Bendigo Community Health Services

28/08/2026

💜We are Wearing it Purple today!💜

This week, BCHS staff have been donning their best purple threads in support of Wear It Purple Day. 🏳️‍🌈

Wear It Purple was created to ensure every LGBTQIA+SB young person knows they are seen, supported and never alone.

👉Find out more about this important day www.wearitpurple.org

Pictured are some of our wonderful employees supporting Wear it Purple Day, including the Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, Integrated Health Promotion and Settlement Services teams 🫶

28/08/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day that is Still Needed 25 years on 💜

Together with The Salvation Army, we soaked up the sunshine at the Bendigo Library Gardens to support the community with a space to connect, reflect, remember and get support.

The gardens came alive with music and people gathering to share stories, connect and enjoy the barbecue, while also raising awareness, sharing information and offering support. 🌞

Thank you to everyone who joined us, including The Salvation Army, Australian Community Support Organisation, BDAC, Ambulance Victoria, YSAS, Maryborough District Health Services, Thorne Harbour, Rainbow Hub, Pill Testing Victoria and Harm Reduction Victoria.

25/08/2026

Got plans this rainy Tuesday morning? We highly recommend grabbing a brew, snuggling into a cozy chair and flicking through our August community newsletter. It's got something for everyone including:

💚 Our big win at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards
💚 InRoads incredible $600,000 two-year funding extension to support people experiencing homelessness
💚 Save the date for International Overdose Awareness Day in Bendigo (it's this Friday, August 28!)
💚 Meet our new Care Navigator, brought on board to support patients of former gynecologist Simon Gordon
💚 The success of the Gender Equity Coalition's Respect Bendigo Forum
💚 Bendigo Family Day Care are on the lookout for educators, could that be you?

👀 Plus, we have a special guest columnist, Bendigo Library CEO Mark Hands discussing why more men in the gender equity space will help our boys navigate harmful stereotypes.

All this plus a little more can be found at the link below! 👇

If you'd like to get the BCHS community newsletter direct to your inbox email [email protected] to be added to our subscriber list.

Welcome to the August 2026 BCHS community newsletter. We've got so much exciting news! We've won the Not-for-Profit Award at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards; our InRoads program supporting those experiencing homelessness has secured $600,000 in funding; Sonya Oper joins BCHS as a Care Navigat...

22/08/2026

Well, this is an exciting opportunity!

The wonderful Bendigo Family Day Care team are looking for a qualified educator in the Elmore region to run family day care from their home.

Get in touch with the team today via email (in the pic above), or fill in our Prospective Educator enquiry form at this link 👉 https://tinyurl.com/4sp4nptv

20/08/2026

Marking 25 years, Bendigo's International Overdose Awareness Day event will be on Friday, August 28 at the Bendigo Library Gardens. It's a day that's Still Needed. Come and connect with others and remember loved ones at this free event.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction there is help available. 💜

Start with us.

Bendigo Community Health Services’ Pharmacotherapy Clinic is changing lives.

Since starting her recovery journey, receiving non-judgemental care in a safe space is all one woman said she wanted.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d be in this position, but I am, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this clinic,” she said.

“People who work in addiction are special people,” she said. “This clinic is brilliant. The doctors are lovely, the people here are angels, and I’ve even used the telehealth when I’ve needed to.”

Find out more about our Alcohol and Other Drug Services: https://bchs.com.au/our-services/alcohol-and-drug-services/

20/08/2026

📣 Applications for our AOD Practitioner position close Monday!

We are searching for a compassionate and skilled practitioner who is committed to supporting people on their recovery journey.

Our life-changing Alcohol and Other Drugs team provides a comprehensive range of treatment, support and education services for individuals affected by alcohol and other drug use.

Apply now: www.bchs.com.au/careers
Applications close Monday 24 August at 10pm

20/08/2026

Expressions of interest for the Healthy Sports Rewards close on Friday August 21, that's tomorrow! Details in the post below 👇

Looking for healthier rewards for your junior sporting club?

Healthy Sports Rewards aim to offer an alternative to the less healthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants ⚽🏀

Earlier this year, we asked Marong Junior Football Club coach, Daniel Bourke for his thoughts on the program and this is what he told us.

“We’re all about helping kids enjoy their footy while building healthy habits, and the program’s focus on offering healthy reward options is a great way to reinforce positive choices.

“It’s been great seeing the kids become more aware of healthy choices while still having heaps of fun, and linking healthy rewards with the effort they put into their sport has made it even more meaningful for them.

“Jump on board! It’s easy to register, the kids love the healthy rewards, and it’s a great way to recognise their effort while helping build a really positive and supportive club environment.”

Expressions of interest close on Friday August 21.

🔗 Apply now: https://go.bendigo.vic.gov.au/healthysportsrewards

This program is delivered in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services.

19/08/2026

Sonya Oper is no stranger to advocacy and support roles.

A social worker with extensive experience working in the health and family violence sectors, she’s joined BCHS to provide targeted support and care for those in the region who were patients of former Melbourne gynaecologist Simon Gordon.

As the newly installed Care Navigator, Sonya is a trusted point of contact for those women or gender diverse people, helping them to understand what supports are available and to actively assist with referrals and connections.

"The pain felt by former patients of Simon Gordon is real, it's as real as endometriosis pain," Sonya says

“I’m here to ensure anyone wanting, or needing, follow-up care can get it in a safe and supportive environment. Any appointments will be done at a client’s pace and will focus on what matters the most to them right now in terms of their health and wellbeing.”

Sonya is based at our Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic. To book an appointment with her call 5406 1200.

https://bchs.com.au/sonya-to-provide-dedicated-support-as-a-care-navigator/

19/08/2026

"InRoads saved my life," *Sarah told us.

Community Connector Karl said: "“Sarah is one of my greatest teachers. It is a privilege to have her allow me to be in her life."

Read how the two have worked together to turn things around for Sarah here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/ytvfyzyx 🫶

Support for those experiencing homelessness in Bendigo has had a huge win with Bendigo Community Health Services’ InRoads program securing $600,000 from the Victorian Government. InRoads Senior Program Lead Clare Woods said it was meaningful recognition of the enormous impact the team’s Communit...

19/08/2026

This legend has a couple of questions for you:
🟢 Do you have an opioid-based prescription in your cupboard at home?
🟢 Do you know someone who has an opioid-based prescription in their cupboard at home?
🟢 Do you, or them, have at home too?

Read why our Practice Manager for Community Pharmacotherapy thinks every home should stock the overdose reversal medication here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/y4333akw