Have your say on living well and ageing strong in Frankston City

Published on 26 February 2025

Frankston City Council is reviewing its Community Care services in response to the Australian Government’s upcoming Aged Care Reforms and is seeking feedback from clients, carers, service providers, community organisations, Council staff and the wider community.

Council currently delivers a range of Community Care services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP).

For more than 40 years, Council have been receiving funding from the Australian Government to support the delivery of Aged Care services.

With the introduction of the Aged Care Reforms, how Council delivers these services is set to change.

Aged Care Reforms will come into effect on 1 July 2025 and aim to create more funding opportunities for private providers and ensure clients have more choice and control over the services they receive.

Ongoing delivery of in-home aged care will be done through the new Support at Home Program (SHP), which will replace all existing federal government funded programs, including the CHSP.

Like all Victorian councils, Frankston City Council must determine the future of its current CHSP services.

Councillor David Asker commented: “These services are essential to supporting positive ageing and independent living for some of our city’s most vulnerable. We know that they are highly valued by our clients, their support systems and the broader community.”

“We’re now undertaking extensive engagement to better understand the service needs and expectations of our community and those who will be directly affected by any decisions.”

“All Victorian councils are required to undertake a similar engagement and decision-making process. Frankston City Council is committed to ensuring our decision reflects the current and future service needs of our community.”

“Our final decision will be based on the feedback we receive, as well as an in-depth review of our ability to meet the new funding and service requirements,” he said.

Beyond reviewing aged care, Council is also taking this opportunity to do a wider review of all its Community Care programs and services, including in-home support services provided to young people via the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP).

Councillor David Asker encouraged the community to have their say: “Tell us which Community Care services you value, what could be improved and what role we should play in the sector and help to shape the future of Community Care services in our City.”

Have your say by visiting Engage Frankston, attending one of the community pop-up sessions or by requesting a hard copy survey form from CommunityCareConnect@frankston.vic.gov.au

Engagement closes 6 April 2025.

Council will then review the findings and develop a plan, with the decision expected to be made in mid-2025. They will continue to deliver high-quality services throughout the engagement and decision-making process.

For more information and to take the online survey, visit www.engage.frankston.vic.gov.au