HOME and Community Care service staff and other community members have expressed elation and relief at Bendigo Council's decision not to withdraw from providing the service. 

About 160 HACC workers employed by the City of Greater Bendigo learnt of the decision at a closed-door meeting at the Bendigo Town Hall just after 10am.

One of the workers, Graeme, said it was good to see their jobs were safe, and common sense prevail.

"It’s been a very stressful time, the last three months, but a lot of dedicated people have put strong arguments to the council about the excellent services HACC provides," he said.

"I think it’s a fantastic victory for democracy because it shows council does listen.

"This actually showed they were willing to listen if presented with a logical argument."

Another worker, Fiona Walker, said she was "very elated, very happy" at the decision.

She said she was grateful councillors had listened to staff and the community's concerns.

"I think what the most amazing thing is, is that council have listened to our community and our staff," she said.

"I just want to thank them on behalf of the whole community, the whole staff and all the carers, they've made the right choice."

Ms Walker said while she had always been positive about it reaching such an outcome, she felt a lot of other people had been "extremely surprised" at council's decision.

"There were a whole range of emotions on display," she said.

"I believe the provisional decision was a bit ill informed, but after they found out how much it would affect the community they changed their mind." 

Former Bendigo mayor Julie Rivendell, one of the most passionate community advocates about Bendigo's HACC service, also welcomed the news.

"I’m really pleased with the decision, I’m pleased the council have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing care and support of the most vulnerable and needy in our community," she said.

"I think it demonstrates care and compassion and it’s a good outcome for clients, staff, community and ratepayers."

She said she was aware there had been a lot of feedback from the community in the lead up to the decision and lots of discussion at councillor forums.

"I knew many councillors had put in quite a lot of time and effort to understand the issues and we can’t ask for more than that from our councillors," she said.

"I congratulate them for making the right decision."

Bendigo GP Dr Jean Douglas, who has also previously spoken out on the issue on behalf of concerned elderly patients, said it was a win for the community.

"On the whole, there was sufficient people in the community who spoke out," she said.

"It's a good outcome, and good for the council to listen to the community and to take note of it."

Dr Douglas said it was quite impressive council had listened to the community.

"We’re very fortunate they've listened, hopefully they’ll be lots of happy elderly people," she said.

"I think it's very honourable council have done that."