Colac Area Health

11/04/2026

Dear BCHC users and the Birregurra Community,

The Birregurra Community Health Centre is undergoing renovations to improve the overall accessibility and use of the centre.

Whilst these have been planned for some time, we have had the opportunity of contractor availability to commence next Monday 13th April.
Works are planned to be completed within a four week period.
As of Monday 13th April at 7.00am, the spaces as outlined in the attached Notification of Disruptive Activity will be inaccessible.
• The gyms will be closed.
• Colac Area Health will work with all other facility users to support the continuing use of the centre; this includes supporting the private health providers in consulting/office spaces, and the groups (craft, yoga, gentle exercise group, Friday lunches, playgroup and 60+ strong classes).
Birregurra Medical Centre continues to operate as per usual, with access via the main entrance.

Thank you for your continued support of the BCHC and Colac Area Health. We look forward to welcoming you back to freshly renovated spaces from approximately Monday May 11th.

For more information: https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/birregurra-community-health-centre/ ‎

11/04/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, with April 11th marking World Parkinson’s Day, the birthday of James Parkinson, who first described the condition.

In Australia, over 150,000 people are living with Parkinson’s, and around 50 Australians are diagnosed every day. It is the second most common neurological condition in Australia, after dementia.

Parkinson’s can affect many aspects of daily life. Common symptoms include changes in movement and walking, mood changes such as depression, anxiety and apathy, sleep disturbances, changes in bladder and bowel function, and reduced voice volume.

The good news is that there is a wide range of support available for people living with Parkinson’s and for those who care for them. Our Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Speech Pathologists and Social Workers can all help those living with Parkinson's continue to live a full and meaningful life.

If you would like more information please call 5232 5100 or https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/

10/04/2026

Happy International Day of Sterilisation Sciences ⭐️

Today we thank our hard working team for all their work behind the scenes as they clean, decontaminate and sterilise all our medical instruments.

This work is essential for infection prevention, patient safety and ensuring high quality patient care.

Our staff don’t have attitudes, they have standards.

Thank you ⭐️⭐️

Pictured (L to R)
Josh Baker, Mark Robb, Anita White, Janet Walters, Peter Karlis and Rachel Thomson

09/04/2026

Exercise plays a key role in preventing falls by keeping your body strong, balanced, and steady.

Regular movement helps improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility—all essential for staying on your feet. Activities like walking, strength training, or gentle exercises can make everyday movements safer and more controlled.

Staying active isn’t just good for your health—it helps you stay confident, independent, and less likely to fall 💛

08/04/2026

🦠 Measles: Know the Risks. Protect Your Community.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread quickly and lead to serious health complications. Staying informed and up to date with vaccinations is key to protecting yourself and those around you.

🔹 What to watch for:
• Flu-like symptoms, fever and a distinctive skin rash
• Can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation)

💉 Vaccination is your best protection
• Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are needed for full immunity
• If you were born during or after 1966 and aren’t fully vaccinated (or unsure), it’s important to get vaccinated—especially before overseas travel
• Infants travelling overseas can receive the MMR vaccine from 6 months of age

📍 Where to get vaccinated
• Available at GPs, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Health Services and some local councils
• Free state-funded MMR vaccine available – no Medicare card required

⚠️ If you may have measles
• Seek medical care promptly
• Call ahead before visiting a clinic
• Wear a mask to help prevent spreading infection

🛡️ After exposure
• People who are not immune may be eligible for preventive treatment

Protect yourself. Protect others. Stay up to date with your vaccinations.

Find out if you or your family may need catch-up measles vaccines. Learn more information at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatme...

07/04/2026

Keeping your environment clutter-free is a simple but powerful way to prevent falls.

Loose items like shoes, cords, rugs, and everyday clutter can quickly become trip hazards—especially in high-traffic areas. By keeping walkways clear and organised, you create a safer space to move around with confidence.

A tidy space isn’t just about looks—it helps protect your independence, safety, and peace of mind 💛

07/04/2026

🌏Today is World Health Day🌏

This World Health Day, we’re reminded that healthy communities start with supportive environments. Encouraging healthy eating, active living and reducing ni****ne use helps create places where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a healthier future for our whole community.

Please reach out to the Health Promotion team at Colac Area Health if you would like support for your sporting club, workplace, school or community space to create supportive environments. The team can assist with healthier canteens, support to reduce va**ng and smoking, and ways to increase physical activity.

To contact us you can phone 5232 5100 or visit https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/health-promotion/

05/04/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Long weekends are for family and fun, not long waits. If a non-life-threatening health issue pops up for a child or a loved one, VVED can help with a quick virtual assessment from anywhere in Victoria. Our expert team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide you on what to do next without disrupting your plans.

Register today so you are ready when you need it: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.vved.au__;!!GHMCuE2BZP0!NSs2AiEnOXI77hu5PqeK1Sn6z78C8_MDrv8N9bDwFXQ0gAIM_rFcifmH5Fr52wXNNo_d6YL7S0VbVuO8YLtbmscB$

Use VVED for non-life-threatening emergencies only, if your situation is life-threatening please call Triple Zero (000).

02/04/2026

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to preventing falls.

Simple actions—like improving lighting, removing trip hazards, wearing supportive footwear, and staying active—help reduce everyday risks that can lead to serious injuries. These small adjustments improve balance, strength, and awareness, making it easier to move safely and confidently.

It’s not about big overhauls—it’s about smart, simple steps that keep you steady and independent 💛

01/04/2026

🤍 WOW — what a start to the year at Colac Area Health Maternity!

We’ve had a huge number of babies born already in 2026, with March bringing a real baby boom, so far we have had 32 babies born, with 17 new arrivals in March alone! 🍼✨

Our team has supported such a beautiful mix of births- from calm water births, to planned caesareans, to incredible VBACs. Every birth, every family, every story- it’s why we do what we do.

We’re also really proud to share our normal birth rates remain well above the state average, reflecting the safe, evidence-based and family-centred care we’re so passionate about.

And something we know matters to our community- no bypass in 2026, and none expected anytime soon 🙌

We feel so lucky to care for families in our region during such a special time. Huge shout out to our amazing midwives, doctors and support team who make this happen every single day 💛

And of course… welcome to all our newest little locals. 🤍

31/03/2026

April is Falls Prevention Month (often called “April Falls”)—a time to raise awareness that falls are not a normal part of ageing.

For adults aged 65 and over, falls are one of the leading causes of injury and hospital admissions—but the good news is, many can be prevented. Staying active, making simple changes around the home, and keeping up with regular health check-ups can all make a big difference.

Let’s work together to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our community safe, strong, and on their feet 💛