Update to Aged Care Services

Important information for clients and carers 

As at 14 August, 2026.

Rural City of Wangaratta has confirmed it will complete a staged exit of direct Aged Care services:

  • Support at Home clients have be contacted and advised that Council will exit the service by late September.
  • CHSP, VHC and HACC PYP clients will have no immediate impact. Services will continue as usual until the Australian Government appoints new providers. The expected exit dates are:
    • 1 December 2026 for HACC-PYP clients
    • 30 January 2027 for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

We recognise how important these services are to our clients, their families and carers. Our priority is to ensure clients continue to receive safe, high-quality care throughout this process.

What this means for Support at Home clients

 

Clients need to transfer to a new provider before 30 September 2026. 

To help clients:

Contact us

Support at Home Clients:

  • Phone Hub: 1300 982 662 


CHSP, DVA, and HACC PYP Clients:

  • Phone Hub: 03 5722 0790 

 

Why Council is making this change

The aged care system has changed significantly, resulting in the service no longer being sustainable for Council. There are increased regulatory and workforce demands, which is why many councils are stepping away from direct delivery. 

The review found that Council carries significant governance, compliance, and clinical risks. 


Our commitment to clients is: 

  • No client will be left without support 

  • The care and wellbeing of clients remain our priority 

  • We will contact clients directly before any changes occur 

Council will work with providers to support a smooth transition and minimise disruption.  


Frequently asked questions

What has been announced?

Council has confirmed it will exit out of direct aged care (excluding assessment services) following an independent review into the long-term sustainability of Councils operating model. 

Support at Home services will stop in late September, with clients to choose a new provider before 30 September 2026.

For CHSP, VHC or HACC PYP clients there is no immediate impact. Services will continue as usual while Council supports a smooth transition when new providers are appointed by the Australian Government. The expected exit dates are:

  • 1 December 2026 for HACC-PYP clients
  • 30 January 2027 for Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP

 

 

 

What services are impacted by the change?

  • Support at Home  

  • Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)  

  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), and  

  • Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).  

The Assessment service will continue.

Why is Council proposing to exit aged care?

The proposal is driven by significant changes in the aged care sector and is informed by findings from an independent review. 

The review found Council’s operating model is not sustainable under new funding and regulatory settings and carries significant governance, compliance and clinical risks. 

These challenges are occurring alongside national reforms, including the Aged Care Act 2024, which have increased provider obligations and system complexity.  

Many councils across Victoria are facing similar challenges and are exiting or reviewing their role in aged care. 

What will happen next?

All impacted clients will receive a letter and email on next steps from 29 July. 

Support at Home Clients

  • Will need to choose a new provider before 30 September.
  • To help, attend a Support at Home Drop-In Sessions to help you understand your options and ask questions about changing providers. Running between 10 am to 2 pm, on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout August and September.
  • A list of current Support at Home Providers can be found at: Find a Support at Home Provider

CHSP, VHC or HACC PYP clients

  • There is no immediate impact.
  • Services will continue as usual while Council supports a smooth transition when new providers are appointed by the Australian Government.
  • Once a new provider is identified, clients will be contacted with additional information.

 

Will clients lose services?

No.

Support at Home Clients will transfer their service to another provider.

CHSP, VHC or HACC PYP clients will have a new provider appointed to them. 

How will clients hear about this news?

Clients will receive a letter and, if available, an email outlining the changes.

This page will keep clients up to date on changes as they become available.

Support at Home clients will also continue to receive their monthly check-in call.

Are there other providers for Support at Home clients?

Yes.

Visit Find a Support at Home Provider to see all local providers. 

How will Council support older residents going forward?

Council will also continue its broader role in supporting older residents through assessment services, community programs, partnerships and advocacy.

Where can clients go if they have questions or concerns?

Clients can email Council at: 

 

Client phone numbers:  

  • Support at Home Phone Hub: 1300 982 662 

  • CHSP, DVA, and HACC PYP: 03 5722 0790