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School Readiness Funding Program

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School Readiness Funding Program

Program Focus

Our School Readiness Funding team work with educators to support children’s learning and development outcomes in kindergarten.

The program focuses on Wellbeing = Social, Emotional and Executive Functioning.

Who can access this service

Kindergartens in the Central Highlands Region who have sessions allocated through their Department of Education SRF plan under the allied Health stream. These sessions come at no cost.

Contact

Anna Mathison
Speech Pathologist /School Readiness Funding Team Leader
Phone 0490 051 293

Fiona Bullen
School Readiness Funding Phone Line
Mon/Tues/Wed
Phone (03) 5338 4561

email to [email protected]

How our team can help

Our SRF team includes speech pathologists, occupational therapists and psychologists who work with educators and families to support children’s development.

Our team works collaboratively with educators to build their skills and knowledge, helping them embed supportive practices into their kindergarten programs.

We do work in a capacity building model rather than 1:1 with a child. 

We also provide families with practical information to support their child’s learning at home.

Support is provided at the kindergarten level to benefit all children in the program.

Please note: This service is not available to individual clients

School Readiness Funding Program

pdf School Readiness Funding Allied Health

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School Readiness Funding Allied Health

Ballarat Community Health Allied Health Service offer the School Readiness Funding Program. Speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology professionals work with educators, staff and families to share specialist skills and knowledge to better support the educational needs of all children. The Ballarat Community Health Allied Health team will work closely with the kindergarten to determine how their allocated sessions can be delivered, depending on the needs of the kindergarten.

If you’re looking for kindergarten educator training for your organisation contact our School Readiness Funding team. 

Send us your details via the enquiry form and our School Readiness Funding team will be in touch.

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Harm Reduction Services

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Harm Reduction Services

At Ballarat Community Health (BCH), we believe every person deserves access to judgement-free, compassionate support. Our Harm Reduction Services exist to keep people safe, connected to care.

Harm reduction saves lives. It meets you where you are, without judgement, and reduces the risk of overdose, disease transmission, and other serious harms associated with drug use. It builds trust, often serving as a safe entry point into the health system and a pathway to further support.

Contact

Kate Davenport
Harm Reduction Coordinator

Phone (03) 5338 9164

Needle and Syringe Program

The Ballarat Community Health Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is a public health initiative that aims to minimise the spread of blood-borne viruses and the harms associated with injecting drug use.

A confidential and non-judgemental NSP service to members of the community wishing to access

  • Sterile injecting equipment
  • Other safe injecting equipment such as sterile water, spoons and tourniquets
  • Nitazene test strips (available at our Learmonth Road site only)
  • Safe sex products
  • Education and information
  • Sharps disposal
  • Naloxone

All NSP equipment is provided free of charge.

Available weekdays from 9:00am–5:00pm from the following BCH sites

  • Lucas – 12 Lilburne Street
  • Sebastopol – 260 Vickers Street
  • Bakery Hill – 28 Victoria Street
  • Wendouree – 1042 Howitt Street
  • Wendouree – 10 Learmonth Road

An after-hours Syringe Dispensing Unit (SDU) is located at the following locations

  • Ballarat Community Health – 10 Learmonth Road, Wendouree
  • Uniting –  105 Dana Street, Ballarat Central

Please note: the SDU service operates outside of business hours only, including weekends and public holidays.

Checkpoint

Checkpoint is a free outreach service providing harm reduction support across the Central Highlands and Wimmera Southern Mallee.

A confidential and non-judgemental mobile service

  • Hepatitis C point-of-care testing and treatment
  • Take Home Naloxone
  • Needle and Syringe Program
  • Blood-borne virus, overdose prevention and harm reduction education
  • Information, resources and referral pathways

The service operates one day each month, rotating through communities across the region.
No appointment is required.

Resources

  • Hepatits C

    Hepatitis C is one of several viruses that affects your liver and causes inflammation. Hepatitis C is curable. Visit LiverWELL.org.au

  • Naloxone Nasal Spray Guide

    How to use Naloxone

    Find out when naloxone should be given to a person, who should give it and how it is given. Learn where to go for help and support if you need it. Visit health.gov.au

  • Australian Drug Alerts

    All in one place. Accurate and timely information on emerging drugs of concern. Visit theknow.org.au

Checkpoint harm Reduction Service

-37.0585,142.7730

2026 Locations and Dates

Stawell
Tuesday July 21
Main Street Stawell (Near Pop-up Park)

St Arnaud
Tuesday August 18
(Location to be advised)

Ballarat
Tuesday September 22
(Location to be advised)

Daylesford
Tuesday October 20
(Location to be advised)

Warracknabeal
Tuesday November 17
(Location to be advised)

Ballarat
Tuesday December 1
(Location to be advised)

Take Home Naloxone Program

Victoria’s Take-Home Naloxone Program allows more people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose to access free naloxone from an expanded range of organisations.

Naloxone is a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioids from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain. This can restore normal breathing and save a life. It is non-addictive, non-intoxicating, and cannot be misused.

Naloxone is available free of charge from all Ballarat Community Health NSPs or via outreach by contacting the Harm Reduction Coordinator on 0448 871 391.

  • Take Home Naloxone Program Participating Sites

    Find your nearest Take Home Naloxone Provider

    Visit the Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program Participating Site Locator

  • Naloxone Dispensing Machine Trial

    In April 2024 the Victorian Government announced a $95.11 million Statewide Action Plan to save lives, reduce drug harms and expand care across the CBD, suburbs and regions.

    As part of this plan, 20 naloxone dispensing machines are being trialled across Victoria, with 10 in metropolitan Melbourne and 10 in regional and rural communities. The trial will run until June 2027.

    The machines will be available 24/7 and each free naloxone packet contains two nasal sprays with one dose in each. The naloxone nasal sprays are easy-to-use and come with clear instructions.

    Ballarat Community Health Naloxone Dispensing Machine is located at 28 Victoria Street, Bakery Hill.

  • What is Naloxone?

    Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It works by blocking opioids in the brain, helping to restore normal breathing and giving a person a chance to recover.

    Naloxone is an important first aid tool, just like CPR. Having naloxone on hand means you can act quickly in an emergency and potentially save a life.

    To learn more visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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Counselling Services

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Counselling Services

Support through life’s challenges

Ballarat Community Health offers quality and affordable counselling services to help individuals, couples, families, and groups work through a diverse range of life challenges. Whether you are experiencing a difficult life event, relationship concerns, stress, grief, mental health challenges or simply need someone to talk to, our counsellors provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment to explore what is happening and identify ways forward over multiple disciplines.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a process of working through difficult life situations with a trained counsellor in a private and confidential space.

While counselling is often talk-based, counsellors may also use a range of activities and therapeutic approaches to support your goals and wellbeing. At BCH, our counsellors draw on an evidence-informed approach.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Group-based approaches

Our team includes professionals with different qualifications, experience, and areas of specialisation. This allows us to provide support that is tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

What can counselling help with?

  • Abuse and trauma
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression and low mood
  • Alcohol and other drug concerns
  • Grief, loss, and bereavement
  • Bullying
  • Career, employment, and unemployment challenges
  • Caring for someone experiencing physical health, mental health or alcohol and other drug issues
  • Caring for someone experiencing physical health, mental health or alcohol and other drug issues
  • Family violence
  • Health and wellbeing concerns
  • Identity, sexuality, and relationships
  • Infertility and pregnancy-related concerns
  • Loneliness and social isolation
  • Mental health challenges
  • Neurodiversity
  • Parenting and family concerns
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Multiple or complex issues
  • Other personal challenges and life circumstances

If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation and identify the most appropriate support option.

What to expect

  • Individual counselling sessions vary in duration depending on the service, but most initial sessions will go for 50 minutes
  • Appointments are typically offered in person at one of our BCH locations. Phone or video appointments may also be available in some situations.
  • Your counsellor will work with you to understand your goals, strengths, and circumstances, and support you at a pace that feels right for you.

Finding the right service

BCH offers a range of counselling, mental health, alcohol and other drug, family violence, and wellbeing services. Depending on your needs, you may be connected with a specialised program or service area.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4500

or refer to the referral forms on the Counselling Services linked to this page.

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Family Violence Counselling

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Family Violence Counselling

If you need to leave this page quickly, select the Quick Exit button at any time. This will immediately redirect you away from the Ballarat Community Health website.

Self Referral Form

Self Referral Form

Need help now? If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

For immediate family violence support and advice contact The Orange Door on 1800 219 819 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Ballarat Community Health is not a crisis centre.

If someone is using violence, control or intimidation in your relationship or family, support is available.

Ballarat Community Health provides free and confidential family violence counselling for people who have experienced family violence.

We offer a safe and supportive space where you can talk about what has happened, how it has affected you, and what support you may need.

Some people seek support while they are still in a relationship, while others reach out months or years after the violence has ended.

Family violence is not always physcial

It can include

  • Feeling controlled, monitored or isolated from family, friends or support networks
  • Being threatened, intimidated or made to feel afraid
  • Constant criticism, put downs or manipulation
  • Controlling money, employment or access to resource
  • Sexual violence or unwanted sexual activity
  • Monitoring phones, emails, social media or online activity
  • Using children, family members, services, cultural beliefs or systems to control someone

Family violence often involves patterns of behaviour that are used to gain power and control over another person.

How counselling can help

Family violence can have lasting impacts on health, wellbeing, confidence, relationships and everyday life.

  • Talk with someone who understands family violence
  • Make sense of your experiences
  • Explore the impacts of violence and abuse
  • Strengthen safety, wellbeing and support networks
  • Build confidence and move towards the future you want

Our counsellors work alongside you at your pace. You decide what you would like to discuss and what goals are important to you.

Who can access this service?

  • Specialist Family Violence Counselling is available to women living in the Central Highlands region who have experienced violence or abuse from a current or former intimate partner.
  • Women who have experienced family violence and also use violence themselves are welcome to access this service.
  • Men, non-binary people and people who have experienced other forms of family violence may be able to access support through our counselling services. Our team can discuss the most appropriate support option with you.

How much does it cost?

Most counselling services are free however some services will incur a fee depending on the type of counselling. All fees will be discussed with you prior to your first appointment.

Referrals

  • Self Referral – If you would like to access Family Violence Counselling, select the Self Referral button above or contact our team directly.
  • Professional Referral – Professionals can refer clients to the service using the Professional Referral form. Please include any relevant risk assessment information where appropriate.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4500

email to [email protected]

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Grampians Sector Development

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Grampians Sector Development

The Grampians Sector Development Team work with funded Community Care providers – Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home And Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) to support change management, the sharing of good practice and encourage inclusive access and person centred care. ‍

Ballarat Community Health is the auspice agency for the Grampians Sector Development Team.

The aims of the Sector Development Team

  • To provide support to CHSP service providers, through the aged care reforms, operate effectively in line with the objectives of the CHSP and within the context of the broader aged care system across Australia.
  • To provide support to HACC PYP service providers across the Grampians region and ACCOs within the Barwon-Southwest region.

Grampians Sector Development Website

Contact

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Seniors Lifestyle Victoria Program

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Seniors Lifestyle Victoria Program

Our multi-disciplinary team, combines care navigation, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, dietetics and counselling to create a holistic care approach.

During the 6-month program our team will work with you to create a personalised care plan and support you to achieve your health goals.

This program is also well suited to those managing a chronic health condition and looking to complement the care you already have. 

Through the program, you may be assisted to access and learn more about aged-care services and also connect with a range of supports.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4500

email to [email protected]

Seniors Lifestyle Referral Form

If you would like to be a participant in the Seniors Lifestyle Victoria Program complete and submit the program referral form or get in touch via phone.

Program Referral Form

Stay Active. Stay Strong. Stay Connected.

  • Physiotherapy or gentle physical activity programs
  • Nutrition and healthy eating support
  • Falls prevention and strength building activities
  • Social groups, programs, and community activities

The Team

  • Care Navigators
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Physiotherapy
  • Counselling
  • Dietetics

Who can use this service?

  • Aged 65 and over, or 50 years and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
  • People living in the community (not in aged care).
  • People with mild to moderate changes in health who would like support to improve their health and wellbeing.

Where is this service available?

The Seniors Lifestyle Program is provided by staff at Ballarat Community Health’s Lucas site, 12 Lilburne Street Lucas, Vic 3350. Participants can be seen at Lucas and contacted by phone. Further follow up and support can be undertaken face to face, by phone or telehealth.

Resources

For more information visit the Department of Health’s Seniors Lifestyle Victoria webpage. 

health.vic.gov.au

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Inter-agency Information Sharing Scheme

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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

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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

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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 1941 downloads

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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

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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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