Colac Area Health

Colac Area Health Colac Area Health meets the needs of more than 30,000 people in the Corangamite, Colac Otway, and Surrounds.

Colac Area Health's acute care services consists of a range of inpatient services including medical, surgical, haemodialysis and maternity. We provide an extensive range of surgical procedures to the local community and surrounding districts, including general, obstetric, endoscopic, orthopaedic, urological, gynaecological, ophthalmic and dental procedures. Colac Area Health also provides communit

y services to help address alcohol and other drug problems, homelessness, transitional housing, women’s health, family support, youth development and children’s resources. Specialist counselling is available for family violence, financial difficulties, child and youth issues. Our allied health services include dental, rehabilitation, nutrition, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology health promotion activities. The community nursing team provides home-based health care to support people to stay healthy in the community. Corangamarah is an accredited public sector high level residential aged care service. It is a modern, safe and friendly environment with registered and enrolled nurses and lifestyle workers to aid participation in a wide range of inspiring activities.

Good lighting plays a key role in preventing falls by helping you clearly see where you’re going.Well-lit spaces make it...
28/04/2026

Good lighting plays a key role in preventing falls by helping you clearly see where you’re going.

Well-lit spaces make it easier to spot hazards like steps, uneven surfaces, or clutter—especially at night or in low-light areas like hallways and bathrooms. Simple changes like brighter bulbs, night lights, and easy-to-reach switches can improve visibility and safety.

When you can see clearly, you can move with confidence—helping you stay steady and avoid falls 💛

Hurrah, the pumpkins are ready!Farm My School Colac team, students and volunteers have commenced harvesting these delici...
27/04/2026

Hurrah, the pumpkins are ready!

Farm My School Colac team, students and volunteers have commenced harvesting these delicious beauties that are going into the veggie boxes at Colac.

This type of pumpkin is a Queensland blue.
It is known for its:
🍜 Blue-grey skin
🍜 Nutty flavour
🍜 Bright orange flesh
🍜 Ribbed outer

Perfect timing for roasting, baking, mashing or turning into a soup or scones.
➡️Shop veggie boxes here, https://www.farmmyschool.com/products/veggie-box
➡️Deadline for Colac orders is Wednesday

Collect on Friday from Farm My School Colac Shed at Colac Secondary College

🥞Pancakes for Parkinson's🥞To celebrate Parkinson's Awareness Month, we packed out the cafeteria with pancakes to fund-ra...
27/04/2026

🥞Pancakes for Parkinson's🥞

To celebrate Parkinson's Awareness Month, we packed out the cafeteria with pancakes to fund-raise to support research initiatives.

We were ably supported by Norm Griffiths who generously shared his experience living with Parkinson's.

"My name is Norm Griffiths and I have been invited to share with you some of my personal experiences with Parkinson's Disease.

I am now 88 years old and Parkinson's crept up on me without my understanding what was occurring. My right hand and leg gradually became a problem with shaking and my inability to grip objects. By far the worst problem was my difficulty in writing - what was originally copper plate hand writing became a barely legible scribble. Making up my medication packs was real challenge. I am a keen woodworker, and my shaking hands made most tasks difficult if not dangerous. The notable exception was when hand sand papering my work which was considerably enhanced. I found the difficulty when eating to be quite embarrassing - my jumping hands made it difficult to secure food onto my cutlery only then to fling it everywhere when trying to find my mouth.

On about the 20th of January this year, when I was a patient in Geelong University Hospital, My doctor noted my symptoms and diagnosed me with Parkinson's Disease. He discussed the situation with me at length and prescribed "Madopar" for me which I have been taking since. He emphasised that the medication would only become effective after 6 weeks and as I have been taking it in excess of 12 weeks it is now fully effective.

The reduction in shaking started to become apparent after the nominated 6 weeks and is now quite remarkable. I can now write again and have been able to continue with my woodwork, although I need to be careful with the machinery that I don't damage a hand due to an occasional jump. Similarly; making up the medication packs is now easier, and I now don't feel ashamed to eat in front of others

The Physiotherapy sessions both in Geelong University Hospital and here at Colac Hospital have also contributed significantly to my mobility and confidence.

Just recently discussed my life expectancy with my GP as a result of the Parkinson's Disease. He explained that it is not possibly to give any definitive time estimates other to say that people of my age mostly die with Parkinson's rather than because of it. He also said that generally men live longer than women with Parkinson's.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Colac Area Health. The range of services they provide such as the Nursing care and the Physiotherapy courses are designed to enhance my wellbeing and help me enjoy living in my own home, and for all this I thank them from the bottom of my heart."

Pictured:
Norm Griffiths and Eleanor Prime - Physiotherapist

This week is World Immunisation Week! 💉💉Did you know? From May 15 Australians aged 75 and over and can receive free RSV ...
27/04/2026

This week is World Immunisation Week! 💉💉

Did you know?
From May 15 Australians aged 75 and over and can receive free RSV vaccination. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible from the aged of 60.

Eligible Australians can receive the free RSV vaccine through their preferred local health service including GPs, immunisation clinics, community and Aboriginal health services and participating pharmacies

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to hospitalisation, intensive care and death

The addition of the RSV vaccine on the NIP for older adults complements the free NIP influenza and COVID-19 vaccine programs.

Pictured: Alana McNaughton - Associate Nurse Unit Manager and Immuniser
Left to Right: Sam Soggee, Executive Director Clinical Services, Kay Widdicombe - Executive Director Community Health, Ami Hillege - Executive Officer, CAH Foundation, Robert Isaacs - CAH Volunteer
💉💉

We will be at Carlisle River Primary School on Wednesdays!🏫Need support after the recent fires? We’re here to help.The E...
27/04/2026

We will be at Carlisle River Primary School on Wednesdays!🏫

Need support after the recent fires? We’re here to help.

The Emergency Recovery Support Program (ERSP), delivered by Colac Area Health, offers free, practical support to help you get back on track.
✔ Work out next steps
✔ Access financial, legal & government supports
✔ Get help with forms, calls & follow-ups
📍 We’ll be at Carlisle River School
📅 Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Come and chat with us — no appointment needed.

Can’t make it at that time? Call us on: 5232 5100, ask for the Emergency Recovery Support Team, leave your number and we will call you back to arrange a time to come and visit you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Carlisle River Primary School

We will be at Gellibrand Community House on Wednesdays🏡Need support after the recent fires? We’re here to help.The Emerg...
27/04/2026

We will be at Gellibrand Community House on Wednesdays🏡

Need support after the recent fires? We’re here to help.

The Emergency Recovery Support Program (ERSP), delivered by Colac Area Health, offers free, practical support to help you get back on track.
✔ Work out next steps
✔ Access financial, legal & government supports
✔ Get help with forms, calls & follow-ups
📍 We’ll be at Gellibrand Community House
📅 Wednesdays from 12.00pm to 3.30pm
Come and chat with us — no appointment needed.

Can’t make it at that time? Call us on: 5232 5100, ask for the Emergency Recovery Support Team, leave your number and we will call you back to arrange a time to come and visit you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Lest we forget. 🌺On April 25, we commemorate Anzac Day—honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand...
25/04/2026

Lest we forget. 🌺

On April 25, we commemorate Anzac Day—honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand troops since the Gallipoli landing in 1915.

We remember more than 103,000 Australians who have lost their lives in all wars and peacekeeping missions, and reflect on the enduring Anzac Spirit of courage, endurance and mateship.

The Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
(Laurence Binyon, 1914)

💉🌏World Immunisation Week starts today, shining a light on the life-saving power of vaccines for people of all ages.Over...
24/04/2026

💉🌏World Immunisation Week starts today, shining a light on the life-saving power of vaccines for people of all ages.

Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives—protecting communities from diseases like measles, polio and whooping cough, and helping more children grow up healthy.

Our Immunisation team has been hard at work, with over 113 staff already vaccinated against the flu—helping keep our workforce and community safe. 💉

Pictured (L to R):
Alana McNaughton - Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Georgie Tillack - After Hours Coordinator

We are inviting older adults to share their experiences in a focus group discussion. We want to know about how you find ...
23/04/2026

We are inviting older adults to share their experiences in a focus group discussion. We want to know about how you find out about health services in our community.

If you’d like to take part, or want more information, please contact Colac Area Health:
📞Ph: 5232 5100
📧Email: csrecep@cah.vic.gov.au

Or click the link provide your contact details and we will be in touch: https://qualtricsxmk6fx9hs2n.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56od5Oj1qlSBLxQ

🎉 The Frank Minchinton Centre celebrates 10 years of care 🎉The Frank Minchinton Centre (FMC) has proudly marked a decade...
22/04/2026

🎉 The Frank Minchinton Centre celebrates 10 years of care 🎉

The Frank Minchinton Centre (FMC) has proudly marked a decade of supporting the Colac Otway community with high-quality cancer care, close to home.

Since opening its doors in 2016, the FMC has saved local patients more than 10,000 trips to Geelong—equating to over 1.5 million kilometres of travel. This has reduced the need for long-distance travel during treatment, allowing patients to spend more time with family and friends in the comfort of their own community during what is often one of life’s most challenging times.

The centre remains committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care in a welcoming environment, supported by a highly skilled team.

A key message from FMC staff is the importance of early detection. Staying up to date with cancer screening through your GP and seeking medical advice if something feels unusual can make a significant difference.

With over 169,000 new cancer diagnoses each year, services like the FMC are here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way. Encouragingly, survival rates continue to improve, with many cancers now having a 5-year survival rate of over 70%.

💙 Supporting our community with quality care close to home.

Address

2-28 Connor Street
Colac, VIC
3250

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Accessible and integrated health care

Colac Area Health meets the needs of more than 30,000 people in the Corangamite, Colac Otway, and Surf Coast Shires.

It is a unique, integrated health service encompassing Aged Care, Hospital Care, Community Care and many other services.

Colac Area Health encourages consumer participation at all levels of the health service. Our consumer groups aim to inform and shape healthcare services that reflect current and future community needs.