Vhire is an Australian AI-powered recruitment agency specialising in childcare, aged care and healthcare recruitment across regional NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and NT.

Which regions does Vhire recruit in?

Vhire operates across all Australian states with a focus on regional areas including regional NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Does Vhire help with childcare recruitment?

Yes. Vhire specialises in childcare recruitment across regional Australia, placing Certificate III educators, Diploma educators, Early Childhood Teachers, Room Leaders and Centre Directors.

How does Vhire's AI-powered recruitment work?

Vhire uses AI-powered screening to match employer vacancy requirements against a national and international candidate database, delivering pre-screened, interview-ready candidates faster than traditional job advertising.

What is the DAMA visa program for regional employers?

The Designated Area Migration Agreement allows regional Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers with concessions not available through standard visa pathways. Vhire refers eligible employers to trusted registered migration agent partners. Vhire is not a migration agent.

Does Vhire recruit for aged care?

Yes. Vhire specialises in aged care recruitment for regional Australian employers, placing Aged Carers, Personal Care Assistants, Nursing Support Workers and Registered Nurses.

How do I post a childcare vacancy with Vhire?

Contact Vhire at info@vhire.com.au or visit vhire.com.au/hire-staff. Our team responds within 2 business hours to confirm your brief and activate sourcing.

What does the Worker Retention Payment mean for childcare recruitment?

The Worker Retention Payment adds 10% above award rates for eligible childcare educators from December 2024, rising to 15% from December 2025. Regional centres can now compete with metro on pay. Vhire briefs every candidate on the WRP as standard.

What childcare qualifications does Vhire screen for?

Vhire screens for Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121), Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121), Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and ACECQA-assessed equivalent international qualifications.

What is Vhire's placement guarantee?

Vhire conducts post-placement check-ins at 30 and 90 days after every placement. If a placed educator leaves within the guarantee period, Vhire initiates a replacement search at no additional placement fee.

Can Victorian Childcare Centres Hire Overseas Educators? A Plain-English DAMA Guide

Aug 4
2 min read

The DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) program is one of the most underutilised recruitment tools available to regional Victorian childcare centres. Most Centre Directors have a vague awareness that it exists but aren't sure whether their centre qualifies, what the process involves, or how to get started.

This guide answers the key questions in plain English. Please note: Vhire is not a registered migration agent and does not provide visa advice. For any visa or immigration application, you must engage a registered migration agent (MARN). Vhire refers eligible clients to trusted MARN partners.

WHICH PARTS OF VICTORIA HAVE ACTIVE DAMA AGREEMENTS?

Victoria currently has two active DAMA regions relevant to childcare and aged care recruitment:

Goulburn Valley DAMA: Covers the Shepparton, Campaspe and Moira local government areas. Includes Childcare Worker (ANZSCO 421111), Child Care Group Leader, Early Childhood Teacher (ANZSCO 241111), and associated care sector occupations. The Designated Area Representative (DAR) is the Goulburn Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC).

Great South Coast DAMA: Covers Warrnambool, Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Southern Grampians local government areas. Includes Personal Care Assistants, Aged Carers, Registered Nurses and associated occupations. The DAR is the Great South Coast Group.

WHAT CONCESSIONS DOES THE DAMA OFFER?

Standard employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 TSS) require employers to pay overseas workers at market salary rate (typically referenced against the TSMIT — Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold). The DAMA can offer concessions on this threshold for eligible occupations, as well as age concessions (allowing nomination of workers over 45 in some cases), reduced English requirements and a pathway to permanent residency.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

Step 1: The employer obtains endorsement from the relevant DAR (GVEDC for Goulburn Valley, Great South Coast Group for GSC). Step 2: The employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship with the Department of Home Affairs. Step 3: The sponsored worker applies for their visa through a registered migration agent (MARN).

Timeline: From initial DAR contact to visa grant typically takes six to twelve months, depending on the specific DAMA, the occupation and the visa subclass.

IS MY CENTRE ELIGIBLE?

Eligibility depends on your service location, the specific occupation you're recruiting for and whether it appears on the relevant DAMA's endorsed occupation list. Vhire can provide an initial assessment of whether your centre and vacancy are likely to be eligible and refer you to the appropriate DAR and MARN partner.

Contact Vhire at info@vhire.com.au or visit vhire.com.au/hire-staff.

Can Victorian Childcare Centres Hire Overseas Educators? A Plain-English DAMA Guide

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