Ballarat Community Health

11/11/2025

Thinking of trying a v**e?
Don’t get sucked in.
If you start, it may be harder to stop.
So… control it, before it controls you.
𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐩𝐞.

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://bchc.org.au/service/smokingandva**ngsupport/

The artwork and design concept for this campaign is based on conversations with young people about va**ng.

This is a Ballarat Community Health campaign, in support with VicHealth

10/11/2025

𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒/𝟐𝟓: Healthy Ageing in Our Community

Ballarat Community Health is committed to supporting people in our region by tailoring our services to promote healthy lifestyles, wellbeing, and independence.

We expanded our Lucas site with a second gym, increasing capacity by 100 clients per week for physiotherapy and exercise programs. In May 2025, we added Home Care Package (HCP) Services to our program offerings as a government-supported program helping older people who want to stay at home.

“I’m impressed with the staff’s enthusiasm and what B*H do for the community. I have been linked with services in the past, but this is by far the best service I’ve ever received.” – 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐁𝐂𝐇 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 (𝐇𝐂𝐏) 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭

Healthy Ageing in Our Community B*H is committed to supporting people in our region by tailoring our services to promote healthy lifestyles, wellbe...

07/11/2025

Good news story to end your week!

When Leon walks into the gym at Ballarat Community Health, his face lights up. Twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, he trains with the support of eQuality Support, and it’s quickly become one of the highlights of his week.

Thomas, one of Leon’s Disability Support Workers, has seen the change first-hand.
“I support him on a Friday. He absolutely loves it. I’ve never seen Leon as happy as he is in the gym. He’s a superstar and gives absolutely everything a go.”

Leon agrees: “I like going to the gym. It makes me feel good inside.”

Recently, Leon has started weight training... and he’s loving it. He even told Beth, his Exercise Physiologist at B*H, that he’s happy to try anything she recommends.

“Leon makes my job a dream because he’s so enthusiastic and patient. He’s willing to try anything, and it’s been a real blessing to see him enjoy the gym so much,” Beth says.

That determination isn’t new for Leon. Growing up, he was a talented footballer, proudly playing ruck rover and taking home multiple trophies. That same confidence is now shining through in his sessions at B*H.

With Beth tailoring a program to his goals, the focus is on strength, balance, respiratory health – and just as importantly, on mental health and community connection.

“We’re not just working on Leon’s physical fitness; his balance, strength, and respiratory health, but also his mental health. The joy and community he gets out of these sessions is just as important,” Beth explains.

The next step is for Leon to work towards 1:1 sessions with his support workers, a powerful move towards greater independence, and possibly even training at home in the future.

Stories like Leon’s capture what Ballarat Community Health is here for: supporting people to build confidence, explore new passions and be part of a community.

06/11/2025

Last night, we held our Annual General Meeting and are proud to share our 2024–25 Annual Report with our community.

This year’s report highlights the achievements, impacts, and stories that reflect the dedication of our staff and the trust our community places in us. It showcases the programs, partnerships, and services that continue to make a difference across Ballarat and the wider region.

We want to thank our community for reading the report, for engaging with our programs, and for accessing our services. Your support and involvement inspire the work we do every day.

Ballarat Community Health remains here for our community, continuing to advocate for better health outcomes, and providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for everyone.

Please enjoy the 2024–25 Annual Report: https://bchannualreport.org.au/2025/

03/11/2025

This Trans Pride Month help Ballarat Community Health plan future events for the trans and gender diverse community in Ballarat in collaboration with local and regional organisations and community partnerships.

We are currently partnering with Transgender Victoria to bring an exciting event to Ballarat in the new year. Your feedback is important to help shape this and future inclusive events.

Watch this space - more information coming soon!

Please follow the link to complete our survey: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=B-hnRZMYXEikVLTA9Mlo9CeR46YJaZdDkXlqRW7xgWVUNENMWk9GV0haVjlOSUJHT0hQQjFPNVRSUi4u&route=shorturl

*The survey is de-identified, confidential and will only take a few minutes to complete

03/11/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬!

The Ballarat Seniors Awards celebrate the incredible individuals who help make our city a more connected, caring place to live.

We were proud to attend the City of Ballarat Seniors Awards on Friday 31 October, celebrating one of our own B*H volunteers, Milad Nachar - finalist in the Community Services category and, so deservingly, this year’s winner!

Milad works tirelessly to serve the Ballarat community - always with a smile! He supports countless organisations, including the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, Ballarat Foundation, Salvation Army, and many individuals across our multicultural community and his church, in addition to the wonderful work he does here at B*H.

Originally from Lebanon, Milad came to Australia as a refugee and has built a life deeply rooted in kindness, connection and community.

Congratulations Milad! Thank you for all that you do for our community!

02/11/2025

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐂𝐇 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟒 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲.

We encourage everyone to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the wonderful places and people that make our Ballarat community special.

𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 & 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:

🔹 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜 (𝐔𝐂𝐂)
Located at Level 1, 1010 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, open from 9.00am to 11.00pm daily – including Public Holidays. The UCC provides medical care when it's urgent but not an emergency.

🔹 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐔 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞:
A free after-hours GP telehealth Service. Available between 6pm to 10pm weekdays and midday to 4pm on weekends and Public Holidays. 1800 468 800

🔹 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬:
Call 000 or go to your local Emergency Department - Grampians Health Ballarat or St John of God Hospital.

All B*H sites will reopen on Wednesday 5 November.

29/10/2025

Say hello to Dr. Claire Pickett 👋

Dr. Claire is a sexual health doctor who sees it as a rare privilege to meet and get to know the people she supports. Each person brings their own story, experiences, and perspective, which Dr. Claire finds both interesting and inspiring.

With more than 30 years of experience in sexual health, Dr. Claire is passionate about education and creating respectful, open conversations around sensitive topics. She brings creativity and warmth to everything she does and enjoys exploring new places and cultures whenever she can.

Outside of work, she shares her time with her partner of 40 years and their four delightfully unruly goats.

Dr. Claire provides IUD and Implanon insertions and removals, STI checks, PrEP/PEP and HIV care, and gender affirming care at Ballarat Community Health.

Book your appointment with Dr. Claire here:
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/lucas-VIC-3350/ballarat-community-health-doctors-clinics-sexual-health-clinic/doctors/dr-claire-pickett-2

28/10/2025

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

More than 4,000 children and families joined in the fun at this year’s Children’s Week celebrations in the Bridge Mall on Saturday 18 October!

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐂𝐇 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
🍎 Healthy eating (National Nutrition Month)
🥕 Oral health with Smiles 4 Miles
🥦 Little Food Explorers

The team chatted with hundreds of families about oral health, gifting over 200 toothbrush and toothpaste packs thanks to Oral Health Victoria

Children enjoyed tasting fresh fruit and veggies, with more than 250 pieces eaten and got creative with playdough fruit and veggie sculptures. Puppet play was also a hit, with little ones proudly showing off their toothbrushing skills!

What a wonderful celebration of learning, play and community 💚

National Nutrition Foundation
City of Ballarat

27/10/2025

A reminder that the Ballarat Community Health Ltd 2025 Annual General Meeting is approaching. All are welcome to attend.

The Board of Ballarat Community Health Ltd warmly invites you to join us in celebrating the organisation’s successes in 2024/25, and hear more about our strategic direction and ongoing commitment to community.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Wednesday 5th November
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 5:00pm for a 5:15pm commencement
𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞: 12 Lilburne Street, Lucas, 3350

Please RSVP by Wednesday 29th October via the link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B-hnRZMYXEikVLTA9Mlo9NXC_45_qMBDqCTKiE7fWNdUNVM4NlNJT0VZV0UyUk9VU0Y2TUFWMlJCUi4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawNrfghleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVSjR1MjZwRXVVQ0o5N1BRAR4wRzzEqRt41pnpASSOUBlLJLJ_dkv3ie_CApJn6O727b5b0E8YfQm-9beLow_aem_ygETt-wcczc4akvJUeojng

21/10/2025

Checkpoint – mobile harm reduction service
Free & Confidential | No Judgement

Services include:
• Blood borne virus testing & treatment
• Take home naloxone
• Needle & Syringe Program
• Resources and support

Pop-up clinic date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Woolworths Ballarat Central carpark – 25 Eastwood Street, Ballarat Central

Pop-up clinic dates & information: https://linktr.ee/bchc.checkpoint

Checkpoint - Harm reduction on the move

20/10/2025

All B*H sites will be closed this Wednesday 22nd October for a staff training day. Our sites will reopen Thursday 23rd October.

𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬:
▪️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜 (𝐔𝐂𝐂)
Located at Level 1, 1010 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, open from 9.00am to 11.00pm daily – including Public Holidays. The UCC provides medical care when it's urgent but not an emergency.
▪️ 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐔 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞:
A free after-hours GP telehealth Service. Available between 6pm to 10pm weekdays and midday to 4pm on weekends and Public Holidays. 1800 468 800
▪️ 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬:
Call 000 or go to your local Emergency Department - Grampians Health Ballarat or St John of God Hospital.

We apologise for any inconvenience.