03/04/2026
It is a wonderful time to live in Ararat and the surrounding district as Easter approaches. Our region comes alive with visitors attending the time honoured Stawell Gift and travelling to the Grampians to enjoy time with family and friends before the onset of winter.
It is also a positive time for our health service. The region’s strong sense of liveability is particularly appealing to our younger staff, many of whom are making important decisions about their careers and where they choose to live. A vibrant rural community is a key attraction, with many staff choosing to make Ararat and the district their home. This brings youth, energy and vitality to our health service—something that is essential for a rural service and not always easy to achieve.
In the coming months, we will go to tender for a commercial builder to deliver Stage One of the Willaura Hospital redevelopment. The full redevelopment will be completed over three stages. We are also working closely with the Federal Government to secure matching funding to the Victorian Government’s contribution, enabling planning to commence for Stage Two.
The future of Willaura Hospital has been secured through its important role in providing a quieter, supportive environment. This allows people awaiting National Disability Insurance Scheme or Residential Aged Care Placements to remain in a focused setting that better meets their needs.
More broadly, the Victorian Government is funding the development of a clinical services plan for Western Victoria. A key focus is identifying what smaller hospitals require in terms of staffing, funding and service redesign to safely deliver more care locally. This approach aims to reduce pressure on Ballarat Base Hospital, with patients treated closer to home and, where appropriate, referred back to their local hospital or supported through hospital in the home services.
It is an exciting time to be working in rural healthcare. I recall the significant expansion of services at Ballarat Base Hospital to meet the high clinical needs of Western Victoria and the Wimmera. This strategy was vital, as previously much of this care was delivered in metropolitan hospitals. Conversations about patients needing to travel to Melbourne for treatment were common—something that is now far less frequent.
I look forward to seeing the breadth of services that East Grampians Health Service will be able to safely provide, supported by increasing investment from both the Victorian and Federal governments.
Finally, to all staff, visiting medical officers and volunteers, I wish you a safe and enjoyable Easter. Thank you in particular to those who will be working over the holiday period to ensure our community continues to receive the high quality care it deserves.
