When people think about working as a Personal Care Assistant in Victoria, Melbourne is usually the first place that comes to mind. But regional Victoria offers PCA roles that many metro workers don't know about — with less competition, strong community connections, and a lifestyle that is hard to replicate in the city.
If you are a qualified PCA looking for a change of pace, or if you already live in regional Victoria and want to explore local opportunities, here is what you need to know.
Demand Is High and Competition Is Lower
Australia's aged care workforce shortage is well documented, but it is felt more acutely in regional areas. Metropolitan Melbourne has a larger pool of workers to draw from. Regional towns often don't have that luxury. Facilities in regional Victoria regularly struggle to fill PCA shifts, particularly on evenings and weekends.
This means that if you are a qualified and reliable PCA, you are in high demand in regional areas. You are more likely to get consistent shifts, build a strong reputation quickly, and have your pick of facilities to work with. The competition for shifts that exists in metro areas is significantly reduced outside Melbourne.
Pay and Conditions
A common misconception is that regional roles pay less than metro roles. In practice, PCA pay rates in regional Victoria are comparable to — and sometimes higher than — metropolitan rates. Agencies and facilities in regional areas often need to offer competitive rates to attract staff, and some offer additional incentives such as travel allowances.
At Barton Care, regional PCA roles are paid at the same rates as metro roles, with weekly pay as standard. When you factor in the lower cost of living in regional areas — particularly housing — the effective value of your income can be significantly higher than working in Melbourne.
Where the Work Is
Barton Care places PCAs in aged care facilities across regional Victoria. Key locations include:
- Geelong and the Surf Coast — Victoria's second-largest city with a growing aged care sector
- Ballarat — a major regional centre with multiple residential aged care facilities
- Bendigo — strong demand for PCAs across several large facilities
- Mornington Peninsula — a popular area with a high proportion of older residents
- Gippsland towns — including Traralgon, Warragul, and Sale, where workforce shortages are particularly pronounced
Many of these locations are within one to two hours of Melbourne, making them accessible for PCAs who want to transition gradually or maintain connections in the city.
The Lifestyle Factor
Beyond the professional advantages, working as a PCA in regional Victoria offers a different lifestyle. Commute times are shorter — often 10 to 20 minutes compared to an hour or more in Melbourne. You spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things you enjoy.
Regional communities are closer-knit. You will often see the same residents, families, and colleagues in the local community. This creates a stronger sense of connection and purpose in your work. Many regional PCAs report feeling more valued and more connected to the people they care for than they did working in larger metro facilities.
The natural environment is a bonus. Whether it's the beaches of the Surf Coast, the goldfields around Ballarat, or the green hills of Gippsland, regional Victoria offers an environment that supports wellbeing and work-life balance.
What You Need to Get Started
To work as a PCA in regional Victoria through Barton Care, you will need:
- Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent qualification)
- At least 6 months of experience in aged care or a similar setting
- A current national police check
- Australian working rights
- Completion of Barton Care's Learn2Care training program
If you hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check, that opens up additional opportunities in disability support roles alongside aged care.
Is It Right for You?
Working as a PCA in regional Victoria is not for everyone. If you thrive on the energy of a big city and prefer the anonymity of metro life, it may not be your ideal setting. But if you value community, want consistent work with less competition, and are drawn to a lifestyle that prioritises balance over hustle, regional Victoria deserves serious consideration.
The aged care sector needs more PCAs in regional areas. If you have the qualifications and the willingness, the work is there — and the rewards go beyond the pay packet.
Barton Care places PCAs in aged care facilities across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. View current PCA opportunities or get in touch to find out what's available in your area.
