Colac Area Health

14/03/2026

⏱️ Time matters when you or your family need care. VVED connects you with emergency doctors and nurses online so you can get assessed quickly, avoid long waits and spend more time on what matters.

Whether it is a child with a sudden rash, a neighbour in aged care who needs advice, or you needing an interpreter, VVED is here to help anywhere in Victoria.

Register today so you are ready when you need it: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.vved.au__;!!GHMCuE2BZP0!N0aV4KatiXHC3fG6KQWhzX28RI78MJ6SZbqMnW5sRxXjBnYpUhBVsrnVgDmQcDFYQyGFUlTuzIMCisRyg9DEi0fo$

Use VVED for non-life-threatening emergencies only, if your situation is life-threatening please call Triple Zero (000).

13/03/2026

You may not be protected against measles. Measles spreads quickly and can lead to serious health problems.

If you haven’t had 2 MMR doses, or you don’t know, get vaccinated now at a participating pharmacy.

Find out more information, browse participating pharmacies, and download your free MMR vaccination voucher here https://mmr.thevaccinationhub.com.au?utm_source=phu&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mmr&utm_content=barwon

More information here https://bswphu.org.au/infectious-diseases/measles/

11/03/2026

World Kidney Day 2026 🌏

Today on World Kidney Day we recognise the importance of protecting kidney health and the growing connection between environmental factors and kidney disease.

At Colac Area Health, our Dialysis Unit provides essential care to people across Colac and the surrounding region. The service operates six days a week, accommodating up to 12 patients in both morning and afternoon treatment sessions, with most patients receiving three treatments each week.

Our dialysis-trained Registered Nurses, supported by the Acute Ward Nurse Unit Manager, work closely with the Barwon Health Renal Services team to support patients living with chronic kidney disease and help them understand and manage their condition.

The unit also offers holiday dialysis, allowing people visiting the region to safely continue their treatment while enjoying time away from home.

Did you know? Climate change can increase the risk of kidney disease.
Learn more: https://www.worldkidneyday.org/2026-campaign/

11/03/2026

Are you supporting a family member living with dementia? Join this free interactive session to learn practical ways to improve communication and better understand how dementia can affect the way people connect and respond.

In this session you will learn about:
• Common types and symptoms of dementia
• How the brain works in communication
• Practical strategies for communicating effectively with someone living with dementia

The session is designed to be interactive, giving participants the opportunity to share experiences and connect with others who are supporting a loved one with dementia.

Who should attend:
Family carers and family members of people living with dementia.
Please note: this session is not open to paid carers, health or aged care workers as professional development.

📍 Where: Miller House, 23 Miller St, Colac
📅 When: Wednesday 25 March 2026
⏰ Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm (2.5 hours)
💲 Cost: Free

Bookings are essential.

To find out more or register:
📞 0408 301 800
📧 Vic.Booking@dementia.org.au

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/ye295ep9

This session is supported by Miller House.

07/03/2026

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Long weekends are for family and fun, not long waits. If a non-life-threatening health issue pops up for a child or a loved one, VVED can help with a quick virtual assessment from anywhere in Victoria. Our expert team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide you on what to do next without disrupting your plans.

Register today so you are ready when you need it: https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.vved.au__;!!GHMCuE2BZP0!NSs2AiEnOXI77hu5PqeK1Sn6z78C8_MDrv8N9bDwFXQ0gAIM_rFcifmH5Fr52wXNNo_d6YL7S0VbVuO8YLtbmscB$

Use VVED for non-life-threatening emergencies only, if your situation is life-threatening please call Triple Zero (000).

06/03/2026

The Colac Neighbourhood House Quilting Group, in partnership with the Colac Area Health Palliative Care Team, is offering a free bereavement cushion service for our community.

This thoughtful service gently transforms a loved one’s clothing into a handcrafted cushion — a special keepsake that can bring comfort during grief and help keep precious memories close.

Each cushion is:
• Made with care and compassion
• Created from your loved one’s clothing
• A meaningful, personal keepsake
• Provided free of charge to eligible community members

This service is a way of supporting local families through loss, with warmth, dignity and understanding.

If you would like to learn more or access this service, please contact the Colac Neighbourhood House or email gcuolahan@cah.vic.gov.au
for further information.

Because love does not end when someone is gone — and sometimes, a simple cushion can mean everything. 💛

02/03/2026

Tuesday 3 March is World Hearing Day 🌏👂

Today we recognise World Hearing Day and the 90 million children worldwide that live with hearing loss. Over 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through simple, cost-effective public health measures.

Among those living with ear disease or hearing loss, early identification and care are crucial to prevent long-term impacts on development, education, and future opportunities.

If you would like more information https://audiology.asn.au/world-hearing-day/

27/02/2026

If your home has been impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, it can be hard to know what to do next.
Emergency Recovery Support helps people and families after a major emergency.

You can get help in many ways:
✅ If you are in immediate danger call Triple Zero (000)
✅ In-person at an Emergency Recovery Centre if there is one near you: www.emergency.vic.gov.au/relief
✅ Over the phone to Emergency Recovery Hotline (1800 560 760). Press 9 for an interpreter. Call 131 450 for Translating and Interpreting Services.

If your home has been impacted by fires, we can help you with:
🔵 finding local services
🔵 insurance and legal questions
🔵 financial wellbeing
🔵 registering for government services.

Even if you have moved away from the emergency area, support is available.

👉 For helpful information, guides, services and translations relating to the January 2026 bushfires, visit: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/january-2026-fires

27/02/2026

27/02/2026

💙Colac Area Health at the Barwon South West Public Health Strategy Forum

Colac Area Health was pleased to have strong representation at the Barwon South West Public Health Strategy Forum, focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Team members from our Maternity Services, Sexual & Reproductive Health, Community Services, and Hospital Leadership attended, reflecting our organisation’s commitment to strengthening women’s health across the lifespan.

Thank you to Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Women's Health and Well-being- Barwon South West, and all our regional partners for facilitating important conversations around data, service planning and collaborative action to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes across the Barwon South West.

We look forward to continuing to work together to support high-quality, accessible care for our region.