Council aged care services to continue

Published on 30 September 2026

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will continue delivering Commonwealth-funded aged care services beyond June 2027, following the Federal Government’s decision to continue the Commonwealth Home Support Program until 2029.

Council had previously resolved to stop delivering Commonwealth-funded aged care services from 30 June 2027, when planned changes under the Federal Government’s aged care reforms were due to begin.

Last month the Federal Government reversed its position, announcing it would extend the current Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029, with the possibility of permanently retaining it.

In response to this significant policy change, Council last night reconsidered the future delivery of its aged care services, resolving to continue providing these services to our community.

The Shire services that will continue are:

• Meals on Wheels
• Community Transport, including Dial-a-Bus
• Group Social Support, including outings and excursions

Mayor Stephen Batty said Council’s decision means there will now be no change to the Shire’s aged care services.

“Those who currently receive Meals on Wheels or use our transport and social support services don’t need to take any action. Things will continue as usual,” he said.

“It was with deep regret that Council made the original decision to stop delivering these services because we could not meet the new requirements under the aged care reforms.

“When the Federal Government reversed its decision and extended the program, we owed it to the community to reconsider our decision.

“We are delighted that services such as Meals on Wheels, which Council has delivered for 50 years and which is highly valued by our community, will now continue.

“Our priority is – and always has been – to support the best possible outcome for older people on the Mornington Peninsula.”