Western Victoria Primary Health Network

05/06/2026

Big news for headspace Geelong today. It's going to be one of the first headspace centres nationally to be expanded into a headspace Plus. This means more services and more staff.

Deputy PM and Corio MP Richard Marles visited the centre with Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Emma McBride to make the announcement alongside headspace staff, youth advocates and supporters including their CEO Jason Trethowan and Western Victoria Primary Health Network's CEO Craig Wilding.

👉For more information on the announcement see the Government's media release: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-emma-mcbride-mp/media/headspace-geelong-uplifted-to-deliver-more-support?language=en

👉And to find out more about headspace centres and other mental health support services around our region, go to: https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/mental-health-support/

Richard Marles MP Emma McBride MP

28/05/2026

Congratulations to everyone at Port Fairy Medical Clinic for your recent award from the University of Melbourne recognising excellence as a teaching practice and helping develop strong foundations for our future GPs.

It has been rewarded for nurturing future country doctors.

27/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week 2026
This week is an important opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements - and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Across western Victoria, communities are coming together to recognise truth, strengthen relationships, and celebrate First Nations cultures through a range of events.
As an organisation supporting primary health, we acknowledge that reconciliation is central to improving health outcomes and promoting culturally safe, inclusive care for First Nations peoples.
👉 Discover what’s happening near you and get involved: https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/national-reconciliation-week-2026/

12/05/2026

The maximum cost of a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine for Medicare cardholders is now only $25, down from $31.60, and still only $7.70 for Commonwealth concession card holders, plus any brand premium.
To find out more on how the PBS helps with access to affordable medicines, visit
health.gov.au/cheapermedicines

11/05/2026

Have you forgotten something? Don’t worry General Practices and Allied Health clinics in western Victoria still have time to complete your Digital Health Check with the submission period for the Self Assessment extended until this Friday (15 May).

Make sure you submit your form if you haven’t already so you can receive an individualised digital health action plan for your practice.

If you haven’t received a link to the form or would like more information, head to our website https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/2026-digital-health-check/

05/05/2026

We have a new newsletter that we're sending out on the first Tuesday of every month that has information about all our upcoming training, education and networking events for health professionals in western Victoria. You can see today's edition here:
https://edm.westvicphn.com.au/link/id/zzzz69f9172c35299227Pzzzz68102ead6e5ed456/page.html
You can subscribe to our Learn and Network and our other newsletters in our subscription centre: https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/publications/wvphnnewsletters/

23/04/2026

Is your practice a Secure Messaging superhero or a My Health Record maestro? Does it find e-scripts easy or do you triumph at telehealth?

Even if you are not in one of those categories, we want to hear from general practices and allied health clinics in our region about your capacity and capability for digital health.

The 2026 Digital Health Assessment is now open and we’re waiting to hear from you. It’s a great opportunity to benchmark your practice and help plan your future business needs.

To find out more including how to access the self-assessment forms, head to our website. https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/2026-digital-health-check/

22/04/2026

Enthusiasm for the Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) program shone through at our information and networking event in Ballarat on Tuesday night.

With pharmacists and residential aged care staff attending, it was a valuable opportunity to hear how the ACOP program is delivering big benefits for residents in aged care. Current pharmacists participating in the program, as well as a GP and Nurse Unit Manager from a participating Residential Aged Care Home, shared their experiences. It was an engaging evening with opportunities to discuss issues including what the role of the ACOP involves, medication management issues and managing challenging conversations.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) is funded to support the roll out and uptake of ACOP in western Victoria by linking pharmacists and Residential Aged Care Homes together. Find out more, or register your interest to participate, via our website https://westvicphn.com.au/health-professionals/health-topics/aged-care/aged-care-on-site-pharmacist-program/

Pictured below: WVPHN CEO Craig Wilding, Creswick Nursing Home Nurse Unit Manager Loren Phelps, Creswick Nursing Home ACOP Kellie Saunders, Donwood ACOP Neil Petrie , and Creswick GP Dr Anne Harris.

Central Highlands Rural Health Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

08/04/2026

This coming Monday at 12.30pm-1.30pm, in conjunction with Primary Health Tasmania, we are holding a webinar designed for disability support teams, with a focus on improving access to primary care and practical use of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) tool. Speakers include Professor Nick Lennox, a Senior Medical Advisor with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and Catherine Mulcahy, a Disability Training Consultant.

You can find more information and register at this link: https://primaryhealthtas.com.au/event/improving-health-outcomes-for-people-with-intellectual-disability/

02/04/2026

Don’t be a bunny 🐰 this Easter long weekend if you or a family member falls sick or needs urgent health care. If your regular GP is not available, there are other after hours care options available. Scroll down for the details.

Note, if you require immediate help for a life-threatening emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department.

After Hours Care in western Victoria this weekend:
👩‍⚕️Urgent Care Clinics – for anyone who has an injury or illness considered as serious but not life-threatening. Clinics are open in Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Torquay. To find where they are located, head to https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/improving-access-to-health-care/urgent-and-after-hours-care/
📞1800 MEDICARE – phone 1800 633 422 for the free 24/7 helpline where you can speak to a registered nurse about any health concern. Or go to https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/
🖥️Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – a free statewide service to treat non-life-threatening emergencies. https://www.vved.org.au/