General News
30 July, 2025
Compliance for new Aged Care Act delayed
It was announced in early June that the new ‘Aged Care Act’ will come into effect from November 1, 2025, transforming aged care laws to put the rights of older people first.
The delayed start date will give aged care providers, including Gilgandra Lifestyles, additional time to prepare staff, inform clients, and update systems to ensure a smooth transition, providing a better outcome for elders in the Gilgandra.
Donna Dobson, Gilgandra Shire Council’s director of aged care and disabilities, welcomes this decision.
“We were happy to hear that the new act was pushed back to November. With our move to Gil Care Connect still in progress, the extra time means we can properly train our staff, have informed conversations with our clients, and update our systems for a smooth rollout.”
Adding, “we want to make this transition as easy as possible, particularly for our home care clients. This means giving them time to understand what’s changing under the new Support at Home program, including the service agreements and care plans, our service list, prices and contributions to non-clinical services.”
The Support at Home program, which will begin alongside the new act, will be delivered locally by Gilgandra Lifestyles Community Care through the Gil Care Connect. The program is designed to help older people stay healthy, independent, and socially connected while living at home.
Until November 1, 2025, services under the existing Commonwealth Home Support Program, Short-Term Restorative Care Program and Home Care Packages Program will continue to support older Australians who wish to continue living at home.
