View in browser
Your monthly update from the Grampians Sector Development Team! (2)
January 2026
AGED CARE SECTOR

Notifying the Aged Care Commission of a Change in Circumstances

 

Providers must now notify the Commission within 14 days of specific changes in their circumstances under the new Aged Care Act.

 

These are:

  • changes or an event that affects a provider’s suitability to provide aged care
  • changes that affect the suitability of a responsible person
  • changes in who your responsible persons are
  • changes to your organisation or governance arrangements
  • changes in the scale of your services – such as providing more or less services
  • changes in the service types you provide
  • changes to associated providers (registered providers in categories 4, 5 and 6 only)
  • changes to an approved residential care home
  • changes to financial and prudential matters.

To notify the Commission, you’ll need to complete the Change in circumstance notification form as well as the forms specific to the change you’re notifying us about.

 

For example, if you’re notifying them about adding a responsible person, you need to complete and submit both the:

  • Change in circumstance notification form to let us know the change notifications you’re submitting and details about you
  • Adding a person as a responsible person form for each responsible person you’re adding to your registration.

If you don’t submit all completed forms or their supporting documents for each, the Commission may reject your form. In the change in circumstance guidance you’ll find the ‘Evidence’ tab that lists the supporting documents.

 

You can find the forms along with further information on the Commission’s website HERE.

Sector Resources Overview - Aged Care Act 2024

 

The Aged Care, Quality and Safety Commission have summarised the suite of guidance and resources available relating to the Act in one Aged Care Act resources overview. It lists the resources available to help you and your workforce provide high quality aged care services. It is divided by topic covering everything from audits to financial and prudential standards, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, and more.

 

It includes:

  • guidance materials
  • tools
  • learning resources.

You can find a full list of the Commission’s resources by topic on the Aged Care Act 2024 resources overview HERE.

Support at Home Pricing Compliance

 
The deadline to update your Support at Home prices on My Aged Care has passed. If you have not verified your services or updated your pricing information, you must act now. It is a requirement of the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025.

To meet your obligations, you must use the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal to:
  • check all active service items for each outlet
  • verify your services, if you do not offer a service, mark it as ‘Offline’
  • ensure pricing is current and includes standard business-hours rates
  • check your service delivery area is accurate
  • confirm outlet names and descriptions.
Older people have the right to clear information so they can make informed decisions about their care.

Learn more and update your information HERE.

The Department are monitoring providers’ progress and are working with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to ensure compliance. 
 
If your organisation cannot meet these obligations by 30 January, please email SaHServiceAndPricingUpdates@health.gov.au to explain why and provide a date for when you will meet them.

CHSP Providers Seeking to Deliver Support at Home Services


Guidance is available for CHSP providers who would like to deliver Support at Home services, including:
  • the required registration categories
  • how to set up online services
  • resources, such as a step by step guide to becoming a Support at Home provider.
Learn more about provider responsibilities HERE.

Screenshot 2026-01-28 132337

Regulatory Guidance for Allied Health Professionals


Updated guidance for allied health professionals is now available. It outlines options for delivery of allied health services for older people under the new Aged Care Act.

The changes under the new regulatory model support continuous improvement and better quality and safety in aged care.

Read the guidance for allied health professionals HERE.

Find out more about the new regulatory model HERE.

Dementia Australia Community Engagement Program Grants

 

Dementia Australia has opened applications for a new round of Community Engagement grants.

They are offering grants of up to $10,000 for up to 12 dementia-friendly community initiatives. These grants are designed to support local project ideas that help communities become more inclusive and supportive of people living with dementia.

Priority will be given to projects that:

  • Directly support individuals with young onset dementia and/or younger carers.
  • Meaningfully collaborate with people impacted by dementia in the project design and delivery.
  • Foster local partnerships and meet the needs of diverse communities.
  • Work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, CALD communities, and regional/remote areas.

Applications close on 16 February 2026. Note: Previously successful recipients of the Community Engagement Program are not eligible for this 2025/26 round.

Learn more about this Grant Opportunity HERE.

Webinar: Rights-based Complaints Handling Under the New Aged Care Act

 

The Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission are hosting a webinar on rights-based complaints handling under the new Aged Care Act. 

 

Tuesday 17 February, 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm (AEDT)

 

Hosted by Commissioner Liz Hefren-Webb, you will hear from Treasure Jennings, the new independent Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. This role is appointed by the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors and is responsible for handling complaints independently from the Commission to enhance transparency and accountability. 

 

Treasure will explain how we’re delivering a complaints service that upholds the rights of older people. 

 

They will also discuss best practice complaints handling for providers and what older people can expect when they make a complaint to the Commission. 

REGISTER HERE.

DIVERSITY

Garry & Les's Story Video Resource


Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care along with the Grampians Sector Development Team have recently completed a video resource/companion piece to compliment the case study highlighting Garry & Les’s story. These resources are all designed to assist service providers to understand the experiences & needs of older LGBTIQA+ people, & provide LGBTIQA+ person-centred, safe & inclusive care.


The new PowerPoint video highlights information presented at a reflective practice workshop in 2025. The video (32mins) can be used as an educational resource - it includes sector requirements & foundational information to assist services with LGBTIQA+ awareness & to implement inclusive actions.

 

Access the case study guide, audio & video resources:

  • Garry & Les's Story

  • Reflective Conversations Garry & Les's Story on Vimeo

Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care LGBTI+ Awareness & Inclusion Training 

 

Val’s has added new dates for 2026 for the free, open access, online LGBTI+ Awareness & Inclusion training for CHSP service providers.

 

Delivered by Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care the training provides practical information regarding supporting older LGBTI+ people accessing care for staff working at all levels across the CHSP sector.

 

It also includes information about sector reforms, requirements and frameworks as they relate to diversity and inclusion, with an emphasis on rights based, person-centred, trauma aware care for older LGBTI+ people. Please share amongst your networks and contact us if you need more information.

 

FREE LGBTI+ Awareness training sessions - information & registrations:

  • Part 1: Foundations: www.trybooking.com/COKDG

  • Part 2: Actions for inclusion: www.trybooking.com/COKIH

Wicking Dementia have Relaunched the Updated Preventing Dementia MOOC

 

In 2026, you have access to five FREE Wicking Dementia Centre online programs.

Topics include:

  • 2026 Updated Preventing Dementia — Learn the latest science on risk reduction and brain health.

  • 2025 Updated Understanding Dementia — Build a strong foundation in the causes, symptoms and lived experience of dementia.

  • Parkinson’s Disease — Gain insight into symptoms, progression and support strategies.

  • Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury — Discover how TBI affects thinking, behaviour and recovery.

  • Motor Neurone Disease — Learn how MND impacts the body and how to support people living with it.

Each course delivers practical, evidence‑based insights designed to support real‑world care, community engagement and professional development.
 

See further details at their website HERE.

Untitled picture

Becoming Carer Aware Workshop in Ballarat 


A free workshop and networking event hosted by Carers Victoria and the Grampians Sector Development Team.

About this event:

This session will focus on building your understanding of unpaid carers in our community, exploring the issues impacting on their caring role and what key services are available to support them.

Topics include:

  • Carer awareness – the carer landscape, themes and challenges faced by carers, including in the current aged care context
  • Carer supports – referral options, services available to unpaid carers
  • Implementing Carer Aware – exploring ways to support carers within your service and within your broader organisation.

A networking opportunity and complimentary lunch will follow the workshop.

Please advise of dietary requirements when registering.

 

When:

Wednesday 25 Feb 2026

10.00am - 12.30pm (AEDT)

 

Who should attend:

This workshop is designed for organisations and staff working under CHSP. It is also relevant to the broader aged care sector and its workers.

Organisations that support unpaid family and friend carers are also welcome to attend.

This program is supported by the Australian Government.

REGISTER HERE.

HACC PYP

2026 Focus Topic Sessions


Join the Grampians Sector Development team for a practical workshop series designed for HACC PYP Service Providers. We’ll unpack key operational topics that make day‑to‑day work smoother, while giving you simple, useful tools and strategies you can put into practice straight away. You’ll also connect with fellow providers from across the Grampians and Barwon South-West regions to share ideas, challenges, and fresh approaches.

 

Dates and topics as follows:

  • 5 March: Accessing HACC PYP, Fees & Collection & Interface with CHSP & NDIS

  • 24 March: HACC PYP Reporting

  • 16 April: Operating HACC PYP Health Supports (Allied Health & Community Nursing)

  • 7 May: Operating HACC PYP Social & Community Engagement

  • 11 June: Operating HACC PYP Personal & In-Home Supports

Links to register will be sent directly, however if you do not receive this and would like to attend, please reach out to sectordevelopment@bchc.org.au

TRAINING & EVENTS
iStock-1364274853-1

Partners in Practice - Assessment and CHSP Provider Engagement

 

Join us for a collaborative networking event bringing together Assessment and Service Providers across the Grampians region.

 

New dates as follows:

  • Horsham: 10 February 2026, 11am - 1.30pm (AEDT)
  • Ballarat: 12 February 2026, 11am - 1.30pm (AEDT)

Direct invitations have been issued to Service Providers, please reach out to sectordevelopment@bchc.org.au if you haven't received this and would like to attend, registrations close on Monday 2 February 2026.

686cbd4f77ce376f5b40a695_iStock-157694738-p-1080-1

Thrive, Elevate Your Performance from the Inside Out 

 

This session will be 60min in length and facilitated by Ashley Whitehead from EQ Minds who presented at our May 2025 Best Practice in Ballarat.

 

The session will cover:

  • The Power of our Emotions and Emotional Contagion: Exploring how mood and mindset influence teams, and simple strategies to lift team culture and energy
  • Micro Habits for Mental Health: How small, consistent wellbeing practices, grounded in mindfulness, can help build resilience, reduce overwhelm, and create space to recharge in the midst of busy days
  • Thrive Through Change: Understanding the emotional impact of change and how to stay grounded through transitions using evidence-based wellbeing tools
  • Boundaries for Wellbeing: Understanding the role of healthy boundaries in protecting energy, reducing compassion fatigue, and improving communication.

When: Thursday 19 March 2026 @ 10-11am (AEDT)

 

Target Audience:
Suitable for all CHSP Service provider staff from front line staff right through to Executive and Board. There are no attendee limits.

 

Cost: Free

Delivery: Online via Zoom

REGISTER HERE.

Save the Date: Service Provider Network Meeting

 

Our next Service Provider Network Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 19 February at 11am-1pm (AEDT). 

 

Please register HERE.

The agenda will be provided shortly.

 

CONTACT US
Our team-1

 

https://www.csdgrampians.org.au/

 

sectordevelopment@bchc.org.au

The Grampians Sector Development Team is auspiced by Ballarat Community Health, 12 Lilburne St, Lucas, VIC

Unsubscribe Manage preferences