Community Health First Impact Report
Bellarine Community Health is proud to have participated in the launch of the Community Health First Impact Report at Parliament House this week. Health Minister The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP officially launched the report and spoke about the impact of community health within Victoria.
A panel of clients, service providers and frontline workers, shared lived experiences and practical insights from across the sector.
The Community Health First Impact Report highlights the achievements, innovations and impact of Victoria’s registered, independent community health services across the past year.
Last year the number of people accessing community health services increased by 11 per cent, showing the critical need for this sector as part of the overall health system.
However, demand continues to exceed funding and community health services are managing waitlists across a number of critical service areas.
BCH has been providing services and accessible care to our community for more than 50 years.
BCH, as part of Community Health First, is advocating for investment in five priority areas in the 2026-27 State Budget to improve health outcomes and ease the burden on the hospital system.
- Reduce waiting lists for affordable healthcare: 60,000 more hours of care each year for over 12,000 Victorians.
- Create a Community Health Infrastructure Fund: ensuring at least 1.5% of health infrastructure spending expands reach in growing and regional areas.
- Expand Connected Care Pathways for Chronic Disease: reducing hospital stays and ED visits while saving $8-$13 for every $1 invested.
- Grow Connecting Communities to Care: improving prevention and access for vulnerable and rural populations.
- Pilot a Virtual Connected Care service: bringing nursing and allied health to more Victorians, wherever they live.
You can read the full COMMUNITY HEALTH FIRST IMPACT REPORT by clicking the link HERE.
Learn more about Community Health First by clicking HERE.