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Congratulations Sean Duffy – CEO Reappointment

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Congratulations Sean Duffy – CEO Reappointment

Sean Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, Ballarat Community Health and Dr Jessie Harman AM, Board Chair, Ballarat Community Health

I am delighted to share that Sean Duffy has been offered, and accepted, an extension to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Sean’s appointment has been renewed through to December 2031.

This reappointment reflects the Board’s confidence in the work and direction of this organisation into the future. We are grateful for Sean’s leadership, and we take this opportunity to extend to each of you our sincere appreciation for your valued contribution.

The Board feels a strong connection to the purpose and values of BCH. This includes a sense of optimism about the organisation’s ability to deliver the BCH Strategic Plan and, with your support, our ability to fulfil our commitments to the communities we serve.

Strength and continuity of leadership is particularly important during seasons of growth and change. So much has been achieved, and we look forward to all that is still to come.

I invite you to join the Board in congratulating Sean on his reappointment. This is an important step which will continue to drive BCH’s strategy and impact in the coming years.

Thank you again for your commitment to BCH, improving health and wellbeing outcomes for clients and the community.

Jessie Harman
Board Chair

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Is Vaping Messing with Your Vibe? Take the Quiz

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Is vaping messing with your vibe?

VapeCheck

World No Tobacco Day May 31st, 2026

This World No Tobacco Day, Ballarat Community Health is shining a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing health concerns in our community — vaping.

Say hello to Vapecheck — an online quiz that helps you understand just how much you’re relying on vaping.

What is Vapecheck?

Vapecheck is a free, quick, and judgment-free online quiz designed to help you check in on your relationship with vaping. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll get a clearer picture of how dependent on vaping you might be — and what that could mean for your health and wellbeing.

No sign-up required. No wrong answers. Just a helpful, honest starting point for anyone who wants to understand where they’re at and what their next steps might look like.

Why does it matter right now?

World No Tobacco Day – Unmasking the Appeal, is a global reminder that tobacco — and nicotine products like e-cigarettes — continue to pose a serious risk to our health. Vaping rates among young Australians are rising, and many people don’t realise how quickly a habit can become a dependency.

Vapecheck is our way of helping our community take stock in a safe, supportive way — because recognising where you’re at is often the very first step toward making a change. Ready to find out where you stand?

Take the Vapecheck Quiz — it only takes a few minutes!

When you’re done, share it with someone you think might benefit. The more people in our community who feel empowered to check in on their vaping habits, the better.

Together, let’s make this World No Tobacco Day count.

Thinking about cutting back or quitting vaping? Visit Quit

The video will be screening in Showbiz Ballarat cinemas from May 31, 2026.

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    Be a part of our 2026 Pet Pride Exhibition

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    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

          Submissions have now closed.

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          BCH returns to The Ballarat Ageing Well Expo 2026

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          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

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                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

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                      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

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                          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

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                            When we make sport more inclusive, everyone wins

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                            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

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                            Download (pdf, 373 KB)
                            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

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                            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

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                            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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