Western Victoria Primary Health Network

13/07/2026

Building Confidence in After Hours Aged Care > Residential aged care staff can register for our free webinars on strengthening after-hours care, improving clinical decision-making and preparing for future models of care.
The After Hours in Aged Care: From Policy to Practice series will run monthly with the first session scheduled on Tuesday 21 July featuring Consultant Geriatrician at Western Health, Dr Linda Appiah-Kubi discussing Deterioration and Decision-Making After Hours.
Future sessions will cover the topics of Embedding Practical After-Hours Systems and Making Every Record Count: Using Health Records to Improve Care the meet the New Standards.
For more information and to register, head to our website: https://westvicphn.com.au/events-education/upcoming-events/after-hours-in-aged-care-from-policy-to-practice-webinar-series-session-one-21-july/

08/07/2026

An invitation from our CEO, Craig Wilding, for health professionals across western Victoria to join us at our annual Primary Care Conference on Friday and Saturday 16-17 October at The Goods Shed in Ballarat. We have an incredible array of speakers and sessions lined up. Best of all, it’s completely free for WVPHN-members (and membership is free for those eligible).

You can read the full program of topics and speakers on our website and register: https://westvicphn.com.au/events-education/primary-care-conference/

01/07/2026

Registrations for our 2026 Primary Care Conference on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October are now open.

We have a great line up of keynote speakers, education and entertainment, including ex-tennis player and broadcaster,
Jelena Dokic; The Streets Barber, Nasir Sobhani; and comedian and doctor, Dr Noah Szto; in addition to an excellent line up of educational sessions.

Read the full program and register on our website: https://westvicphn.com.au/events-education/primary-care-conference/

26/06/2026

Exploring opportunities to strengthen aged care and health service coordination in Warrnambool is in the spotlight this week at a workshop bringing together representatives from across the region’s health and aged care sectors.
More than 40 people representing residential aged care providers; GPs; South West Healthcare; the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing; Ambulance Victoria; and others contributed to Western Victoria Primary Health Network’s Warrnambool Project Workshop to identify shared challenges and priorities for future actions.
Attendees committed to moving forward with improving coordination between health and aged care services alongside enhancing education for providers and offering more information to older people, their families and carers through collaboration and communication.
We look forward to continuing the work with our partners in and around Warrnambool. In the meantime, go to our website for information on how else we are supporting health and aged care https://westvicphn.com.au/health-professionals/health-topics/aged-care/

23/06/2026

Loving your job is always a big plus. Arnav Chug speaks about what he gets out of being an Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) in Lorne.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network is delighted to be helping connect pharmacists and aged care homes in our region as part of this innovative program.
You can find out more about the ACOP program and - if you’re a pharmacist or work in an aged care home how to become involved - by going to our website. https://westvicphn.com.au/health-professionals/health-topics/aged-care/aged-care-on-site-pharmacist-program/

19/06/2026

Get your application in before the end of June.

Funding is still available, don’t miss your chance to apply.

RWAV’s Medical Professional Development (MPD) Program supports doctors in rural and regional Victoria with up to $5,000 per year for professional development. From courses to further training, the program helps you build skills that benefit both your career and your community.

*The MPD program is funded by the Victorian Government

👉 Apply now: https://loom.ly/yvTPk-g

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