Have your say on future of community care services
Published on 03 February 2026
Northern Grampians Shire residents can help influence the future of community care services in the municipality by participating in a comprehensive services review.
In December, council resolved to review the organisation’s community care services in response to Federal Government changes to the way aged care services are funded and delivered.
As part of the review, council has launched a community survey, which is open until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and will host drop-in sessions in Stawell and St Arnaud later this month along with community workshops in March.
The new Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025 came into effect on November 1, 2025 and have a fundamental focus on the rights and needs of older people.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the Act governed the way council provided community care services and introduced new operating requirements that required thorough review.
“The Act changes the way aged care services are funded,” she said.
“It is moving away from block funding, where council receives set annual funding to deliver aged care services, and moving towards a fee-for-service model, where funding comes after an individual client chooses a particular provider.
“As a result, we are expecting more specialist providers to enter the market. This could make it more difficult for council to remain cost-competitive, as these providers might deliver services more efficiently due to different cost structures, wage agreements and economies of scale.”
Cr Hyslop said the Community Care Services Review provided an opportunity to ensure residents had access to quality aged care services longer-term while balancing council's need to provide other essential services at the same time.
“It is important to note that no council decisions have been made and will not be made until after we have engaged with our community,” she said.
“There are various ways to have your say, and I encourage the community to participate in helping us determine the best path to take.
“More information about the review is available on our website, as is the link to the community survey.”
The survey is completely anonymous and provides critical data insights that will help guide council's future decisions and immediate next steps. Hard copies can also be collected from locations in Stawell and St Arnaud including council's customer service offices, libraries and Thrive 50+ hubs.
Members of council’s Community Care team will host drop-in information sessions at St Arnaud Library on Tuesday, February 24 and Stawell Library on Friday, February 27.
Both sessions will run from 10am to 4.30pm and will provide opportunities for people to learn about the legislation changes and what council is reviewing through the community engagement period.
“Our team can answer any questions you might have and clarify areas that might influence your individual circumstances,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Bookings are not required, simply stop by at any time during the window provided.”
Council will host workshops in Stawell and St Arnaud to further discuss insights and trends gathered via the community survey.
The workshops will also include a focus on how council could provide value to the community in the event aged care services were migrated to other service partners.
The workshops will be in March, with dates to be confirmed in mid-February. Registrations will be required.
Cr Hyslop said councillors would be attending community events throughout coming weeks to discuss the review with residents.
“These are informal opportunities to have a chat, so if you would like a formal discussion to clarify important areas for you and your circumstances, I encourage you to attend one of the drop-in sessions or contact the Community Care team directly,” she said.
People can call (03) 5358 8700 or email communityengagegement@ngshire.vic.gov.au with any enquiries.