Supporting youth mental health in Geelong
After a rigorous tender process, Western Victoria PHN (WVPHN) was pleased to announce that Stride Mental Health Limited has been appointed as the service provider of headspace Geelong.
The $2.8 million Commonwealth Government investment will see headspace Geelong operations transition to Stride over the next few months; will formalise the establishment of a new headspace service in Corio and provide ongoing support of headspace Ocean Grove and Drysdale.
headspace Geelong adds to a suite of mental health services in the Geelong region, addressing the spectrum of mental ill health from low intensity to complex needs.
During the transition to the new provider, the existing referral pathways into headspace Geelong will remain unchanged.
National Apology Day
This Sunday 13 February marks National Apology Day, the fourteenth anniversary of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s formal apology to the Stolen Generations – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities by successive colonial and Australian governments.
To commemorate this important day, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will be hosting a virtual event to share stories from people with lived experience of the Stolen Generation.
The event will be held on the morning of Friday 11 February to allow workplaces to attend. View the event details here.
Congratulations to our 2021 Practice Manager Scholarship winners
I am pleased to announce that, after a competitive process, thirteen practice managers were successful in obtaining WVPHN-funded partial sponsorships to participate in Medical Business Services’ Practice Management Fundamentals Small Group Program.
The program is aimed to support practice managers who are new to the role and is tailored to meet the needs of practice managers in our region.
In addition to the standard program, the successful applicants will also participate in peer group learning sessions with the WVPHN cohort led by Medical Business Services’ principal consultant, Riwka Hagen.
Australia Day Honours
I wish to extend my congratulations to the health professionals in our region recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Honours List for their outstanding contributions to the community:
- Ms Carmel Bernadette O’Brien – for service to nursing
- Emeritus Professor Maxine Duke – for significant service to education, to nursing, and to professional associations.
Thank You
Finally, a continued thank you to our primary health care staff across western Victoria. COVID-19 has again meant another year has begun in ways many of us did not anticipate. I extend my gratitude for your tireless work in keeping our communities healthy and safe despite the ongoing challenges.
Rowena Clift
Chief Executive Officer