Ballarat Community Health (BCH) offers a broad range of services to older people in Ballarat and surrounds, spanning Allied Health and Exercise Groups programs, GP and Nursing, Medication Management, Vaccinations, Alcohol and Other Drugs (including Smoking and vaping support) and Mental Health Support services.  

As a recognised local, not-for-profit provider, we prioritise your wellbeing with a community-first approach and strives to provide a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment and services for all our clients.  

To access services at Ballarat Community Health, contact via the customer service menu or call us on (03) 5338 4500.

A new rights-based Aged Care Act began on 1 November 2025 and puts older people who need aged care at the centre of the system. This is part of the Australian Government’s plan to make aged care services better for older people across the country and responds to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.  

The new law is designed to protect your rights and make sure your care is safe, high quality, and focused on your individual needs.  

 A new Aged Care Act for the rights of older people 

The new Support at Home program effective 1 November 2025 replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. 

Support at Home program – Booklet for older people, families and carers

Support at Home program – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Support at Home program – My Aged Care

BCH is here to support our clients through these changes and will continue to share information with you, and our team will be here to explain what it means for you and answer any questions.  

The new Aged Care Act, will also bring some changes for people accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

If you are registered with My Aged Care and have already had an aged care assessment, your CHSP services will continue without interruption. You don’t need to do anything.

For information on how the reforms impact CHSP
CHSP changes for clients – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

All clients in the Support at Home (SAH formerly HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) Program will receive a service agreement. This agreement will clearly explain how much you need to pay towards your care.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, we will work with you to help you make your payments. You, your supporter, advocate, or a BCH staff member can ask for support under our financial hardship policy such as a fee review or payment plan.

Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has updated our information to reflect the changes introduced on 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Reforms.
Download our (print friendly) Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack.

My Aged Care is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. They provide the information and support you need to understand, access and navigate the aged care system. You can access My Aged Care online, on the phone or in person.

Myagedcare.gov.au

BCH is a proud member of Ageing Australia, the national peak body for aged care, which supports and represents providers of retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services.