Western Victoria Primary Health Network

31/10/2025

Western Victoria Primary Health Network welcomes the passing of the Statewide Treaty Bill in Victoria's Parliament and congratulates the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria for its dedication and work in relation to the landmark Treaty and the establishment of the Gellung Warl body.

We look forward to continuing to work alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in our region to help foster health equity and inclusion.

See our website for our previously published Statement of Support of Treaty for Victoria

Western Victoria PHN recognises family and domestic violence is a major health and welfare issue in our community.

30/10/2025

Reminder: this weekend (1 November) marks the start of the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program and the expansion of eligibility for bulk billing to all Australians with a Medicare card.

As part of the transition, GPs and practices in our region are encouraged to prepare for the changes and potential questions from patients, regardless of their chosen path forward.

See our website for more information. https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/considerations-for-gp-clinics-as-the-start-of-the-new-bulk-billing-practice-incentive-program-nears/

26/10/2025

A high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma has been forecast for Northern Country weather district today, with moderate forecasts in Mallee, Wimmera and North Central.

This is the first high risk forecast this season.

If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.

Go indoors and shut windows and doors and turn off air conditioners that bring outside air in.

Stay up to date at VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

23/10/2025

Thunderstorm asthma is nothing to just sneeze at. It can lead to serious health concerns.

Higher grass pollen counts combined with a particular type of uncommon thunderstorm, can increase the chances of people being impacted by thunderstorm asthma between October and December. Those most at risk are people with current or past asthma and people with undiagnosed asthma while those prone to springtime hay fever could be also vulnerable.

Health professionals and the community are urged to have plans in place so you know what to do to when there is a high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast.

Go to our Thunderstorm Asthma web page for more information on how to prepare. https://westvicphn.com.au/health-professionals/health-topics/emergency-and-disaster-management/thunderstorm-asthma/

22/10/2025

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 - 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚

A new measles case has been reported in the Geelong region in an adult who likely acquired their infection overseas after travel to India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

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.

Locally, 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

16/10/2025

There has been an increase in mpox cases notified in Victoria, with 10 cases reported from mid-September 2025, including 9 cases locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.

Mpox mostly impacts gay, bis*xual, and other men who have s*x with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected.

Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or re**al pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis).

All s*xually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of s*xual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.

Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through s*xual health clinics, public hospitals, general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.

For further information on mpox, including immunisation providers and all symptoms, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/47r89qa

14/10/2025

A great short piece by Win News Ballarat featuring two of the speakers from our Primary Care Conference last week, Samuel Johnson from Love Your Sister and Dr Vanessa Wong from Grampians Health, speaking about precision medicine.

13/10/2025

This International Allied Health Professions Day we wish to acknowledge the value Allied Health providers bring to chronic conditions management and invite you to register for the upcoming Care Planning Changes for Allied Health Providers webinar.

Allied Health professionals have an important role in helping patients on their health journeys and this webinar on 9 December will help explain the new GP Chronic Condition Management Plan framework that came into effect from July as part of the Australian Government's MyMedicare program.

For more details and to register, see our website.

Care Planning Changes for Allied Health Providers webinar will be held on 9 December to explain the new GP Chronic Condition Management Plans

13/10/2025

We've wrapped up another amazing Primary Care Conference with 250 attendees hearing from 25 presenters over two days in Ballarat under the expert guidance of our facilitators Catherine Jenkins and Dr Niamh Logue. Thanks again also to our keynotes Samuel Johnson from Love Your Sister and Paul Pritchard.

For more fantastic primary care provider events coming up, see our website > https://westvicphn.com.au/events-education/upcoming-events/

10/10/2025

Keynote speaker Samuel Johnson gives an inspirational presentation on his life and raising funds for Love Your Sister at the WVPHN Primary Care Conference today in Ballarat. He was joined by Dr Vanessa Wong on Precision Oncology from Grampians Health and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

09/10/2025

The WVPHN Primary Care Conference (PCC25) has commenced. Over 250 delegates have gathered in Ballarat for the two-day conference. Theme is Collaborating for a healthier tomorrow. Chair Dr Rob Grenfell has opened the day.

09/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day
Let’s take a moment to check in - with ourselves and with each other.
Mental health matters every day, but today is a powerful reminder that it's okay to not be okay. Whether you're reaching out for support or offering a listening ear, every conversation counts.
📢Let’s break the stigma.
📢Let’s talk about mental health.
📢Let’s support one another.
If you need to seek help, we have a list of mental health supports in western Victoria for all of our four sub regions: https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/mental-health-support/

Western Victoria Primary Health Network commissions health providers to deliver various mental health and alcohol and other drugs support and care throughout our region.