Central Highlands Rural Health

12/11/2025

Women and girls have spoken loud and clear.

The first of its kind in Australia, the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain heard the experiences of more than 13,000 women, girls, gender diverse people, healthcare professionals and carers across Victoria.

The impact of women’s pain is clear:
⏳ 90% of Inquiry respondents reported experiencing pain lasting over a year
💬 71% of respondents reported being ignored, dismissed or having their pain minimised by healthcare professionals
🧠 89% of respondents said that physical pain affected their mental health.
🚧 Long wait times, cost and delayed diagnoses are key barriers to accessing pain care

Pain isn't just physical – it impacts women’s everyday lives, affecting their relationships, ability to participate in hobbies, and their ability to work and study.

The Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report represents a turning point in women’s health in Victoria, delivering 27 recommendations to transform how we care for women and girls experiencing pain.

To read the full report, visit:
www.health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-into-womens-pain

03/11/2025

Central Highlands Rural Health is looking for new Board Directors.

If you’re passionate about community health, have strategic skills, and want to make a real difference, this is your chance to help guide a trusted public health service at the heart of our region.

Roles suit people with expertise in: governance, finance, strategy, law, risk, ICT, communications, and consumer engagement. A commitment to inclusive and community-focused leadership is essential.

Applications close: Midnight, Sunday 23 November 2025

Find out more and apply via the link below.
👉 www.boards.vic.gov.au/search-board-vacancies/central-highlands-rural-health-board-directors-vgb/chrh26

21/10/2025

We’re excited to share that we’ve been named a finalist at the 2025 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards!

We’re in the Premier’s Small Health Service of the Year category for our work in delivering Best Care across our five campuses in Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, Kyneton, and Trentham.

This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and hard work of our team and volunteers.

Read about all the finalists here:
👉 www.health.vic.gov.au/finalists-announced-2025-victorian-public-healthcare-awards

Congratulations also to Beaufort and Skipton Health Service and Heywood Rural Health, our peers in this category!

19/10/2025

Have you or someone you know received cancer care in the Loddon Mallee region?

Women's Health Loddon Mallee is inviting people to share their experiences. The insights gathered will help strengthen local cancer services and ensure care is shaped by the voices of those who know it best.

If you could take a few minutes to share your experience, it would be greatly appreciated.

📢Your voice matters!

We're looking for women and gender diverse people to take part in a short survey or online interview to help improve experiences of cancer care.

If you’ve experienced cancer care in Victoria - especially in rural or regional areas - we’d love to hear your story.

➡️To find out more, visit our website: whlm.org.au/cancer-care-survey/

ID: Lilac tile with deep blue text that reads 'Calling all women and gender diverse people with experience of cancer care'. Bigger text underneath reads 'Help improve experiences of cancer care in Victoria'. blue megaphone icon top right of tile.

17/10/2025

Creswick, a reminder about the parent and guardian information session on Monday 20th October!

Va**ng poses serious risks to health and wellbeing. Central Highlands Rural Health, in partnership with the Central Highlands Va**ng Prevention Project will deliver “Seeing Through the Haze” — a comprehensive and engaging educational program for Grade 5–6 students.
While conversations about the harms of va**ng are important, many parents and carers report feeling unsure about how to approach the topic.

This information session will empower parents and guardians with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to:
• Access up-to-date information, facts, and statistics on va**ng.
• Recognise the signs of va**ng in young people.
• Create a safe space for young people to ask questions and share concerns.
• Support young people through access to services and resources.

RSVP by clicking the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRESN or emailing pophealth@chrh.org.au

15/10/2025

Creswick, it's your turn!

Va**ng poses serious risks to health and wellbeing. Central Highlands Rural Health, in partnership with the Central Highlands Va**ng Prevention Project will deliver “Seeing Through the Haze” — a comprehensive and engaging educational program for Grade 5–6 students.

While conversations about the harms of va**ng are important, many parents and carers report feeling unsure about how to approach the topic.

This information session will empower parents and guardians with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to:
• Access up-to-date information, facts, and statistics on va**ng.
• Recognise the signs of va**ng in young people.
• Create a safe space for young people to ask questions and share concerns.
• Support young people through access to services and resources.

RSVP by clicking the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRESN or emailing pophealth@chrh.org.au

14/10/2025

The va**ng information session planned at Trentham District Primary School tonight has been cancelled.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

13/10/2025

This week is National Carers Week.

It’s a time to recognise and thank the more than 3 million Australians who care for a family member or friend.

At Central Highlands Rural Health, we work with carers every day – and many of our own staff and volunteers are carers too. Their care and commitment make a huge difference in our community.

This year’s theme, “You are, know, or will be one,” reminds us that caring touches almost everyone at some point in life.

If you’re a carer or know someone who is, you can learn more about available support at:
👉 www.carergateway.gov.au

Thank you to all carers – we see you, and we appreciate everything you do.

12/10/2025

National Nutrition Week 13–19 October

The Try for 5 campaign is a reminder to make vegetables a bigger part of our meals. One of the best ways to encourage kids to eat well is to get them involved in the kitchen.

Getting children involved in the kitchen helps them feel included and more willing to try new foods. Simple tasks like washing vegetables, stirring, or selecting a new fruit or vegetable can inspire curiosity and lay the foundations for lifelong healthy eating.

Aim for 5 serves of vegetables each day and use this week as an opportunity to explore colours, textures and flavours together as a family.

09/10/2025

Reducing Va**ng in the Hepburn Shire

Va**ng poses serious risks to health and wellbeing. Central Highlands Rural Health, in partnership with the Central Highlands Va**ng Prevention Project will deliver “Seeing Through the Haze” — a comprehensive and engaging educational program for Grade 5–6 students.

While conversations about the harms of va**ng are important, many parents and carers report feeling unsure about how to approach the topic.

This information session will empower parents and guardians with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to:
• Access up-to-date information, facts, and statistics on va**ng.
• Recognise the signs of va**ng in young people.
• Create a safe space for young people to ask questions and share concerns.
• Support young people through access to services and resources.

RSVP by clicking the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tdpsva**ng or emailing pophealth@chrh.org.au

08/10/2025

Grass pollen season is approaching! Are you ready?

🌾 Grass pollen season brings an increased risk of asthma and hay fever. It also brings an increased chance of thunderstorm asthma. There are some simple steps that you can take to prepare.

👩‍⚕️ Talk to your GP about an asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan

❗ Learn asthma first aid

📱 Download the Vic Emergency app and turn on forecasts and alerts for thunderstorm asthma

Learn more at my.gh.org.au/thunderstormasthma