Heathcote Health

27/09/2025

Heathcote Health and Sports Focus need your help! We want to hear from Heathcote families with young children to find out what sports, active recreation and play activities you would like to be involved in, in your local area.

The survey is short, anonymous and will help guide future opportunities: https://forms.office.com/r/1Rbjvka4Nx

Thanks!

21/09/2025

Come and see us in the Oval Room behind the band.
💙 leave a message to support mental health on our blue tree
🥬 make a healthy face … and then eat it!!!
Lots of fun for all the family

05/09/2025

𝙓-𝙍𝙖𝙮 (𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙄𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜) 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙘𝙤𝙩𝙚

Heathcote Health is pleased to announce the return of on-site X-ray services to the Heathcote community, following the departure of Bendigo Radiology on 30 June 2025.

From Monday 1 September 2025, the new service is being delivered by Bendigo Health Medical Imaging, ensuring residents have continued access to essential medical imaging close to home.

Services will operate from the Heathcote Health campus three days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9:30am to 1:00pm.

Community members requiring an X-ray can be referred by their GP or treating clinician. Appointments will be managed through Heathcote Health in partnership with Bendigo Health Medical Imaging.

For more information about the service or to make a booking, please contact Heathcote Health on (03)5431-0900 during business hours.

04/09/2025

Women’s Health Week

Virtual Health Checks:
The State Government’s virtual women’s health clinic is now open to all Victorian women and girls of any age. Offering free, expert advice for a range of women’s health needs. The clinic is led by specialist nurses, and can provide medical advice remotely via telehealth, online or via phone call- including sexual health, menstrual health, menopause care, cervical screening, breast health care, and pregnancy termination care. The clinic is operated in partnership with community health organisation EACH, and aims to reduce the barriers and delays in accessing care. In addition to treating immediate health needs, referrals can be made to various support services including mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, as well as family violence support.
The virtual women’s health clinic is available;
• Monday- Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm
• By calling 1300 003 224 or via an online form through the EACH website, https://www.each.com.au/services/virtual-womens-health-clinic.


Her Health Check- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
Are your health checks up to date? Find out now with Her Health Check, a tool for women in Australia. It tells you which health checks you might need and when to get them.
Simply answer a few quick questions about yourself and Her Health Check will give you a free report. Visit the Jean Hailes website.
https:/checks.Jean hailed.org.au/health-check/

03/09/2025

🚐The Medibank Live Better Van is coming to Heathcote Health tomorrow!

👤Available for the Heathcote community to discuss health needs, Medibank’s unique member health programs and to complete a personalised health check using the SiSU mini.

🩺The health checks include weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, heart rate , perceived stress and more.

03/09/2025

It’s today 📯Wednesday 3rd of September.
Heathcote Health is pleased to invite local NDIS participants, carers, families, and community members to a free Morning Tea event focussed on disability services in the region.
This inclusive and friendly gathering will take place at the Barrack Reserve Oval Room on Wednesday 3rd of September, offering an opportunity for community members to connect, share, and learn more about local support options.
Guests will be able to:
Meet with a range of local and regional NDIS providers
Gather information about services in the Heathcote area
Provide feedback to Heathcote Health on current gaps and future needs in disability support
Enjoy a warm cuppa and light refreshments in a welcoming space
“We’re excited to bring the community together and hear directly from participants and carers about their experiences,” said Sharon Shimizu at Heathcote Health. “Your voice is essential to shaping better services to meet local needs.”
The event forms part of Heathcote Health’s NDIS Expansion Project, a community-led initiative to better understand and respond to local demand for disability supports.
All are welcome, and accessibility supports are available.
Event Details:
Location: Barrack Reserve Oval Room
Date: Wednesday 3rd of September
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
RSVP or enquiries: 03 5431 0900

22/08/2025

It’s time to start preparing your property.
Some advice from our friends at CFA North West Region Community Safety

As winter draws to a close, now is the best time to prepare your property for fire season.
Whether it's cleaning your gutters, mowing your lawn or clearing branches from around your house - the small steps you take now can make a big difference should a fire occur near you. 🏠

Find out more at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/prepare

21/08/2025

We are looking for an administration officer who can also help us in Aged Care. Come and work with us at Heathcote Health, all enquiries to Andrew at awalker@heathcotehealth.org or 03 5431 0900

19/08/2025

We spend up to 80% of our waking day in conversation- in person, on the phone, in virtual meetings, over text or via social media.

These moments of connection are all opportunities to recognise the signs someone may be experiencing mental health problems and have a supportive conversation.

For example, during a conversation with someone, show that you understand by reflecting their words back to them such as ‘It sounds like the past week has been really overwhelming for you. Is that right?’.

Learn how you can
https://www.mhfa.com.au/our-day/

17/08/2025

🐍 Snakes Emerging from Winter Brumation: What to Expect

As the warm days of August begin to settle in, snakes across many regions are coming out of their winter brumation, which is essentially their version of hibernation. Unlike true hibernation in mammals, brumation is a period of dormancy where snakes slow down their metabolism and activity levels to survive the colder months.

🔴Emergence and Behavior in August:

August marks the start of what’s often referred to as *emergence month*.

During this time, snakes, particularly those in temperate climates, will start to leave their winter shelters (often burrows, rock crevices, or other cool, sheltered areas).

Even though temperatures can still be relatively cool, the sun’s warmth triggers their activity.

Snakes take advantage of these sunnier days to bask, regulate their body temperature, and begin feeding again, which is crucial after their extended period of inactivity.

However, snakes don’t immediately venture far from their brumation sites.

They are likely to stay close to their winter homes, gradually moving into their summer habitats as the weather warms up further.

This slow emergence means that sightings of snakes in the early days of this period may be more localized around their previous hibernation areas.

🔴Why Planning Ahead Matters:

The commencement of snake activity varies by species and geographic location, but August is a key time for homeowners to start preparing for snake season.

Here are a few considerations:

✅1. Snake-Proofing Your Home:

Now is the time to check your property for potential entry points or areas that could attract snakes, such as gaps in doors, windows, or foundations. Keep yards and gardens tidy, remove debris, and seal up any cracks or holes in the house or garden sheds.

✅2. **Snake Bite Plans**:

It’s essential to plan ahead in case of a snake bite—especially if you live in an area where venomous species are present. This includes familiarizing yourself with emergency numbers, knowing where the nearest medical center is, and keeping a snake bite kit on hand. The same goes for pets, as they’re also at risk from snake bites.

✅3. **Educating Others**:

Family members and neighbors should be made aware of snakes becoming more active, especially children and pets. Awareness about how to safely coexist with snakes can prevent panic and harm.

🌞 In summary, August serves as a key month for the return of snake activity after their winter brumation. By planning ahead, maintaining your property, and having a snake bite plan, you can ensure safety for both humans and pets during snake season.