Store When You Join the Establishing the Community Connector Program
Unlock the Benefits!
A 7-Week Self-Paced Online Program
4 x Modules (Ready, Set, Go, Next) with 30+ short training videos and written modules created & delivered by Dr. Cosgrave
READY lays the foundation for strengthening your rural health workforce using a community development approach; SET focuses on the structural setup needed for the Community Connector Program, GO provides a practical guide to developing a Community Connector Program Workplan, NEXT outlines the CCP Impact Network, where established sites can gain access to a supportive community and resources that ensure the longevity and growth of the CCP. Includes a program guide and reflection workbook – Valued at $6,000
Access to a ready-to-use the Establishing the Community Connector Program Toolkit – Valued at $3,000
Access to templates, guidelines & checklists
Case studies and video resources from communities who are successfully running Community Connector Programs
The Benefits
Community Development Approach: Utilises a whole-of-community practice that fosters community engagement, resilience, and sustainability.
Continuous Improvement: Promotes continuous learning and quality improvement through community-based participatory research.
Strategic Setup: Guides in establishing a structured and purpose-driven organisation to run the program, whether starting a new or joining an existing entity.
Financial Preparedness: Assists in budgeting and securing funding for the first year, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
Practical Workplan Development: Provides a step-by-step guide to developing a workplan for the short to medium term, ensuring targeted and effective program implementation.
Work at Your Own Pace
which means You can access the content anytime to review modules, re-watch videos and access links
Enjoy Total Confidence…
…With Our "No Worries" Guarantee!
Imagine Getting Results Like These From The Program...
"Fostering Meaningful Connections, Bridging Gaps, Building Belonging"
Cath’s emphasis on fostering meaningful connections within local communities and creating robust support networks for healthcare professionals is a game-changer. The Community Connector component of her program goes beyond conventional methods, leveraging technology and community engagement to bridge gaps and build a sense of belonging.
Jaden Frame
Project Manager - TSBE Health, Queensland
Reflect on Your Community's Growth Potential…
- How many potential health and other service sector improvements are delayed or unrealised due to skilled workforce shortages?
- How frequently are efforts by organisations in your community to recruit skilled professionals hampered by the lack of community integration strategies?
- To what extent does a limited skilled workforce diminish the well-being and retention of your existing skilled workforce?
Calculating the impact reveals that these challenges could be costing your community invaluable opportunities for development, amounting to SIGNIFICANT financial and quality-of-life losses each year.
Who Benefits From the Community Connector Program?
Get to Know Cath Cosgrave
Support, Solutions, and Supercharging Rural and Regional Communities
Dr. Cath Cosgrave, is one of Australia’s foremost experts in the field of rural health workforce. Her research has been instrumental in enhancing the way peak rural health agencies, government departments, rural health services, and rural communities approach the strengthening of the rural health workforce. She developed the ‘Attract Connect Stay’ Framework and the 5-step implementation solution, including the innovative Community Connector Program, all of which have gained national and international recognition. These initiatives have introduced new insights and solutions to the healthcare and social care workforce challenges facing rural communities.
Dr Cath currently leads a management consultancy business that provides training and support to rural health and social care services and rural community leaders. She assists these services and rural communities in implementing the Attract Connect Stay solution and the flagship Community Connector Program, significantly improving their capability to attract and retain skilled workers, especially health professionals. Dr Cath is deeply committed to addressing the inequities in rural access and service delivery challenges. Her passion lies in aiding rural communities to become thriving and sustainable places to live and work, ensuring they can secure and maintain a robust skilled workforce.
DIY Option: Begin Whenever You’re Ready – Get Started!
Enrol in the Establishing the Community Connector Program, done together with Dr Cath Cosgrave and Unlock Over $9,000 in VALUE!
Enrol in the Program Today
The DIY Establishing the Community Connector Program
A 7-Week Self-Paced Online Program
(Value: $6,000)
Access to a ready-to-use Establishing the Community Connector Toolkit
(Value: $3,000)
FAQs
Your Questions – Answered
The program is structured into four modules which are broken up into: short how-to videos, a workbook, guidelines and checklists designed to integrate learnings and give your community/ working group immediate impacts. If you can invest 90 – 120 minutes, spread over the course of a week, you can easily get through the content and get HUGE value from this program. And radically improve your community’s healthcare and social care workforce situation.
The program is self-paced. watch, read and do the homework when it works for you.
Too easy – email me at info@attractconnectstay.com.au
