Barwon Health

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Geelong, VIC
Barwon Health

Victoria's largest regional service, providing state-of-the-art treatment and care.

Barwon Health is established under the Health Services Act 1988 as a Schedule 5 public health service. Formed in 1998, Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia,
providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. With more than 8,758 staff, we are one of Australia’s
largest regional employers and the largest employer in Geelong. Barwon Health provides services for everyone who needs care, regardless of their financial status or the location of their usual residence. As a regional health service, we provide leadership and tertiary referral services across the
Barwon South West region. We provide services from the University Hospital Geelong precinct in central Geelong, the McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong and other locations including the Sunrise Centre, a partnership initiative with the Geelong Football Club and the Transport Accident Commission that provides a contemporary community venue for specialist community rehabilitation programs. We provide community health services from Anglesea, Belmont, Corio, Newcomb, and Torquay and dental services from Belmont, Corio and Newcomb. Our newest sites include Barwon Health North in Norlane providing, amongst other services, child and family health services, renal dialysis, medical imaging and an urgent care service. Mental health, drugs and alcohol services are provided at the Swanston Centre at University Hospital Geelong, Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) at Belmont Community Rehabilitation Facility, the McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre and Blakiston Lodge Psychogeriatric Unit at the McKellar Centre and 10 community-based locations including Belmont, central Geelong, Colac, Corio, Barwon Health North and Newcomb. We provide residential aged care beds across two sites: Alan David Lodge in Charlemont, and three lodges on the
McKellar Centre precinct in North Geelong these include Percy Baxter Lodge, Wallace Lodge and Blakiston Lodge. We provide a comprehensive range of health services including acute care (medicine, surgery, women’s health,
paediatrics, emergency and specialist clinics), mental health, alcohol and other drugs services, primary care,
community health, rehabilitation, geriatric medicine, palliative care, community nursing and hospital in the home. As a major teaching hospital, we have relationships with Deakin University, LaTrobe University, the Gordon
Institute and other tertiary education providers including the University of Melbourne and Monash University. We
provide teaching and training for all health professionals across all disciplines, at all career stages.

20/02/2026

𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐰𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐕𝐀, 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝
"As the acting Work Health and Safety OVA, emergency response and security lead, my role includes working with areas that have been impacted by occupational violence and aggression (OVA), working with teams to understand or develop emergency responses and managing our security officers. I also deliver OVA and emergency response training across Barwon Health.

I've been with Barwon Health for 10 years and a MOVAIT (Management of Violent and Aggression International Training) instructor for almost as long. Previously I worked as a patient services assistant (PSA) and I moved to Work Health and Safety (WHS) in 2021 when a position opened up as training coordinator. I moved into my current role in 2024 to cover backfill.

I enjoyed my role as a PSA but have found WHS to be where my passion lies. I love engaging people in learning about safety and giving them the tools to be proactive in their work areas. My role can be challenging at times so it helps to know I have the support of my colleagues. I have met some truly remarkable individuals that work in our organisation, and every day is an opportunity to meet more. My team of MOVAIT instructors and the WHS team are some of the most incredible people I have ever had the opportunity to work with and I am forever grateful for that."

18/02/2026

Barwon Health's Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services (MHDAS) are excited to welcome more than 50 new graduate nurses, transition to mental health nurses, social work graduates, occupational therapy graduates and psychology registrars.

The 2026 cohort of MHDAS Entry To Practice team members have completed an intensive orientation and are now working within the MHDAS directorate.

These faces are the future of MHDAS and we are looking forward to the year ahead as we ensure that our communities have access to a growing mental health workforce.

Pictured: Barwon Health MHDAS Entry to Practice 2026 cohort

13/02/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐡𝐥, 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫
"My primary role is People Assist team leader, and I also act as coordinator for Workplace Contracts and Support, covering maternity leave. In the coordinator role, I provide leadership and support to the Contracts and Support team, overseeing contract variations for employees and issuing contracts for new staff.

The People Assist team is a newly created function and as team leader, I support the resolution and escalation of enquiries from managers and employees, including contract queries, missing pay and leave entitlements. The People Assist team ensures all enquiries are addressed within agreed timeframes or escalated to Payroll.

I have worked at Barwon Health for 14 years, beginning with a 12-month human resources internship before progressing into an HR officer role and then a permanent position in the Medical Workforce Unit. After eight years in that role and raising three children, I transitioned to the Contracts and Support Team. In 2024, I took nine months of long service leave to travel Australia with my family. Later that year I returned to cover parental leave as coordinator for Workplace Contracts and Support.

I enjoy sharing knowledge and supporting teams to grow and succeed. Whilst managing two teams with distinct functions is challenging, I stay organised and focused on priorities and I find satisfaction in seeing team members collaborate and achieve shared goals."

10/02/2026

👋 Say hello to 59 new faces, our first cohort of graduate nurses and midwives for 2026.

Of this year's cohort, 49 are nurses and 10 are dual registered nurses/midwives and come from from over 12 universities across Victoria and interstate. 10 graduates are existing Barwon Health employees who are transitioning into the graduate program to commence their careers as registered nurses or midwives.

The cohort spans the Graduate Nurse Program, the Midwifery Graduate Program, the Combined Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program, the Combined Nursing and Mental Health Graduate Program and a collaborative graduate nurse program with Great Ocean Road Health.

Our graduates are well supported by the clinical support team and attend seven study days across their program and can access weekly professional development sessions to continue to grow their knowledge and skills across the year.

Be sure to make them feel welcome as you see them around our organisation.

06/02/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭, 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭
“I commenced at Barwon Health in 2016 as an intern pharmacist and have since been fortunate to work across a variety of roles within the pharmacy department as a clinical pharmacist. These experiences have provided me with broad exposure to different services and patient groups.

One of my previous roles has been as the community palliative care pharmacist at the McKellar Centre, where I supported patients and families by assessing medication needs, facilitating supply and problem-solving to enable patients to receive the best possible care at home. More recently I have had the opportunity to lead the medical pharmacy team and I am working across the general medicine wards, where I'm involved in developing safe, effective and individualised medication plans. I also play a role in supervising and training junior pharmacists as they begin their careers, which is a responsibility I find both rewarding and enjoyable.

What I value most about working in general medicine is the variety and complexity of clinical scenarios. The role requires combining medication expertise with practical, real-world problem solving, often in patients with multiple comorbidities. I enjoy collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to develop patient-centred medication plans.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the implementation of pharmacist partnered charting with medical colleagues. This initiative allows pharmacists to chart medications on admission following discussion with admitting doctors. It has been shown to reduce medication-related errors, improving patient safety and satisfaction.

One of the most rewarding moments for me is counselling patients on medication plans I’ve been involved with throughout their admission and hearing a simple “thank you”. Knowing you’ve made a positive difference in a patient’s journey is one of the most meaningful aspects of the role”

31/01/2026

🚨 Two new measles cases have been reported in Victoria, with a number of exposure sites along the Great Ocean Road.

Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions provided. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, followed by a red rash.

📍 Find the most up to date listed exposure sites here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/measles-public-exposure-sites-victoria

There is an ongoing risk of measles in returning travellers from overseas or interstate. Anyone planning to go overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.

If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine, or you’re not sure if you are fully vaccinated against measles, speak to your local GP or pharmacist about getting your vaccinations as soon as possible. The Barwon Health Vaccination Centre in Belmont can provide vaccinations to those requiring urgent vaccination.

For more information for health professionals, and for details around vaccination see the latest advisory from the Chief Health Officer here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/new-measles-case-in-victoria-4

For information on measles including symptoms, those at risk and vaccination see the Better Health Channel here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles

30/01/2026

𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫
"As an injury recovery advisor within the Injury Management team, my role focuses on streamlining early intervention processes so that injured staff can access recovery support early after an injury. Each day I assist staff in understanding their rights and entitlements, ensuring they feel informed and empowered to choose their health practitioner, whether that’s a StaffCare GP, an external GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or psychologist. I work closely with managers to ensure the early intervention program is consistently offered to staff who may require time away from work due to physical or psychological injury. An important aspect of my role is providing emotional support to injured staff. Injuries can be unpredictable and stressful and I aim to make the process smooth by offering reassurance, guidance and a sense of stability.

I have worked at Barwon Health since 2021. I trained as an occupational therapist and began my career in community mental health. After moving to Geelong in 1999, I worked for a year on the orthopaedic ward at the McKellar Centre before commencing my long-term career in injury management. My first major role was as an injury management specialist at Ford. I later moved into a return to work coordinator role at Godfrey Hirst, where I established an early intervention program across its Victorian sites. I also spent eight years with St John of God in a shared-service role as an injury management specialist.

The best part of my role is working within a supportive team that cares for the wellbeing of injured staff. Together we aim to make people feel valued, appreciated and heard throughout their recovery. The most rewarding moments come when an injured staff member expresses gratitude for the recovery plan I've put in place. Helping to remove the fear and uncertainty from an unexpected injury and providing reassurance and clarity during a difficult time is what makes this work fulfilling."

24/01/2026

⚠️ Bushfire smoke from a fire at Carlisle River has drifted into Geelong and surrounding areas. Due to these conditions, smoke may linger in the region over the coming hours.

People most at risk include:
Infants and young children, older people, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung conditions (including asthma).
🏠 Protect your health:
• Follow any emergency warnings related to fires near you
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when air quality is poor, if it is safe to do so
• Avoid outdoor physical activity in smoky conditions
• Use air conditioners on recirculate (or turn off if unavailable)
• Reduce indoor pollution (no smoking, candles or vacuuming)
• When smoke clears, ventilate your home.
❤️ If you have a heart or lung condition:
Take your regular medication, follow your treatment plan, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
☎️ Get help:
• Call NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024
• Call 000 immediately if breathing becomes difficult or chest tightness occurs
For more information:
• Better Health Channel: Smoke and your health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke
• Environment Protection Agency: Smoke and your health: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health
• Environment Protection Agency: Air quality forecasts and information: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality
• Visit VicEmergency for information on fires near you: http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

23/01/2026

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲, 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫
"As harm reduction coordinator, some days I sit in the Needle Syringe Program, providing injecting equipment and advice about the safer use of drugs, chatting with family members about overdose and how to respond if a loved one is at risk and teaching people how to use naloxone to save a life. Other days I’m meeting with colleagues across the state at toxico-surveillance meetings, analysing data from drug monitoring systems to remain alert to potentially harmful adulterants. I participate in education and training, providing information about illicit drugs. All of my work focuses on innovative, practical and person-centred ways to reduce the harms associated with drug use. This includes legal drugs, prescription medications and illicit drugs.

I started at Barwon Health 16 years ago. I began in an assessment role, providing support and access to treatment for people with opioid dependence. I’ve since been fortunate to undertake secondments with the Western Victoria PHN, focusing on expanding opioid pharmacotherapy services across the region. None of my career was planned. I studied English literature, cultural studies and sociology and never expected to move into this field. My work overseas, particularly with people experiencing homelessness, naturally led me into alcohol and other drug work, and ultimately into harm reduction.

The role is rewarding, both through interactions with the community, families, friends and allies, and through broader system-level work where we can promote practical strategies to make drug use safer. In our growing community, drug-related deaths continue to rise. With the Victorian Government’s newly released 10-year Drug Strategy, we have an opportunity to build on existing work and continue making our communities safer.

I feel privileged to work alongside colleagues and community members who care deeply about compassionate, dignified and evidence-based care. Harm reduction reminds us that every life has value and I’m proud to be part of work that reflects that."

23/01/2026

🚨☀️ The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast extreme fire danger for Saturday 24 January in South West and Wimmera districts, with extreme heat conditions anticipated in the Central region. These conditions are likely to continue through part of next week.

You can beat the heat by:
✅ Using an air conditioner or fan if available
✅ Stay hydrated by drinking water before you feel thirsty and take a water bottle with you everywhere you go
✅ Wrap a damp towel around your head
✅ Keep your skin wet by using a spray bottle or damp sponge
✅ Take cool showers or foot baths
✅ Wear light and loose-fitting clothing
✅ Consider visiting an air-conditioned building such as a shopping centre

During extreme heat, it is important to plan ahead by rescheduling non-essential outings, planning essential activities for the coolest part of the day, keeping up-to-date with weather forecasts and warnings and checking in with friends, family and neighbours.

For more information:
👉 Better Health Channel: https://bit.ly/4beS5u6
👉 Bureau of Meteorology (heatwave & fire danger warnings): https://www.bom.gov.au/vic/
👉 VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
👉 ABC Local Radio: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/

22/01/2026

🦟 Ross River virus has been detected in mosquitoes in traps in the Greater Geelong region in recent weeks, serving as an important reminder for the community to be aware of the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

Ross River virus is spread by mosquitoes and peaks during periods of warmer weather and rainfall, including during floods and high tides. ☀️ 🌧️

🤧 Symptoms can include fever and chills, joint pain and muscle aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes and headaches. Most people recover completely within 3 to 6 months, however those with ongoing symptoms should speak to their General Practitioner (GP).

The best way to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases is to:
✅ Wear protective clothing
✅ Apply mosquito repellents containing Picaridin or diethyltoluamide (DEET)
✅ Limiting time outdoors if lots of mosquitoes are around
✅ Ensuring no stagnant water is left around your home or property

Ross River virus is not spread directly from one person to another.

For more information and advice:
👉 Visit the Better Health Channel via https://bit.ly/3LrXCDb
👉 Speak to your GP
👉 Contact Nurse-on-Call via 1300 60 60 24 for confidential, 24/7 health advice

17/01/2026

🚨 A new measles case has been reported in the Geelong region. The confirmed case attended Barwon Health North in Norlane on the 16 January 2026 between 11.20 am and 12.25 pm, and was present near the ground floor reception area.

There is an ongoing risk of measles in returning travellers from overseas or interstate. Anyone planning to go overseas should make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is recommended at least two weeks before departure.

Anyone who has visited a listed exposure site during the dates and times specified should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes, followed by a red rash.

📍 Find the most up to date listed exposure sites here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/measles-public-exposure-sites-victoria

If you were born during or after 1966 and haven’t had two doses of measles vaccine, or you’re not sure if you are fully vaccinated against measles, speak to your local GP or pharmacist about getting your vaccinations as soon as possible. The Barwon Health Vaccination Centre in Belmont can provide vaccinations to those requiring urgent vaccination.

For more information for health professionals, and for details around vaccination see the latest advisory from the Chief Health Officer here: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/new-measles-case-in-victoria-4

For information on measles including symptoms, those at risk and vaccination see the Better Health Channel here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/measles

Address

272-322 Ryrie Street
Geelong, VIC
3220

Telephone

+61342150000

Website

http://www.barwonhealth.org.au/

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Our Story

Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Health services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. With the exception of neurosurgery and transplantation, virtually all other specialties are available through University Hospital Geelong.

Care is provided to the community through:

Community health services at key locations throughout the region.

Aged care through the McKellar Centre and its sites at North Geelong and Charlemont.

Barwon Health

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