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Inter-agency Information Sharing Scheme

Inter-agency Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS/CISS)

The protection, safety and wellbeing of adults and children, within our community, is a priority for Ballarat Community Health.
Under Part 5A of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 and Part 6A of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, Information Sharing Entities (ISEs) and Risk Assessment Entities (RAEs) can request information to assess and manage family violence risk, and/or to promote a child’s wellbeing or safety

Need more information

To learn more about Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS) and Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) visit the Victorian Government website,
Information sharing and MARAM reforms.

Please note

  • The requesting ISE must comply with consent thresholds, where appropriate and applicable.
  • The requesting authorised person/agency will need to be verified prior to the release of information under these schemes.

Guest Access

Where guest access is required as part of the fulfilment of a request to release of information under these schemes, authorised persons/agencies will be required to accept and comply with the following terms of use.

Guest Access to BCH Services

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Starting Solids

Starting Solids

Starting Solids is designed for parents in the Ballarat region, facilitated by a dietitian and Maternal & Child Health Nurse for babies between 5-9 months. Ideal to attend once your baby has started some solid foods.

Parents will learn valuable information to confidently start their little one on their food journey.

Free Parent Information Sessions

  • Introducing allergens

  • Managing fussy eating

  • Creating positive meal times
  • Parent health and wellbeing

These free information sessions are provided by Ballarat Community Health in partnership with the City of Ballarat Maternal & Child Health Service. The sessions commence in January 2026 and are held monthly at alternating locations, Lucas Community Hub and Alfredton Djila-tjarriu Community Hub.

Parents find these sessions valuable for connecting socially with other parents and gaining confidence feeding their little ones. Book early to secure sessions.

Book Lucas Session

Book Alfredton Session

Session Locations

  • -37.5640498,143.8690385

    Lucas Community Hub

    17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas, Victoria 3350
  • -37.5648693,143.794655

    Djila-tjarriu Community Hub (Alfredton)

    18 Donegal Dr, Alfredton, Victoria, 3350

Contact

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Ageing Well at BCH

Ageing Well at BCH

Ballarat Community Health (BCH) offers a broad range of services to older people in Ballarat and surrounds, spanning Allied Health and Exercise Groups programs, GP and Nursing, Medication Management, Vaccinations, Alcohol and Other Drugs (including Smoking and vaping support) and Mental Health Support services.  

As a recognised local, not-for-profit provider, we prioritise your wellbeing with a community-first approach and strives to provide a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment and services for all our clients.  

Contact us

To access services at Ballarat Community Health, contact via the customer service menu or call us on (03) 5338 4500.

Aged Care Reforms

A new rights-based Aged Care Act began on 1 November 2025 and puts older people who need aged care at the centre of the system. This is part of the Australian Government’s plan to make aged care services better for older people across the country and responds to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. 

The new law is designed to protect your rights and make sure your care is safe, high quality, and focused on your individual needs.  

A new Aged Care Act for the rights of older people 

The new Support at Home program effective 1 November 2025 replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. 

Additional Resources

Support at Home program – Booklet for older people, families and carers

Support at Home program – Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Support at Home program – My Aged Care

BCH is here to support our clients through these changes and will continue to share information with you, and our team will be here to explain what it means for you and answer any questions. 

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The new Aged Care Act, will also bring some changes for people accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

If you are registered with My Aged Care and have already had an aged care assessment, your CHSP services will continue without interruption. You don’t need to do anything.

For information on how the reforms impact CHSP
CHSP changes for clients – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

All clients in the Support at Home (SAH formerly HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) Program will receive a service agreement. This agreement will clearly explain how much you need to pay towards your care.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, we will work with you to help you make your payments. You, your supporter, advocate, or a BCH staff member can ask for support under our financial hardship policy such as a fee review or payment plan.

Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has updated our information to reflect the changes introduced on 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Reforms.
Download our (print friendly) Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack.

pdf Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack December 2025

In Aged Care 822 downloads

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack December 2025

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack.Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has updated our information to reflect the changes introduced on 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Reforms.Information includes your rights and responsibilities, your information and privacy, client complaints and compliments, whistleblower protection in aged care, using an advocate or registered supporters, supported decision making, reasonable adjustments and emergency planning.

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. They provide the information and support you need to understand, access and navigate the aged care system. You can access My Aged Care online, on the phone or in person.

Myagedcare.gov.au

Ageing Australia

BCH is a proud member of Ageing Australia, the national peak body for aged care, which supports and represents providers of retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services.

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Support at Home Allied Health Services

Support at Home Allied Health Services

At Ballarat Community Health we specialise in a range of allied health services, including dietetics, exercise physiology, podiatry, physiotherapy, cardiac health and integrated chronic disease management counselling.

For clients with a Home Care Package, these services may be included as part of your package.

Cardiac Health Nurses

Cardiac health nurses work with you to deliver a program of support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals and personalised to strengthen your heart, helping you make long-term lifestyle changes so you can live a longer, healthier life. We help you recover after a heart event, procedure or the diagnosis of a heart condition.

Cardiac Health also helps lower your chances of having heart problems in the future. If you require this service, please contact our Allied Health Intake team on (03) 5338 4593 or [email protected]

Dietitians

Dieticians can work with you providing specialist advice and support on managing your diet to improve the nutritional quality of your diet improving overall health and wellbeing.

Exercise physiologists

Exercise physiologists work with you to support to develop individualised exercise programs that fit within an individual’s abilities to improve overall health and wellbeing.

General Counsellors

General Counsellors provide general counselling services.

Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor

Integrated Chronic Disease Management Counsellor works with individuals adapting to and living with chronic illness to provide mental health counselling and care navigation from a wellness and reablement framework.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists work with you to help maintain and improve a person’s ability to move and function. Our physiotherapists will start with your current functionality and, in consultation with you, develop a plan for improving your mobility, strength and functionality over time.

Podiatrists

Podiatrists provide specialist advice on the health of your feet and ankles. They will work with you to improve your mobility and strength, allowing you to be more independent and participate more in your community. Our podiatrists will assess your gait and factors that will affect your mobility and discuss a plan to enable you to maintain or enhance your mobility.

Service Request Form

Support At Home (Home Care Package)

Service Request Form

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Innovative Health Services for Homeless Youth

Innovative Health Services for Homeless Youth

IHSHY works to address the physical and mental health needs of homeless and at-risk young people.

Cook Books

The IHSHY cookbooks were developed using co-design principles, working collaboratively with vulnerable young people and community members.
  • pdf 2023 Tight Arse Cook Book

    In Children and Youth 1479 downloads

    2023 Tight Arse Cook Book

    The IHSHY Tight Arse Cookbook project addresses food insecurity, enhances food literacy, and boosts self-confidence by supporting at-risk groups and individuals experiencing food insecurity in preparing affordable, nutritious meals. The resource features simple, healthy, and cost-effective recipes that required only basic ingredients.

    After printing, the cookbook is available free of charge to food and emergency relief services, as well as organisations within the Ballarat community services sector. It has also been incorporated into cooking and life skills programs run by homelessness and residential services.

  • pdf Hot Off the Press Cook Book

    In Children and Youth 1145 downloads

    Hot Off the Press Cook Book

    Following on from the popular Tight Arse Cookboook. We have created the Hot off the Press Cookbook that uses a basic sandwich press for ALL the meal options.Many individuals do not have access to standard cooking facilities and ncreased costof-living has led to food insecurity for many of us. This book is empowering people who are in vulnerable situations to prepare themselves a simple, affordable and nutritious warm meal.This is not only good for an individual’s health but also their wellbeing: being able to look after and nurture oneself is important to a person’s confidence, resilience, and mental health.

Homelessness and housing affordability

pdf Homelessness and Housing Affordability Infographic

In Children and Youth 1054 downloads

Homelessness and Housing Affordability Infographic

Homelessness is far more than “rooflessness”. Homelessness means being without a safe, sustainable and private space to live.

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NDIS Allied Health Services

NDIS Allied Health Services

Dietitians

At Ballarat Community Health we specialise in a range of allied health services, including dietetics, exercise physiology, physiotherapy podiatry and paediatric speech pathology.

These services fit into NDIS plans in the areas of ‘Improved health & wellbeing’, ‘Improved daily living’.

Work with you providing specialist advice and support on managing your diet to improve the nutritional quality of your diet improving overall health and wellbeing.

To find out more or make an appointment, make an enquiry via the customer service menu to the right-hand side of your screen. Alternatively, call our freindly cso team on (03) 5338 4500.

Contact

For NDIS Allied Health Enquiries
Call (03) 5338 4500

For NDIS Support Coordination
Call (03) 5358 7400 and ask to speak with the NDIS Response Coordinator

Exercise Physiologists

Work with you to support to develop individualised exercise programs that fit within an individual’s abilities to improve overall health and wellbeing

Podiatrists

Provide specialist advice on the health of your feet and ankles. They will work with you to improve your mobility and strength, allowing you to be more independent and participate more in your community.

Our podiatrists will assess your gait and factors that will affect your mobility and discuss a plan to enable you to maintain or enhance your mobility.

Physiotherapists

Work with you to help maintain and improve a person’s ability to move and function.

Our physiotherapists will start with your current functionality and, in consultation with you, develop a plan for improving your mobility, strength and functionality over time.

Paediatric Speech Pathologists

Work with clients from 2 to 8 years of age to assist with a range of communication difficulties such as production of speech sounds, fluency and language.

Our speech pathologists work closely with parents and carers to help support a child’s growth and development.

Service Request Form

NDIS Service Request Form

NDIS  Support Coordination has transitioned to Grampians Community Health

Please Call 5358 7400 and ask to speak with the NDIS Response Coordinator.

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headspace Ballarat

headspace Ballarat

headspace supports young people aged 12 – 25 years with mental health, physical health, drug & alcohol, educational & vocational support.

All headspace Ballarat services are FREE. You can submit a referral form on the headspace Ballarat website.

headspace Website

Services

  • Dietitian
  • Mental Health Services
  • Sexual Health Services
  • Work & Study Services
  • Doctor (GP) including vaccinations
  • Alcohol & Drug Services
  • Youth Reference Group

headspace Ballarat is operated by Ballarat Community Health. All headspace services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Administration of funding is carried out by headspace centre’s local Primary Health Network, in this case, Western Victoria (Western Victoria PHN).

Contact

Level1, 20 Dawson Street North, Ballarat Central, 3350

Phone (03) 5304 4777

Fax (03) 5304 4700

[email protected]

Where can you go for mental health support in Ballarat?

  • Below is a list of mental health services in Ballarat and the level of support they can provide you.
  • All of the services below offer free programs for young people.
  • Remember not all services will be suited to everyone, so it is important that you keep trying until you find the one for you.
  • Don’t forget your General Practitioner (GP) can help you too.

This guide aims to help young people, families and their carers navigate the mental health system in Ballarat.

Think about what is happening for you at the moment and use the chart below to help decide the level of support that fits you. Once you have found the level for you, you can find services that offer that support. It can help you build your support network and make it easier to get the help you need.

* If possible try using this guide with a friend or trusted adult.

pdf Where Can You Go for Mental Health Support in Ballarat?

In headspace 1139 downloads

Where Can You Go for Mental Health  Support in Ballarat?

This guide aims to help young people, families and their carers navigate the mental health system in Ballarat. Think about what is happening for you at the moment and use the chart below to help decide the level of support that fits you. 

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Youth Law

Youth Law

Youthlaw at BCH aims to improve legal, health and well-being outcomes for young people aged up to 25 years.

Youthlaw is a free, confidential legal service for eligible young people who are 10 – 25 years of age and not eligible for Legal Aid.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4585 for all clinics

Fax  (03) 5336 1613

email to [email protected]

Youthlaw can provide

  • Legal advice
  • Casework
  • Court representation/advocacy
  • Help with documentation

Areas of law we can help with include criminal matters, debts, family violence, Financial Assistance Scheme (for victims of crime). We also provide community legal education and support to workers assisting young people, by providing relevant legal information/guidance on how to help young people facing legal problems.

For further information call us directly on (03) 5338 4500 and ask to speak to a Youth Lawyer.

Youthlaw @ BCH is a partnership between BCH and Youthlaw.
https://youthlaw.asn.au/

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Youth Housing

Youth Housing

Youth Housing is a voluntary program for young people between 15 and 25 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness and/or affected by family violence.

This service is voluntary and free.

Youth housing workers assist young people to access safe, secure and affordable housing, and to increase their independent living skills.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4500

Youth Housing supports young people with

  • Access to short-term housing
  • Information about emergency accommodation
  • Support with the Office of Housing
  • Referral to counselling services
  • Assistance with access to the private rental market
  • Assistance with Centrelink payments and budgeting
  • Referral to education and training options
  • Someone to talk to about concerns at home

Under the Opening Doors Framework, the Ballarat area has a single entry point—Uniting Ballarat—for accessing homelessness and housing services. The BCH Youth Housing program receives all referrals directly from this entry point.

If you are homeless or have a housing crisis, please contact the Uniting Ballarat Housing Program on (03) 5332 1286 between the hours of 9am and 4:30pm.

Alternatively, drop in at 105 Dana Street, Ballarat Central at 9am, and they will arrange a meeting with a housing worker.

Breezeway Meals Program

Uniting Ballarat runs the Breezeway Meals Program from 105 Dana Street, Ballarat Central.

Open every day 11am – 1pm, including public holidays.

Breezeway provides a hot and nutritional two course midday meal for people who are marginalised, homeless, living in insecure accommodation or without cooking facilities. The meal is free or low cost ($3-$4) meal

Soup Bus Ballarat

The Soup Bus provides an after-dark meal service to Ballarat’s homeless and less fortunate on five evenings a week.

Monday to Thursday from 7:30-9:00pm and Sunday from 5:30-7:30pm.

The CBD service operates in front of Cameron’s Metaland, Corner of Eyre St & Doveton St S Ballarat Central.

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Refugee Immigrant Health

Refugee Immigrant Health Services

At Ballarat Community Health, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community—regardless of their journey or background—has access to safe, compassionate and culturally appropriate healthcare. Our Refugee & Immigrant Health services provide dedicated support for individuals and families who are newly arrived in Australia, helping them navigate the health system, understand their wellbeing needs and settle confidently into life in the Ballarat region.
Our team works alongside GPs, allied health professionals, community services and settlement agencies to deliver thorough health assessments, ongoing care coordination and tailored health education.

We focus on early identification of health concerns, immunisations, chronic disease management and connecting people with the right services.

For people starting a new life far from home, good health is a vital foundation. Ballarat Community Health is proud to play a role in supporting refugee and migrant communities to thrive and participate fully in the place they now call home.

Refugee Health Program

The Refugee Health Program provides care for refugee communities, delivered by a Refugee Immigrant Health Nurse with expertise engaging with diverse cultural and language communities.

The role of the Refugee Immigrant Health Nurse is to support refugees, asylum seekers and those from refugee-like backgrounds with their health needs.

The program also supports all new migrants and those with complex health needs, in order to facilitate access to the appropriate care and support services, offering culturally appropriate health care to ensure the long term health of the client

  • Health Assessments for newly arrived refugees
  • Referral coordination to local health and community services
  • Key worker support, providing coordination and nursing support to refugee and migrants with complex care needs
  • Outreach services, providing clients with services, information, and resources that they might not otherwise access
  • Referrals to Paediatric Immigrant Health Clinic
  • Referrals for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency

Paediatric Immigrant Health Clinic

The clinic supports children and young people (0–18 years) from refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant backgrounds.

Our Refugee Immigrant Health Nurse will support referrals for the Paediatric Immigrant Health Clinic. 

The Clinic is ran by Dr David Tickell, a paediatrician with experience in immigrant health. Clinic visits are bulk billed and a GP referral is required.

For further information request a callback from the Immigrant Health Nurse who will respond on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Vitamin D Clinic

Specialised Vitamin D Deficiency Care supporting strong bones, muscle health, and overall wellbeing provided by Dr David Tickell.

Low vitamin D can affect energy, mood, bone and muscle health. Ballarat Community Health’s Vitamin D Clinic supports refugees and immigrants with vitamin D deficiency.

  • Vitamin D deficiency assessments
  • Personalised treatment plans
  • Practical guidance to help restore and maintain healthy vitamin D levels safely
  • Connect clients with any additional support required

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