Primary Care Connect

10/02/2026

When you mix drinking and gambling, you may notice that you:
🚨drink more than you intended to
💵 spend more money on gambling than you can afford
💰stay at a gambling venue for longer than you planned
😡 feel moody, angry or irritable.
😔experience feelings of shame and regret the next day.

Drinking makes it harder to stick to your limits. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and clouds your judgement. You might feel overconfident, ignore warning signs, and take bigger risks. You might gamble for longer, spend more than you planned,
and chase losses you wouldn’t otherwise.

For more support on this topic or any gambling issue you might want to talk about, call Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858 or visit gamblershelp.com.au/avoid-bet-regret/.

Gambler's Help

09/02/2026

Breaking Free from Drugs and Alcohol: Patrick’s Journey to Recovery 🍀💜

👉 At the age of 23, life was looking and feeling pretty bleak for Patrick Maggs. Struggling with harmful alcohol use, carrying unresolved trauma, and unsure where to turn, Patrick found himself at a crossroads. What changed everything was one brave decision — reaching out for help.

Patrick's story is one of unwavering strength and we couldn't be more proud of him for taking ownership of his life, dealing with unresolved traumas that led to substance use and abuse.

We encourage you to read the full story here:👇
https://www.primarycareconnect.com.au/Whats-On/Client-Testimonials

Patrick wanted to share his story to show other young people that change is possible, that you can heal and recover and lead a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. Now reunited with his daughter and giving back to community, Patrick's story is a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset and support.

Pictured is Patrick Maggs, along with our Youth Outreach Worker, Ashlee.

DO YOU WANT HELP?
We are here to support, not judge. And our services are free of charge. To access our Alcohol and Other Drugs programs, hit the link in the comments below.

06/02/2026

JOB BOARD FRIDAYS 📌

We’re hiring! 💙 Join Primary Care Connect as an AOD Care Recovery Coordination & Intensive Support Clinician and make a real difference supporting people on their recovery journey. Apply now!

👉https://www.primarycareconnect.com.au/Careers/Current-Vacancies

05/02/2026

Everybody… please meet Michael (otherwise known as Mikka)!🥳🙌

Michael joined Primary Care Connect in 2022 as Executive Assistant to the CEO and Executive team. It didn’t take long for him to become a pivotal part of the broader PCC team. While Michael goes about his work quietly and with minimal fuss, his contribution has been immense. He has played key roles in major projects, including our Reconciliation Action Plan and several strategic initiatives.
Today, we’re delighted to introduce Michael in his new role as Manager of Healthy Communities at Primary Care Connect.

What is Healthy Communities?🤔
As Manager of Healthy Communities, Michael oversees our programs and supports teams across the following areas:
✅ Gym team
✅ Health Promotion team
✅ Aboriginal Health Coach
✅ Community Paramedic team
✅ Women’s Health Clinic
✅ Nursing and Allied Health (including Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Diabetes Education, Osteopathy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation)
✅ Refugee Health team
✅ Needle Syringe Program (NSP)
✅ Distress Support Service (Partnership with Mind Aus)

A long-standing member of the local community and a proud dad to a young family, Michael is passionate about empowering people to live their healthiest lives. He’d love to connect with anyone in the community who has questions about PCC’s free health programs.

😆Fun fact: Michael likes to stay fit by consistently going to the gym and has competed in the Hyrox race three times 💪

Please join us in congratulating Michael on his new role!👏

More information on our Healthy Communities programs can be found here 👇

03/02/2026

Are you affected by someone else’s gambling?
هل أنت متأثر بمقامرة شخص آخر؟

We can help you to protect yourself from financial and emotional harm. Gambler’s Help provides free, confidential support to anyone affected by someone else’s gambling, not just gamblers.
بإمكاننا مساعدتك على حماية نفسك من الأذى المالي والعاطفي. توفر خدمة مساعدة المقامر دعم مجاني وسري للمقامرين، وكذلك أي شخص متأثر بمقامرة شخص آخر.

For help in other languages, visit gamblershelp.com.au/help-in-otherlanguages

01/02/2026

Come along to a FREE back‑to‑school financial session TODAY at Shepparton Library.

Our Financial Support Workers will share simple ways to feel more confident with your money. Find more details on the social tile.

📍Shepparton Library
📆Monday 19th January
🕚11am

Everyone can attend and no booking is required. For questions, phone Primary Care Connect on 5823 3200 and ask for Jodie or Rod.

Goulburn Valley Libraries

30/01/2026

Did you know you can self-refer to Primary Care Connect services?

We have updated and simplified our referral forms, and created an easy to navigate Referral Page for community.

You choose the service you want, submit your form, and we will connect you with the program you need. AND REMEMBER, aside from our gym classes, PCC services are FREE!

To access the NEW and IMPROVED Referral page, head to:
👉

Request the service you want with PCC here!

29/01/2026

We’d love to introduce you to Mark, who’s been with Primary Care Connect for 20 years. He started as a Financial Counsellor and has now joined the Leadership team as the Manager of Community Services.✨💙

Mark manages the Financial Counsellors, Financial Support Workers, Gamblers Help team, Refugee Access Workers and our Refugee Counsellors.

For anyone interested in joining the community space, Mark advises doing your homework, research the field you’re interested in and try to secure a student placement or work experience with a Community Health Service provider. This is the best way to determine if this work is the right fit for you.

Fun fact: Mark’s first job was as a plasterer’s labourer! 🧱

28/01/2026

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE COOL TO SPEND THE DAY?

There is a current list of designated cooling areas across the Greater Shepparton region for residents who may be looking for air conditioned spaces to escape the scorching temperatures that are soaring this week.

Greater Shepparton City Council has identified the following spaces: 👇

MURCHISON
Neighbourhood House Murchison
📍 23 Impey Street, Murchison

MOOROOPNA
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre - MEAC
📍 23 Alexandra Street, Mooroopna
Goulburn Valley Libraries Mooroopna
📍 Mooroopna: 9-11 Morrell Street

SHEPPARTON
North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre Inc
📍 10-14 Parkside Drive, Shepparton
South Shepparton Community House
📍 290-300 Archer Street, Shepparton
Goulburn Valley Libraries Shepparton
📍 Shepparton: 41-42 Marungi Street
Shepparton Marketplace
📍 Benalla Road, Shepparton
Riverside Plaza
📍 8025 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla

TATURA
Tatura Community House
📍 12-16 Casey Street, Tatura
Goulburn Valley Libraries Tatura
📍 Tatura: 12-16 Casey Street

When visiting a cooling centre, remember to:
• Bring any necessary medications 💊
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated 💧
• Pack personal comfort items like a book or magazine 📖

Please visit the Greater Shepparton City Council page or website for further information.
Feel free to share this page to your family, friends and loved one's and let's all look out for each other.💜

27/01/2026

Spreading smiles and strength! 😆🌟

Our community cancer exercise classes at Primary Care Connect are having a blast, supporting each other every step of the way.

Together, we're not just building muscles, but friendships too! 💪❤️

26/01/2026

EXTREME HEAT WARNING 🔥❗

☀️☀️A severe heatwave warning has been issued for the Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees for much of this week.

Locations likely to be impacted include Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Corryong, Echuca, Horsham, Kerang, Mildura, Ouyen, Shepparton and Swan Hill.
While extreme heat can affect anyone, people who are young, older, who are pregnant, have acute or chronic health problems, are socially isolated or have limited ways to keep cool are more at risk.

Tips to protect yourself and others:
💦 Stay 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.
🫗 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
☎️ Check 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.
📆 Plan ahead. Watch the weather forecast 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 warning: https://www.bom.gov.au/warning/heatwave-warning/IDV21013
• Better Health Channel advice for extreme heat - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat
• VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

25/01/2026

Join our Financial Support Workers for a FREE back‑to‑school money session at Shepparton Library NEXT MONDAY!

Learn simple tips to build your confidence and stay on top of your spending. For more details, check the social tile.

📍Shepparton Library
📅 Monday 2nd February
🕛11am

Everyone is welcome and no booking is needed. For questions, call Primary Care Connect on 5823 3200 and ask for Jodie or Rod.

Goulburn Valley Libraries