Western Victoria Primary Health Network

06/01/2026

A reminder to stay cool to stay safe this week as the temperatures soars across Victoria.

From Mildura to Mallacoota, Ringwood to Rutherglen - summer has arrived in Victoria.

Much of the state is set to experience heatwave conditions this week.

Keep you and your loved ones safe:

🏠 Use air conditioning or a fan to keep your home cool.

👚 Wear light, loose clothes.

💧 Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re outdoors or physically active.

🌅 Plan activities for the coolest parts of the day.

👴 Look out for those with an increased risk of heat-related illness. Check in with family, friends and neighbours.

🌡️ Check the weather forecast via www.bom.gov.au/

☀️ Learn more about heat health at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat.

05/01/2026

A SEVERE heatwave warning has been issued for parts of our region this week. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that areas likely to be impacted include Ballarat, Horsham and Maryborough.

Extreme heat can affect anyone. However, those more at risk include people who are young, older, who are pregnant, have acute or chronic health problems, are socially isolated or have limited ways to keep cool

Protect yourself and others by:

>Staying cool. Use air conditioning and/or a fan. Wear light and loose clothing. Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down such as public pools or air-conditioned buildings.

>Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.

>Checking in with family, friends and neighbours. Let people know you are OK and check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support. Look out for those who might be more affected by extreme heat.

>Planning ahead. Watch the weather forecast in your area and plan activities at cooler times of day.

>Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults, or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.

If needed, call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

For more information:

>Bureau of Meteorology Heatwave Service for Australia - https://www.bom.gov.au/warning/heatwave-warning/IDV21013
>Department of Health – Heat health warnings - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/heat-health-warning
>Better Health Channel - Extreme Heat - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat
>VicEmergency - https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

26/12/2025

Find support right for your needs. The Medicare Mental Health Phone Service is free and connects you with services that best suit you.
Phone 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays (except public holidays) to access local mental health services and supports.
Or go to the Medicare Mental Health website anytime, any day
https://bit.ly/s29-medicare-mental-health

23/12/2025

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reported that a fake rabies vaccine (Abhayrab®) has been circulating in India since 1 November 2023.

People who a received rabies vaccine in India from this date may not be fully protected against rabies.

If you think you might have received this vaccine in India, see your healthcare provider to organise replacement doses.

To learn more, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/3YHWcHo

19/12/2025

Coming Soon – More Healthy Ageing Hubs to open in western Victoria in 2026.

We are expanding our number of Healthy Ageing Hubs from early next year with the commencement of three new Hubs to help older people in our communities live well and remain socially connected.

AllCare Physiotherapy will be opening a Hub from its Colac Clinic while Grampians Community Health will open a Hub at its Horsham offices as well as operating a mobile hub in the Shires of Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack.

More details will be available soon. In meantime, find out more about Healthy Ageing Hubs and the locations of existing hubs in western Victoria from our website. https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/staying-healthy/healthy-ageing-hubs/

18/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated service providers and valued stakeholders across the region. We wish everyone a happy, safe, and healthy break, with time to relax and enjoy moments with family, friends, and the community.

17/12/2025

This morning our CEO, Craig Wilding, met with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, and UFS Healthcare staff, to celebrate the announcement of extra funding for 12 high-demand Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (MUCCs) across Australia, including the Ballarat MUCC on Sturt Street (which is run by UFS Healthcare).
The additional funding will boost the capacity of the Ballarat Medicare Urgent Care Clinic so that extra staff can be employed in periods of high demand, it will also fund enhancements to pathology collection.

Pictured (from left to right): Talei Deacon (UFS Chief Operating Officer Health Services), Felicity Graham (UFS Nurse and Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Lead), Craig Wilding, Catherine King and Matt Vagg (UFS CEO).

07/12/2025

The Medicare Mental Health Phone Service is free and connects you to mental health programs and services that best suit your needs to keep mentally healthy.
Phone 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5pm weekdays (except public holidays) to access local mental health services and supports.
Or head to the Medicare Mental Health website to find out more https://bit.ly/s29-medicare-mental-health

28/11/2025

Congratulations to Federation University on the recent launch of its latest student-led Speech Pathology Clinic at the Mt Helen campus in Ballarat. It's a great initiative to improve access to primary health care services while investing in the education of our next generation of allied health professionals.

Pictured: Clinical Supervisor, Speech Pathology Federation University Marita Woodhouse with Western Victoria Primary Health Network's Senior Manager Workforce Development Fiona Quigley and Allied Health Engagement Lead Mandy Brown.

31/10/2025

Western Victoria Primary Health Network welcomes the passing of the Statewide Treaty Bill in Victoria's Parliament and congratulates the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria for its dedication and work in relation to the landmark Treaty and the establishment of the Gellung Warl body.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in our region to help foster health equity and inclusion.

See our website for our previously published Statement of Support of Treaty for Victoria

Western Victoria PHN recognises family and domestic violence is a major health and welfare issue in our community.

30/10/2025

Reminder: this weekend (1 November) marks the start of the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program and the expansion of eligibility for bulk billing to all Australians with a Medicare card.

As part of the transition, GPs and practices in our region are encouraged to prepare for the changes and potential questions from patients, regardless of their chosen path forward.

See our website for more information. https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/considerations-for-gp-clinics-as-the-start-of-the-new-bulk-billing-practice-incentive-program-nears/