Council & Politics
17 July, 2026
Local groups to take over aged care services
Northern Grampians Shire Council will advocate for aged care services in the municipality to be transitioned to local service providers, Grampians Community Health (GCH) and East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS), following a decision made to withdraw from providing community care services in a closed council on July 7.
ORGANISATIONS providing aged care services in the Northern Grampians area are about to change following a decision made by council last week.
Northern Grampians Shire Council will advocate for aged care services in the municipality to be transitioned to local service providers, Grampians Community Health (GCH) and East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS), following a decision made to withdraw from providing community care services in a closed council on July 7.
Earlier this year, council made the decision to formally review its aged care services following Federal Government changes to the way aged care services are funded and delivered.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the changes were designed to give older Australians greater choice in relation to services and providers but introduced considerable financial risk for council given the move away from the certainty of block funding.
“More providers will likely enter the market to offer aged care services, which could make it difficult for council to remain cost-competitive, as these providers may deliver services more efficiently due to different cost structures, wage agreements and economies of scale,” she said.
Councillors discussed officer recommendations and options during closed council before reaching a decision.
One option was that council continues to deliver its Community Care services. The other option was that council exits direct service delivery and transitions services to alternative providers.
Cr Hyslop said council decided to exit direct aged care service delivery due to the significant financial challenges and increased compliance requirements imposed by the aged care reforms.
These are among some of the reasons why many other councils in the state have made the same decision.
“It is widely known that council is facing financial pressure in an environment where there is decreasing state and federal funding opportunities, rising inflation, rate capping limitations and cost shifting events,” Mayor Hyslop said.
“Council is focused on making long-term financially sustainable decisions that ensure we can efficiently provide the services we are legislated to deliver.”
GCH Chief Executive Officer Greg Little said clients and families should know GCH understands what these relationships mean to people.
“We understand people build real connections with the person who cares for them, and we don’t take that lightly as we plan for this transition,” Mr Little said.
GCH also expects its aged care team to grow as new clients join, and hopes some of the people already doing this work locally will choose to join the organisation.
GCH has been delivering aged care and disability services across the region for more than forty years, including Commonwealth Home Care services. Combined with EWHS’ deep understanding of the St Arnaud community, the partnership brings together regional capability and local expertise to support participants across the shire.
“This isn’t new ground for GCH. We’re proud of the confidence Council has shown in us,” Mr Little said.
The transition process itself is a matter for Council and the Commonwealth to work through.
“That process belongs to Council and the Commonwealth.
“We’re staying close to it and ready to support Council and the Department whenever they need us.”
Mr Little brings a personal understanding of the service, having started at Northern Grampians Shire Council in 2006 as the manager responsible for aged care, before later moving into the flood recovery program.
“I know this service, I know these communities, and I know many of the staff who deliver the care.
“That kind of knowledge means that it’s not just a job for me, it’s far more important to me than that.”
If you or someone you know has questions about the transition process or would like to find out more about what is involved, contact Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Community Care team by emailing community.care@ngshire.vic.gov.au or calling (03) 5358 0514.
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