Northern Grampians Shire Council has recommended Grampians Community Health (GCH) and East Wimmera Health Service take over the municipality’s aged care services, following Council’s decision to exit direct service delivery.
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care will confirm the final providers, with Council to transition out of the service in January 2027. Individual clients will retain the ability to choose their own provider under the new funding arrangements.
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 East Wimmera Health Service’s 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, he said.
“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” he said.
Current clients and families are encouraged to continue following updates from Northern Grampians Shire Council as transition arrangements are confirmed.
About Grampians Community Health
Grampians Community Health is a not-for-profit provider of health, welfare, aged care and disability services across the Grampians and Wimmera region.
