There are more than three hundred groups, clubs and services listed here, all of them in Ballarat and the towns around it. Some meet weekly, some once a month, and a good many cost nothing at all. Search for something in particular, or choose one of the headings and see what turns up. Details do change, so it is worth ringing ahead where there is a number.
Our School Readiness Funding team work with educators to support children’s learning and development outcomes in kindergarten.
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.
Kindergartens who have funds allocated to ‘independent allied health’ under the MENU items stream of their SRF plan can request fee-for-service.
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]
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
In Allied Health 226 downloads
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.
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.
Kate Davenport
Harm Reduction Coordinator
Phone (03) 5338 9164
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.
All NSP equipment is provided free of charge.
Please note: the SDU service operates outside of business hours only, including weekends and public holidays.
Checkpoint is a free outreach service providing harm reduction support across the Central Highlands and Wimmera Southern Mallee.
The service operates one day each month, rotating through communities across the region.
No appointment is required.
Hepatitis C is one of several viruses that affects your liver and causes inflammation. Hepatitis C is curable. Visit LiverWELL.org.au
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
All in one place. Accurate and timely information on emerging drugs of concern. Visit theknow.org.au
-37.0585,142.7730
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)
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.
Find your nearest Take Home Naloxone Provider
Visit the Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program Participating Site Locator
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phone (03) 5338 4500
or refer to the referral forms on the Counselling Services linked to this page.
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.
For immediate family violence support and advice contact The Orange Door on 1800 219 819 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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.
It can include
Family violence often involves patterns of behaviour that are used to gain power and control over another person.
Family violence can have lasting impacts on health, wellbeing, confidence, relationships and everyday life.
Our counsellors work alongside you at your pace. You decide what you would like to discuss and what goals are important to you.
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.
Phone (03) 5338 4500
email to [email protected]
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.
Grampians Sector Development Website
email [email protected]
Seniors Lifestyle Victoria Program is designed for older adults living in the community who are looking to stay well, active and independent.
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.
Phone (03) 5338 4500
email to [email protected]
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.
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.
It’s important to maintain healthy eating habits as you get older.
The 24-hour movement guidelines for adults, older adults, people with disability and people with chronic conditions and provides ideas on what you can do to be active every day.
The City of Ballarat offers programs, services and activities for residents 55years and over.
Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
For more information visit the Department of Health’s Seniors Lifestyle Victoria webpage.
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.
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.
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.
Introducing allergens
Managing fussy eating
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.
-37.5640498,143.8690385
-37.5648693,143.794655
email [email protected]
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.
To access services at Ballarat Community Health, contact via the customer service menu or call us on (03) 5338 4500.
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.
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.
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.
In Aged Care 2364 downloads
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 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.
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.
