Reflections on Another Busy Year in Primary Health Care
This year, the story of Western Victoria Primary Health Network has been one of dedication, collaboration and progress. Guided by our vision of healthier communities, we have worked alongside our partners to make primary health care more accessible and of the highest quality.
One important piece of work we completed was our Health Needs Assessment for the 2025–2028 period. In line with Australian government requirements, we conduct this assessment every three years to better understand the health challenges and service needs within our communities.
Our region is home to diverse populations, each contributing to the unique and desirable lifestyle found across our urban, rural and regional areas. However, our region also has its challenges such as health care accessibility, and health outcomes in some rural and remote areas.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of what our communities need, we combined quantitative analysis of public health data with qualitative insights gathered through community consultations.
Need is assessed using six key metrics:
- Population
- Social context
- Risk factors
- Service access
- Rurality
- Health consequences
These metrics are used to assess the health care need for each Local Government Area, which then guides us to allocate the right resources to the right areas.
This incredibly valuable data informs us, and the Australian government, on the significant health needs of our community. It also helps us plan and provide support and services into gaps of need.
Some other highlights for us this year include:
- The launch and progress of the Homelessness Access Project and the Multicultural Access Project in Geelong and Ballarat. Both programs aim to remove barriers that prevent people seeking support from primary healthcare services.
- Our establishment of the Healthy Ageing Hubs across the region has led to older citizens connecting with services, information, and activities that support ageing well.
- The opening of headspace in Hamilton, has provided a much-needed mental health resource for youth in the area.
- Connecting with Allied Health professionals across our catchment through closer engagement, education and networking opportunities and encouraging multi-disciplinary care and teamwork.
- Further progress in family, domestic and sexual violence with specially designed A-LIVES training for general practice staff and the appointment of Sexual Violence Integrators and specialist providers to work with practices.
- Engaging with aged care teams to embrace telehealth options for residents.
- Enhancing access to quality palliative care through our Greater Choice for at Home Palliative Care program.
- Our relationship with Deakin University continues to grow, with a focus on generating evidence to support primary care research.
- Our WVPHN GP dinners and education sessions at Ballarat, Geelong, Warrnambool and Horsham were well attended and our guest speakers created much conversation.
- And of course, the development of our new Strategic Plan 2026-2030 determining a blueprint for our activities for the next five years.
At the heart of this journey is our WVPHN team, of which I am very proud. I thank each and every one of our team members for their dedication and professionalism.
Thanks also to all members of our clinical and community councils for their insights and dedication to improving health care across our region.
Finally, I am deeply grateful for the time and care the Board of Directors has given to myself and the Executive Leadership Team.
Victorian Public Health Awards 2025
Our congratulations to all winners and finalists in the 2025 Victorian Public Health Awards, which announced the winners last week. We’re particularly proud of those from our region:
- South West Healthcare – Finalist in the categories of Creating a sustainable and climate resilient health system and Excellence in public sector residential aged care services.
- Barwon Health – Winner in the Excellence in public sector residential aged care services.
- Maryborough District Health Service – Finalist in Excellence in women’s health and Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year.
- East Grampians Health Service – Finalist in Celebrating a strong and sustainable workforce.
- Heywood Rural Health – Winner of Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year.
- Beaufort and Skipton Health Services – Finalist in Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year.
- Central Highlands Rural Health – Finalist in Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year.
- The following people from western Victoria were named on the Health Volunteer Honour Roll for 2025: Barbara Botterill (Western District Health Service), Judy Somerville (Western District Health Service), Roma Tully (Western District Health Service), and Thema Wombwell (Western District Health Service).
You can read more about the winners and finalists on the Department of Health’s website.
Christmas and the Summer Holidays
As this will be the last edition of Westvic News for 2025, I would like to wish everyone a happy and relaxing Festive season and New Years break. The summer holidays are a period to reflect on the year that was, but also a time to rest, replenish and reset so that we can continue to strive for a healthier western Victoria in 2026.
The first Westvic News for 2026 will come out on 21 January, but please keep an eye out for health or emergency alerts from us over the intervening period.
We will be closed for a short period over Christmas, with our organisation going on break at 5pm Wednesday 24 December and reopening at 9am on Friday 2 January 2026.
I wish you all a happy and safe break.
Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO
10 December 2025