Victorian Healthcare Association

02/10/2025

On the eve of the VHA Conference, join fellow women health directors from across Victoria for an evening of connection, conversation, and leadership.

Co-chaired by Helga Svendsen and Tammy Atkins and delivered in partnership with the VHA - the Victorian Women Health Directors Network brings together women serving on the boards of Victorian healthcare organisations to share experiences, strengthen leadership, and explore emerging issues in governance.

Guest speaker Therese Tierney will reflect on the value of professional networks, sharing practical strategies for building meaningful connections and insights into women’s leadership during times of change.

Register now https://ow.ly/EChR50X5oyG

02/10/2025

We are pleased to welcome Robotec as a Supporting Partner of the VHA 2025 Conference.

Robotec, as an authorised dealer and service partner of Gausium, delivers cutting-edge autonomous cleaning solutions designed for large-scale, high-traffic facilities. With proven success in hotels, gaming venues, and car parks, our robots combine advanced AI, multi-functional cleaning technology, and IoT connectivity to deliver superior results with minimal manual intervention.

We appreciate Robotec’s support of this year’s conference and their innovative contribution to building sustainable, future-ready environments.

Don’t miss your chance to attend the VHA 2025 Conference: https://vha.evexus.net/au

For sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, contact conference@vha.org.au

25/09/2025

Don’t miss the important session ‘Navigating health systems: the imperative of cultural safety’ at the VHA 2025 Conference this October.

This discussion will explore the Victorian Government’s vision for culturally appropriate and safe mainstream health services for Victoria’s First Peoples, highlight the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face in accessing culturally safe care, and offer practical tips for health services to ensure they are being culturally safe.

Hear from an expert panel including Sheree Lowe (Executive Director SEWB, The Balit Durn Durn Centre and Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Families Wellbeing – VACCHO), Jessica Payne (First Nations Health Advisor / Registered Nurse, Grampians Health), Nicole McCartney (Victorian Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser, Department of Health), and Andrea Sloane (Director Aboriginal Services, Diversity and Health Promotion, Bendigo Health).

Final places are limited, secure your registration now: https://ow.ly/548050X1TyK

25/09/2025

Join us for ‘The climate challenge: Adapting services and supporting community recovery’ at the VHA 2025 Conference.

This session will explore how health services can respond to climate change, reduce environmental impact, and support communities through recovery. Hear insights on the National Health and Climate Strategy, sustainable healthcare projects reducing hospital waste and emissions, community resilience programs in Gippsland, and the Health and Human Services Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.

Our speakers include Stephen Bouwhuis (Assistant Secretary, Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care), Dr Forbes McGain (ICU Director, Footscray Hospital; Anesthetist and ICU Physician, Western Health), Anne-Maree Kaser (CEO, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health), and Heidi Matkovich (Director, Climate Health Victoria, Department of Health).

Don’t miss your chance to attend, secure your registration now: https://ow.ly/Z8B650X1TvA

23/09/2025

Meet Sector Leaders at the VHA 2025 Conference 🤝

We’re bringing together decision makers from across Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector.

Sponsors and exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect with CEOs, board directors and executives from across the sector including Hospitals and Health Services, Registered Community Health Services and more.

We have limited opportunities remaining. View our Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus:https://www.vha.org.au/public/184/files/VHA_2025_Conference_Sponsorship___Exhibitor_Prospectus%20-%20Updated%2010_9(1).pdf or contact General Manager – Sector Capability Amber O’Shea for more information.

22/09/2025

5 weeks to go until we kick off the VHA 2025 Conference 📆

We’re excited to welcome Prof. Emily Lancsar, Chief Health Economist at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, to provide a keynote address on the first morning of conference.

With over 25 years of experience in academia and extensive experience in the public service, Prof. Lanscar will provide delegates with valuable insights into the current economic challenges faced by Victoria’s publicly-funded healthcare system and the value of health.

Final places remaining, secure your registration now https://vha.evexus.net/au

22/09/2025

Last week, we were pleased to make a submission to the Productivity Commission's inquiry into 'Delivering Care More Efficiently'. Read our submission here: https://ow.ly/biPM50WZXS9

19/09/2025

Yesterday, we were pleased to host VHA member CEOs from Registered Community Health Services for a Roundtable event at Parliament House with The Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services.

It was a valuable opportunity to discuss the shared strengths and innovative approaches that Registered Community Health Services are taking to deliver holistic, place-based care.

We'd like to thank Minister Thomas for engaging with us in this important discussion.

19/09/2025

Just under 6 weeks until the VHA 2025 Conference!

We’re so excited to welcome our delegates to Sofitel Melbourne to hear from 70+ esteemed speakers on the most exciting opportunities and pressing challenges currently facing the Victorian publicly funded healthcare sector.

With limited places remaining, don't miss your opportunity to attend.

Register here https://ow.ly/UGlx50WZ9tM

17/09/2025

Remaining places at the VHA 2025 Conference are limited, don’t miss ‘Insights from the experts: Mental health reform’.

We’re pleased to be bringing together an expert group of speakers to discuss the mental health landscape in Victoria amid significant reform.

Hear from The Hon. Ingrid Stitt (Minister for Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Pam Anders (A/Deputy Secretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health), Phillipa Thomas (CEO, Mental Health Victoria) and Prof. Patrick McGorry (Executive Director, Orygen).

Register here https://vha.evexus.net/au

15/09/2025

Last week, landmark Treaty legislation was introduced to Victorian Parliament.

Speaking to Croakey Health Media, VHA CEO Leigh Clarke joined other sector leaders in supporting this positive step forward.

“Victoria’s health system has a strong focus on delivering healthcare for First Peoples, and Treaty is another step forward in providing quality care for First Peoples in mainstream health services,” she said.

“The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) supports Treaty in Victoria and stands with our colleagues and First Peoples. We hope to see the Victorian community support Treaty, along with the Victorian Parliament.”

Read more here

This week's historic steps towards Treaty in Victoria have been strongly welcomed by health leaders, reports Marie McInerney. Marie McInerney

15/09/2025

Last week Leigh Clarke (CEO), Kate Linton (General Manager - Corporate Services) and Abby McCarthy (Senior Policy Advisor) visited 8 services across the Loddon Mallee region.

During our visits, we were pleased to hear about the innovative ways that services are meeting community needs, often across large geographical areas.

Thank you to the CEOs and executive teams that took time out of their busy schedules to host us.