GV PHU Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit

16/05/2026

IDAHOBIT Day 2026🏳️‍⚧️💜💙

Today we stand together to recognise the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia.

This year’s theme for 2026 reminds us of the importance of visibility, respect and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities everywhere.

At GVPHU, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive space for everyone in our community 💙

Let’s continue to speak up, show support, and work together to ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect—today and every day 💜🌈

01/05/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫‼️

As we head into colder months, illnesses like flu and measles can spread more easily — but vaccination helps reduce the risk.

World Immunisation Week reminds us that protection works best when people stay up to date across all ages.

If you’re booking your flu vaccine, it’s also a good time to ask about other vaccines you may need, including MMR.

💜💙 Stay well, Stay protected.

30/04/2026

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆?

World Immunisation Week is a good reminder to take a moment to check you’re up to date.

A quick chat with your GP or pharmacist can help you:
✔ check your record
✔ book a catch-up if needed
✔ stay protected heading into winter

Small steps help keep our whole community well 💜💙

29/04/2026

Flu season is coming. Stay in the game.

Winter sport is about to kick off. Don’t let flu sideline you before the season starts. A few simple steps now can keep you on the field, at work and doing what you love.

Don’t miss the moments that matter. For more info visit GVPHU Facebook or click the link
https://www.gvhealth.org.au/public-health-unit/what-is-influenza-flu/

29/04/2026

Mosquitoes don’t take holidays

Don’t let mosquitoes crash your break! Heading outdoors this holidays? Camping over Easter or the long weekend? Don’t let mosquitoes tag along.
Simple steps now make a big difference.
For more info visit GVPHU Facebook or click the link for more info Mosquito-Borne Diseases - GV Health

https://www.gvhealth.org.au/public-health-unit/mosquito-borne-diseases/

29/04/2026

⚠️ Measles exposure sites update

New public exposure sites for measles have been identified in Victoria.

If you were at a listed site during the specified times, please monitor for symptoms and follow the public health advice.

Measles is highly infectious, but vaccination provides strong protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed for immunity.

More info visit: Victoria Department of Health webpage - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/

29/04/2026

🍄 A timely reminder as wild mushrooms appear across Victoria — please take care and share this important safety advice with others.

Poisonous mushrooms: the facts behind the headlines.

Dangerous mushrooms like death cap and yellow-staining mushrooms are starting to appear in gardens and parks across Victoria. Consuming a death cap mushroom may result in death. Here is what to know to keep yourself and others safe:

• Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison. Mushrooms purchased from a supermarket, greengrocer or other reputable source are safe to eat.
• There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms.
• Remove any mushrooms growing in the home garden by wearing gloves, carefully placing them in a bag, and disposing of them in a general waste bin.
• Because of the risks involved, Victorians are strongly advised to avoid picking and eating wild mushrooms.

If you think you or someone may have eaten a poisonous wild mushroom don’t wait for symptoms to occur:

📞 Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24/7 Australia-wide)
🚑 In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

More info: https://go.vic.gov.au/4svhTa5

29/04/2026

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

Vaccines protect people at every stage of life — from babies through to older adults.

This year’s theme, “For every generation, vaccines work,” is a reminder that staying up to date helps protect you, your family and the wider community.

If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking your vaccination status with your GP or pharmacist.

💜💙 Every action counts.

31/03/2026

Today we recognise Transgender Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️

A day to acknowledge and celebrate the strength, visibility and contributions of trans and gender diverse people in our communities 🩵🩷🤍

Visibility matters—but it must be met with safety, respect and inclusion. We recognise that being visible is not always easy, which is why creating affirming environments—especially in healthcare—is so important.

At GV Public Health Unit, we remain committed to listening, learning and taking action to support inclusive, respectful and accessible care for all.

Because everyone deserves to live authentically, feel valued and be supported—today and every day 🩵🩷🤍

19/03/2026

The Department of Health Vic has issued a Public Health Alert for Legionnaires disease, check the post shared below for more info.

We’re investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Craigieburn and the surrounding suburbs. Six cases have been notified as of 18 March 2026. This investigation seeks to identify the source of the outbreak through testing local cooling towers and other potential sources.

The disease is spread by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain the bacteria. It is not spread from person to person or by drinking contaminated water.

Legionnaires’ disease can cause a chest infection with symptoms of fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches and pains.

People at increased risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease include those aged over 40 years, those who smoke, or have an underlying medical condition.

People who have been in Craigieburn or the surrounding suburbs of Mickleham, Greenvale and Roxburgh Park from late February and who develop flu-like illness should seek medical care.

For more information, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4uwPLFP

16/03/2026

💬 Advance Care Planning Week | 16–22 March

There are no right or wrong answers — it’s simply about what matters to you. Because when it comes to your future care, it’s your story and your choice.

Advance care planning is about taking the time to think about what’s important to you and sharing those wishes with the people who matter most.

At GVPHU, we believe big conversations start small. Starting a conversation today can help make sure your voice is heard when it matters most.

Learn more and start the conversation through Advance Care Planning Australia.

📅 16–22 March
💬 Your Story. Your Choice.

Stay tuned this week as we share more about advance care planning and how our community can support one another to start conversations that matter.