Council safeguards core community care while ensuring sustainability
Published on 28 October 2025
Frankston City Council has made the decision to move to a shared delivery model for Community Care services from 30 June 2026, ensuring essential local support continues while positioning Council for long-term financial sustainability.
Under the change, Council will continue delivering the core services our community relies on including Meals on Wheels, Group Social Support (Outings Program), and Council’s fully funded Community Transport Service, while transitioning other services to experienced external providers.
The transition to a shared delivery model will enable Council to reduce its Meals on Wheels waiting list to zero, meaning more clients will get the essential hot meal they need, when they need it. Furthermore, three dedicated buses will transport more clients to social outings.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said the change will allow Council to modernise and grow the services that mean the most to the local community.
“Clients can be assured that there are no immediate changes,” Mayor Bolam said.
“Everyone will receive personalised support as we move through this transition. While some Councils have exited all service provision, Frankston City Council remains deeply committed to safeguarding essential programs like Meals on Wheels, while ensuring our city continues to deliver quality services and facilities for residents of all ages, abilities and interests.”
Frankston City Council’s decision follows extensive community consultation and aligns with national aged care reforms that are transforming how services are funded and delivered across Australia.
The Commonwealth reforms are designed to give older Australians more choice and flexibility in the services they receive, while new governance and compliance standards will ensure providers place clients at the centre of their care, treated with dignity, respect and transparency.
Since 2022, over 25 councils have partially or fully transitioned out of direct service delivery under the reforms, reflecting a sector-wide realignment of how local government engages in aged care.
“This was not an easy decision, but it’s the right one for our community’s future,” Mayor Bolam said.
“The reality is that the current funding model no longer covers the true cost of delivering these services, leaving local councils to fill the gap. For Frankston, that means ratepayers are funding a growing shortfall each year, a position that’s not financially responsible or sustainable over the long term.”
“Our role is to ensure every ratepayer dollar is used where it delivers the greatest benefit, supporting the most people, in the most effective way. By adopting a shared delivery model, we can continue providing essential care while ensuring fairness and sustainability across all Council services, facilities and initiatives.”
Frankston City Council is responsible for delivering hundreds of essential services and facilities that keep our city running, from school crossing supervision, immunisations and maternal and child health, to youth support, libraries, sporting reserves, waste management and local infrastructure.
“In addition to continuing to deliver the essential services our community needs, we’ve also committed ongoing budget to a dedicated Community Care Advocacy and Navigation Service.”
Launching in April 2026, the Community Care Navigation and Advocacy Service will help residents and their families understand the evolving aged care system, explore service options and connect with local providers that best suit their needs.
All clients and staff have been personally notified of Council’s decision, with detailed information provided on what it means for their services or roles. Staff will be supported through this change, including opportunities for redeployment and upskilling. A dedicated Community Care Transition Team has been established to guide clients through the process, and all affected staff are being supported through internal redeployment opportunities and sector transition pathways.
“Council has proudly supported older residents for more than 40 years, and we’ll continue to play a meaningful role into the future, albeit in a more fiscally responsible capacity,” Mayor Bolam continued.
“This decision allows us to protect what matters most – keeping people connected, supported and cared for close to home – while ensuring our city’s resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of every resident.”
Mayor Bolam acknowledged the support of government partners and thanked the community for its engagement throughout the review.
Clients can receive information and support about these changes by contacting our newly established dedicated Community Care Transition Team on (03) 9784 1818 or email CommunityCareConnect@frankston.vic.gov.au
More information on the changes is available here: Community Care - Frankston City Council