Casterton Memorial Hospital

23/12/2025

✨ We're almost at the end of 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, reflecting on the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the ELEVENTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… proactive steps to keep our community healthy through preventive screenings and early detection.

This year, initiatives like BreastScreen Victoria trips enabled local women to access free, routine mammograms in Hamilton, while Pink Ribbon Day events at Digby and Glenelg House, along with the Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks at the Casterton Show, raised awareness and made health approachable for people of all ages.

💬 Community members praised these programs for their convenience, highlighting how small, proactive steps can have a big impact on long-term health.

By providing local access to vital health information and encouraging early detection, we supported our community to make informed choices, care for their personal health, and take positive steps towards long-term wellbeing.

These programs demonstrate that accessible, practical and consistent preventive health measures are essential for a stronger, healthier community.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 12, as we wrap up our 12 Days of Community Health and celebrate the power of storytelling and community connection — right in time for Christmas Eve!

22/12/2025

🎄✨ Christmas is just around the corner, and we’re still smiling after a beautiful 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 on Sunday, 7 December. ✨🎄

It was a wonderful afternoon of music, laughter and connection — shared by residents, families, volunteers and staff. The Casterton Vice Regal Band added to the festive spirit, with plenty of familiar carols along the way, and a very special visit from Santa.

🌟 Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a special celebration. Here’s a look back at some of the lovely moments we shared.

22/12/2025

✨ Today, as part of 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, we’re reflecting on the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the TENTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… access to services, trusted information and practical guidance for women’s health.

This year, our Ask the Experts: Women’s Health Matters event at the Casterton Bowling Club gave women the opportunity to connect with specialists and receive advice on topics that matter: managing menopause and perimenopause, healthy eating, pelvic health and financial wellbeing.

By providing a safe, welcoming space to ask questions and learn practical strategies, we supported women to make informed choices about their health, wellness and lifestyle.

💬 Attendees praised the event for its relevance and clarity, highlighting how accessible information and expert guidance helps them feel more confident in making decisions about their health.

We also supported broader awareness through initiatives like the BreastScreen bus trips to Hamilton and the Pink Ribbon Day High Tea at Glenelg House, helping women take proactive steps for preventive health.

These initiatives remind us that education, awareness and access to services are key to empowering individuals, supporting families, and strengthening the broader community.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 11, as we highlight preventive health initiatives and screenings that kept our community healthier in 2025.

21/12/2025

✨ Day by day, we’re counting down 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, reflecting on the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the NINTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… building confidence to notice, listen and act when someone might be at risk.

This year, residents across the Glenelg Shire stepped up to gain practical skills to support each other, break down stigma, and have real conversations—where it’s okay to talk openly about su***de and, ultimately, save lives.

At CMH, the safeTALK workshop equipped participants to recognise warning signs, start conversations and connect people to professional support. Meanwhile, 30 participants attended the more intensive ASIST training in Heywood, learning life-saving su***de first-aid skills.

We acknowledge the incredible contributions of Portland District Health, the Casterton Rotary and Portland Rotary Clubs, Heywood Rural Health, United Way Glenelg,
Casterton Lions Club and the Old Courthouse Casterton Community Centre — without their expertise, coordination and support, these workshops wouldn’t have been possible.

📊 Following the safeTALK in Casterton, 96% of participants reported feeling confident to have direct conversations with someone experiencing thoughts of su***de — highlighting the power of community-led, evidence-based training to save lives.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 10, as we look back on Women’s Health & Education and how access to trusted information empowered women across our community in 2025.

20/12/2025

✨ Our 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 countdown continues, recognising the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

On the EIGHTH day of Community Health, CMH recognised… the power of standing together to say no to family violence.

Throughout the 14-day community campaign leading to the SayNo2FamilyViolence footy round and the 16 Days of Activism, our community gathered to raise awareness, break the silence and show visible support for those impacted by domestic and family violence.

From meaningful conversations to wearing orange and purple on and off the field, we acknowledge the incredible support of the Limestone Coast Football Netball League and the Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club, as well as our local cafés and businesses who helped spread awareness through visible messaging, and the Glenelg Shire Council for lighting up the Town Hall and stencilling messages of respect across town.

By working alongside local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations, we helped reinforce the message that preventing family violence is everyone’s responsibility, and that change starts with awareness, respect and action.

By showing up in public, visible ways, our community sent a clear message: violence has no place in our homes or our communities — and those experiencing it are not alone.

These initiatives highlight the power of community-led advocacy and the importance of continuing conversations that challenge harmful stereotypes and jokes, while supporting safer homes and healthier relationships.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 9, as we reflect on su***de awareness and intervention initiatives across the Glenelg Shire.

19/12/2025

✨ We’re continuing our 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 countdown, reflecting on the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the SEVENTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… the strength of community partnerships and collaboration in amplifying the impact of health and wellbeing initiatives.

This year, CMH worked side by side with local schools, sporting clubs, service and community groups, neighbourhood houses, councils, businesses, professionals and other health organisations to deliver programs, co-host events and support community-led initiatives. By combining efforts, we reached more people and created lasting impact across Casterton and the surrounding districts.

These partnerships demonstrated that together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. The collaborative spirit of 2025 reminds us that community wellbeing is built on shared effort, creativity and support, and that strong partnerships are at the heart of sustainable health promotion.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 8, as we celebrate the SayNo2FamilyViolence Campaign and how our community united to raise awareness and stand against domestic and family violence!

18/12/2025

✨ Counting down the 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, we’re reflecting on the programs, events and partnerships that supported wellbeing across our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the SIXTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… the power of social connection to reduce isolation and strengthen relationships across our community.

This year, people of all ages came together through a variety of programs and events. Monthly Men’s Lunches, the Seasons social support group, community events and other group sessions created opportunities for people to connect, share experiences and enjoy time together.

💬 Participants highlighted that these connections went beyond the sessions themselves, fostering new friendships, boosting confidence, and helping people feel supported in their daily lives.

By bringing people together in both structured programs and informal social spaces, these initiatives remind us that community wellbeing grows when relationships and support networks thrive.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 7!

17/12/2025

✨ As part of our 12 Days of Community Health, we’re celebrating the programs, events, and partnerships that made a difference to the health and wellbeing of our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the FIFTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… Hands Up Casterton, Youth HQ and the safe, supportive spaces where young people — and the wider community — can grow, learn and connect.

This year, Youth HQ provided a welcoming environment for local young people to explore new skills, try fun activities and build friendships. From creative workshops to hands-on experiences like painting, pottery and music, the HQ gave young people opportunities to develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.

💬 Families highlighted Youth HQ as a safe, engaging place where children can meet friends, try new activities, and enjoy themselves, while parents felt confident knowing their kids were supported and included.

These programs remind us that wellbeing for young people is about more than physical health — it’s about emotional support, skill-building and having a safe place to learn and connect.

The space also served as a hub for the broader community — hosting cinema sessions for adults, exercise classes and being a central point for Kelpie weekend activities — proving that Youth HQ is a versatile space where people of all ages can come together and feel supported and engaged.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 6, as we celebrate the ways our community strengthened social connection and reduced isolation across 2025!

16/12/2025

16/12/2025

📢 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

A crane is currently onsite to assist with ongoing repairs. For approx. 2 hours, the Glenelg House and Ambulance entrances will be closed.

➡️ Visitors to Glenelg House should please use the main CMH entrance instead.

We appreciate your patience while these essential works are carried out.

16/12/2025

The Christmas period ranks as one of the most prevalent times for family violence.

Crime Statistics Agency figures show on Christmas Day alone in 2024, the average number of family violence incidents increased by 45 per cent.

Victoria Police wants to make it clear there is never an excuse for family violence. It can occur at any time and affect anyone.

Police will make referrals to specialist family violence services and agencies, who provide additional support and assistance, such as accommodation, to ensure the ongoing wellbeing and safety of victims.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact Triple Zero (000).

If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence, please consider contacting:
🔹Safe Steps: call 1800 015 188 or chat online at www.safesteps.org.au
🔹The Orange Door: to find a service near you, visit the website www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au
🔹1800 RESPECT: call 1800 737 732 or chat online at www.1800respect.org.au
🔹Sexual Assault Crisis Line: call 1800 806 292 or chat online at peak.sasvic.org.au/servicemap
🔹MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78
or find a service near you.

Read more: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/christmas-most-prevalent-time-family-violence

16/12/2025

✨ As part of our 𝟭𝟮 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, we’re celebrating the programs, events, and partnerships that made a difference to the health and wellbeing of our community in 2025.

🎶🎄 On the FOURTH day of Community Health, CMH celebrated… staying active and well nourished, no matter your age, fitness level or mobility.

This year, weekly exercise classes like Going Strong, Strength & Balance, Just Move and the Friday walking group helped the community move together in ways that were fun, accessible and social.

🏃‍♀️ The CMH Colour Run/Walk was a highlight, with participants hopping, skipping, running, or wheeling along the Kelpie Trail — proving that being active can be joyful and inclusive for everyone.

🥗 Healthy eating workshops, including the Q&A session at the Women’s Health event, encouraged practical, everyday strategies for nutrition and wellbeing, and the smoothie bike at Kelpie Fest brought health learning to life in a fun and delicious way.

These initiatives remind us that movement and nutrition are for all ages and abilities, and that staying active and nourished can be enjoyable, social and empowering.

👉 Stay tuned tomorrow for Day 5, as we celebrate Youth HQ and the safe, supportive spaces that help young people grow in confidence and independence!