2026 Graduate Aged Care and General Nursing Program

Southwest Healthcare offers a dynamic and supportive environment where employees are valued and empowered to make a difference in the lives of the community. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care across a diverse range of services, we prioritise professional development, work-life balance, and a collaborative team culture.

The Graduate Aged Care & General Nursing Program (GAC/GNP) is a joint program between our two campuses at Camperdown Campus's Aged Care service Merindah Lodge and Warrnambool Base Hospital. Applications for 2026 are now open!

About our 2026 GAC/GNP

SWH believe in providing a highly supportive environment for all Graduate Nurses that encourages professional development and excellence in nursing care. Our aim is to provide clinical structured support during the transition from student to Registered Nurse, whilst encouraging self-directed learning.

This program commencing in February 2026 offers the opportunity for participants to consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge by developing skills in a variety of settings. Comprising two 6-months rotations in Merindah Lodge Aged Care based at our Camperdown Hospital and another 6-month rotation within general nursing at Warrnambool Base Hospital. Participants have the option to work either full or part-time hours with a minimum 64 hours per fortnight. This 12-month program provides the option for permanent, ongoing employment subject to the successful completion of the program.

All our GAC/GNP positions are subject to the state-wide Computer Matching process, conducted by the Post Graduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV). All public health Graduate Nurse Positions are allocated in Victoria through this Computer Matching Service. To be eligible for our GNP you must meet the PMCV eligibility criteria as per the PMCV Candidate handbook. Graduates of interstate or New Zealand Universities can still apply for places via PMCV. Refer to PMCV guidelines and website for full details at https://gnmp.pmcv.com.au/

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions;
• Opportunity to work in one of state of the art brand new residential aged care facility
• Internal and external professional development opportunities;
• Ongoing clinical supervision;
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs;
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment.
• Shared staff accommodation in Camperdown at minimal rates

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/ and https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Great-Ocean-Road/Destinations/Camperdown

How to apply

All applicants must apply through both PMCV and South West Healthcare's website by following the links to Careers and must include:

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028, with the classification Registered Nurse Grade 2 Year 1 (Graduate Nurse) as appropriate.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

A position description can be found at our website under Careers.

Personal interviews will be conducted with shortlisted applicants commencing Tuesday 29 July 2025 in Warrnambool.

Applications will close on Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 5pm.

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: [email protected]

Applications close Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 11.59PM