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Be a part of our 2026 Pet Pride Exhibition

We invite you to be a part of our 2026 Pet Pride Exhibition

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In celebration of Pride Month, Ballarat Community Health and the City of Ballarat invite YOU to be a part of our Pet Pride Exhibition!

We’re looking for fun, colourful, and heartwarming photos that showcase your pets in their most fabulous Pride-inspired moments!

Whether your pet is donning a rainbow collar, sporting a Pride flag, or simply radiating love and joy, we want to see them shine in all their glory! This is your chance to share the bond you share with your pet and celebrate the diversity of love in all its forms.

So how can your pets be a part of this amazing exhibition? Simply upload a picture of your pet to the Ballarat Community Health Website by no later than May 17, 2026.
One entry per person. if you have more than one pet, send us a photo featuring your pet family.

We will contact all entrants with Exhibition details. We invite everyone to come and be part of this celebration of pride, love, and acceptance—where everyone, and every pet, is welcome!

    How to participate

    Snap a pic of your pet in their best Pride gear or in a moment of pride-filled happiness.

    Submit your photo via the form below. We will collect some information from you just in case we need to contact in relation to the photo.

    All submissions will be featured in the Pet Pride Exhibition, which will be held to honour and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community! Submissions are free. One submission per person.

    Show us how your pet spreads love and joy. Let’s make this Pet Pride celebration paws-itively unforgettable

        Send your photo

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        BCH returns to The Ballarat Ageing Well Expo 2026

        BCH returns to Ballarat Ageing Well Expo in 2026

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        Abi Dewan, Manager, Support at Home Services, Ballarat Community Health, Pam Hegarty, Ballarat Age Friendly Ambassador and Claire Shaw, Executive Manager, Ballarat Community Health.

        Connecting residents aged 55 and over with information, services and support.

        The City of Ballarat looks forward to welcoming community members to the Ballarat Ageing Well Expo will be held on Tuesday 26 May, from 10am to 2pm at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre. Entry is free, and attendees are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the day.

        This year’s event will feature informative talks and more than 60 stalls, including health and aged care providers, advocacy and support groups, wellbeing initiatives, aids and equipment, and practical ways to remain independent at home.

        City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Expo has become a popular addition to the events calendar.

        “We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from last year’s Ballarat Ageing Well Expo, which has motivated us to deliver an even bigger and better event this year,” she said.

        “It’s a valuable opportunity for community members to speak directly with service providers and gain a clearer understanding of the many aspects involved in ageing well. We also encourage partners, carers, friends and family members to attend, as the information is useful for anyone supporting their loved ones.”

        The Ageing Well Expo serves as a one‑stop‑shop for community members seeking local support, guidance and resources.

        Ballarat Age Friendly Ambassador Pam Hegarty said these events play a vital role in helping the community make informed decisions.

        “This is the best expo I’ve attended in years. It gives local info to help people make informed choices,” she said.

        The Healthy Ageing team from Ballarat Community Health will also attend the Expo.

        “After the success of last year’s event, Ballarat Community Health is excited to again be part of the Ageing Well Expo,” Claire Shaw, Executive Manager, Aged Care at Ballarat Community Health said.

        “We have a range of services and programs helping older Australians remain independent, healthy and connected through our healthy ageing programs. We encourage community to get down to the expo.”
        As outlined in the City of Ballarat’s Ageing Well in Ballarat Strategy 2022-2026, more than 30 per cent of residents are aged 55 years and over and this number continues to grow.

        One of the strategy’s key focus areas is ensuring residents have access to the information and services they need.

        The City of Ballarat provides a year‑round program of social activities, events and initiatives for residents aged 55 and over.

          City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves at Mercure Ballarat.

              Ballarat Ageing Well Expo

              When Tuesday May 26, 2026 (10am-2pm)

              Where The Mecure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre,
              613 Main Road, Golden Point. 

              FREE EVENT No bookings required.

              For more information visit  Ballarat Ageing Well Expo | City of Ballarat

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              Drive Alive Victoria Now Delivering programs at BCH Victoria St

              Drive Alive Victoria Now Delivering Behaviour Change Programs at BCH Victoria Street

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              Accessible health and wellbeing support services 

              We’re pleased to welcome Drive Alive Victoria who will be facilitating the Drink Drug Drive Behaviour Change Program (DDDBCP) from our Victoria Street site beginning Wednesday 6 May 2026.

              BCH has a longstanding history of delivering this program, and we’re delighted to have worked collaboratively with Drive Alive Victoria to ensure it continues to be offered from this accessible location at 28 Victoria Street, Bakery Hill, Vic 3350.

              We look forward to maintaining the valuable connection between program participants and the broader range of health and wellbeing services BCH provides.

                Bookings and enquiries

                Drive Alive Victoria
                Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
                Phone 0414 414 106 / 0451 414 107
                or email [email protected]

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                    Youth Housing and Homelessness Support Services

                    BCH Youth Housing and Homelessness Services Now Co‑Located with headspace Ballarat

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                    Working together to support young people

                    Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has strengthened its commitment to supporting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness by bringing its youth housing and homelessness services together under one roof with headspace Ballarat.

                    The new co-location creates a collaborative and community‑focused space where young people can access integrated support across housing, health and wellbeing—making it easier to get the right help, in the right place, at the right time.

                    Youth Housing

                    The BCH youth housing and homelessness team provides a range of programs designed to support young people aged 15–25 who are experiencing homelessness or facing housing instability. Services now delivered from the co‑located site include

                    • Youth Specialist Homelessness Support
                    • Specialist case management and support for young people experiencing homelessness or at risk.

                    Find out more about Youth Housing

                    Creating Connections

                    A program helping young people secure stable, longer-term housing by providing brokerage, advocacy and case coordination. 

                    Find out more about Creating Connections

                    Innovative Health Services for Homeless Youth (IHSHY)

                    A flexible program providing tailored health and wellbeing support for young people disengaged from traditional services.

                    IHSHY Resources

                    By co‑locating with headspace Ballarat, BCH is creating a more streamlined pathway for young people to access housing support alongside mental health, physical health, and wellbeing services.

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                        We invite you to take part in the CycLink Co‑Design Study

                        We invite you to take part in the CycLink Co‑Design Study

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                        We invite you to take part in the CycLink Co‑Design Study: From Principles to Program. This project brings together young people with disability, their families, and community partners to help design a new, inclusive cycling program.

                        What is CycLink?

                        CycLink is a cycling program being created with young people with disability and their families. The goal is to make cycling fun, flexible, and accessible for everyone—no matter what kind of bike you use or where you live.

                        CycLink is ethics approved and Co-designed by The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and Australian Catholic University (ACU).

                        What We’re Working on Together

                        We want to work with you to

                        • Create a community‑based cycling program led by trained coaches
                        • Develop easy‑to‑use online cycling resources for young people with disability and their families.

                        How You Can Get Involved

                        We are looking for young people with disability and their families to join online group workshops.

                        In these workshops, you can

                        • Share your ideas and experiences
                        • Help us design how CycLink should look and work
                        • Tell us what helps make cycling easier, more enjoyable, and more inclusive

                          Workshop Details

                          Format Online via Zoom

                          Who

                          • Adults can join up to three workshops
                          • Children can join one workshop

                          When February 2026

                          Want to Join? Please read the information and register your interest by submitting the
                          Registration of Interest Form.

                          Contact

                          If you have any questions, please contact
                          Alesha Southby, Project Coordinator

                          email [email protected]

                          Phone 0401 015 252

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                          When we make sport more inclusive, everyone wins

                          When we make sport more inclusive, everyone wins

                          headspace Ballarat

                          Access to Sport Survey

                          In 2025 headspace Ballarat surveyed 94 Ballarat based young people aged 12-25 to identify barriers that trans and gender diverse young people face when accessing sport. The average age of participants was 18.5, with 50% identifying as Women, 32% Transgender or Gender Diverse and 18% as men.

                          The results show significant differences between cisgender and transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth.

                          • While 56% of cisgender youth find it easy or very easy to access sport, only 33% of TGD youth report the same experience. TGD young people are much more likely to face barriers when trying to participate.

                          • Bullying and discrimination are also more common for TGD youth, with 60% reporting negative experiences in sport compared to 47.6% of cisgender youth.

                          • TGD youth are five times less likely to be open about their gender identity in sport settings and three in four feel anxious about being accepted or affirmed by others.

                          Overall, the findings highlight the need for overtly inclusive, affirming, and safe sport environments to support the participation and wellbeing of transgender and gender diverse young people. Sport clubs, organisations, and communities can play a vital role in supporting TGD youth by actively addressing discrimination, by offering trans-affirming programs that prioritise safety, belonging, and enjoyment for ALL young people.

                          pdf Headspace Ballarat Access to Sport Survey 2025

                          In headspace 659 downloads

                          Headspace Ballarat Access to Sport Survey 2025

                          In 2025 headspace Ballarat surveyed 94 Ballarat based young people aged 12-25 to identify barriers that trans and gender diverse young people face when accessing sport.

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                          2025 Ballarat Community Health Client Feedback

                          Shaping the way we support our community

                          Shaping the way we Support our Community

                          2025 Ballarat Community Health Client Feedback

                          2025 Annual Client Feedback

                          Your feedback matters – and it’s shaping the way we support our community.

                          Thank you to the 500 people/to those who shared their experiences in our 2025 Annual Client Feedback Survey. From feeling heard, involved and supported, to improving health and wellbeing – your insights help us do better, every day.

                          This year’s feedback shows that people/our clients feel more heard, more involved, and more confident managing their health and wellbeing with BCH/us by their side. We’re proud to support you – and grateful you’ve trusted us with your care.

                          We’re proud to support you – and grateful you’ve trusted us with your care.

                          Your feedback tells us what matters most: personalised care, feeling understood, and services that make life easier. Thank you to everyone who shared their experience in our 2025 survey – your voice helps shape the care we deliver.

                          Thank you to the 500 people who completed our 2025 Annual Client Feedback Survey. Your insights help us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to improve.

                          This year you told us

                          • You feel heard and understood
                            (93% agree)

                          • It’s easier to get the care you need
                            (92% agree)

                          • You feel involved in decisions about your health
                            (94% agree)

                          • You’re setting goals and gaining strategies to support daily living

                          You also shared why you choose BCH – personalised support, affordability, and feeling genuinely cared for. 

                          Thank you for sharing why you choose BCH.
                          Thank you for helping us deliver community-centred, person-focused care.
                          Thank you to everyone who shared their experience in our 2025 survey – Your voice helps shape the care we deliver.

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                          We’re Looking for an Experienced VR GP to join our Howitt Street Practice

                          We’re looking for an experienced VR GP to join our Howitt Street Practice

                          Ready for a community-focused role that supports your growth and work-life balance? Ballarat Community Health is seeking a VR GP (3+ years experience) to join our Howitt Street team and help support the growth of our GP registrar program.

                          This is a unique opportunity to step into an established caseload, enjoy above-average remuneration for supervision, and work alongside a dedicated team in a truly supportive environment.

                          With no on-call or weekend work, you’ll have the work–life balance you need while still making a meaningful impact in our community.

                          We’re also offering

                          • Professional development support
                          • Strong wrap-around services and referral pathways
                          • A sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 – to be negotiated with the right candidate
                          • A referral bonus of up to $5,000 for successful recommendations

                          If this sounds like the right next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you! Call Danni/Danielle Walker for a confidential discussion on 0498619669.

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                          Christmas Support in Ballarat 2025 – Food Relief & Other Resources

                          Christmas Support in Ballarat – Food Relief & Other Resources

                          Ballarat Community Health Pharmacotherapy Team

                          Christmas is often seen as a time of joy and celebration—but for some, it can bring stress, loneliness, or financial pressure. If this season feels difficult, remember: you’re not alone. Support is available.

                          Ballarat food relief services – emergency groceries and essentials
                          Christmas hampers and gift cards – toys, vouchers, and festive support
                          Community assistance programs – practical help for families and individuals

                          Christmas Relief information

                          pdf 2025 Festive Season Information November 2025 Edition

                          In Community Programs 1684 downloads

                          2025 Festive Season Information November 2025 Edition

                          2025 Festive Season Information, hampers food relief and other wellbeing resources for the festive season.  Compiled by the Innovative Health Services for Homeless Youth (IHSHY), Ballarat Community Health, November 2025.

                          Visit Food Access for emergency support available in the Ballarat area throughout the year.

                          This season, let’s look out for each other. With patience and kindness, an open ear, or a small gesture can make a big difference.

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                          2024/2025 Annual Report and Annual General Meeting

                          Reflecting on a Year of Impact

                          Eat Well Feel Good Lunch

                          Ballarat Community Health held its 2025 Annual General Meeting, Wednesday November 5th. A time to reflect on achievements and express gratitude for the incredible work happening across our organisation.

                          The meeting began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Shannen Mennen of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, setting a respectful and inclusive tone for the evening.

                          Board Chair Dr Jessie Harman AM shared a year in review, highlighting the milestones and successes that shaped the past year before the Annual Report was formally adopted. Our financial position was then presented by Shelley Wood and Danielle Walker, providing transparency and confidence in BCH’s ongoing stability.

                          A special moment of the evening was the farewell to outgoing Board members Robert Hook AM and Mat Muldoon, who have each dedicated close to a decade of service. Their leadership and commitment to community health were warmly acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

                          We welcomed newly elected Board members Pauline Buckland and Sari Baird, whose expertise and passion will help guide BCH’s future with a strong community focus.

                          The 2024–25 Annual Report celebrates the impact of our work and the dedication of our staff in improving client outcomes and access to care every day.

                          • Dr Jesse Harman AM, Board Chair
                          • Sean Duffy, Chief Executive Officer
                          • Robert Hook AM, outgoing Board Member
                          • Mathew Muldoon, outgoing Board Member
                          • A/Prof David Pierce Board Member
                          • Danielle Walker, Chief Operating Officer

                          BCH Annual Report

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