Yet another regional council has pulled out of aged care, with Hepburn Shire Council in central Victoria voting this week to stop providing services.
The Council based in Daylesford, 108km northwest of Melbourne, made the decision based on Federal Government home care reforms which have reduced the role of local Councils in aged care. It will stop providing care services on 30 June, and will notify both Federal and State Governments of its decision.
According to Hepburn mayor Cr Tim Drylie, Council has already led an expression of interest (EOI) process to find a new “values aligned” provider in the area, and has been working closely with aged care staff during the decision-making period.
“Council will continue to fund and deliver a range of programs and services, including our commitment to the development of a Positive Ageing Strategy. We will work closely and constructively with the new service provider during the transition period and into the future.
“Vulnerable members of the community will continue to be protected and supported beyond the transition period. We are also committed to providing support to our committed staff, many who are nearing retirement age or may be transitioning to other service providers,” he said.
The past few months have seen numerous councils, particularly in regional Victoria – such as Moorabool and Mildura – exit aged care due to the reforms.
