Western Victoria Primary Health Network

20/02/2026

If you’re an International Medical Graduate working in Australian general practice or a new GP Registrar, we’re holding a Primary Care Essentials Orientation to support you with practical knowledge and professional connections in a welcoming environment.

📢You’ll hear from the RACGP, ACRRM, RWAV, GPRA, and learn more information on a variety of topics relevant to your work. The day will be held at the Goods Shed in Ballarat, and it is a free event for those working in our region.

You can learn more about the day and register on our website: https://shorturl.at/oD4kG

18/02/2026

WVPHN is delighted to have been part of today's opening of the new headspace centre in the heart of Ballarat. Congratulations to Ballarat Community Health on the move to your great new location. As our CEO Craig Wilding said at the opening, WVPHN is a proud supporter of mental health services for people of all ages and has commissioned ten headspace centres across western Victoria thanks to funding from the Australian Government.
If you want to find out more about those centres, head to our website >
https://westvicphn.com.au/health-professionals/health-topics/mental-health-care/headspace/
headspace headspace Ballarat

11/02/2026

Through the Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care program, we are inviting applications from services and organisations in the western Victoria region, for one of ten $1500 small grants available to support community awareness-raising as part of National Advance Care Planning Week 2026 (16–22 March). Organisations across western Victoria are invited to deliver community facing events based on the theme of ‘Your story, your choice’. We’re looking for activities that encourage people to share their experiences and decisions, to think, talk and plan for the care they’d want in the future.
Learn more and apply at https://shorturl.at/DDKJl

04/02/2026

Dementia Support Australia (DSA) is holding a free education session for carers who live in and around Warrnambool. In this informative and empowering session, you’ll gain practical information from dementia specialists on changes to mood and behaviour, understanding the diagnosis, caring for your wellbeing and the important resources available to you.
Learn more and register at https://www.dementia.com.au/scde-warrnambool-carers

03/02/2026

Happy Primary Health Care Nurses Day! Today we recognise the nurses who deliver care, connection and support across Australia. Find resources and ways to get involved: https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/primary-health-care-nurses-day

26/01/2026

With temperatures in our region predicted to soar tomorrow, it's important to heed the advice on how to stay cool and avoid health problems.

✅Staying cool. Use air conditioning and/or a fan. Wear light and loose clothing. Keep skin wet, using a spray bottle or damp sponge and by taking cool showers. If you can’t keep cool at home, think about where you can go on hot days to cool down such as public pools or air-conditioned buildings.
✅Staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Keep drinking fluids before you feel thirsty, especially if outdoors and performing physical activity.
✅Checking in with family, friends and neighbours. Let people know you are OK and check in with those at increased risk or who may need your support. Look out for those who might be more affected by extreme heat.
✅Planning ahead. Watch the weather forecast in your area and plan activities at cooler times of day.
✅Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults, or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.

If needed, call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or contact Victorian Virtual Emergency Department at https://www.vved.org.au/
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
For more information:
⏩️Bureau of Meteorology Heatwave Service for Australia - https://www.bom.gov.au/warning/heatwave-warning/IDV21013
⏩️Department of Health – Heat health warnings - https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environ.../heat-health-warning
⏩️Better Health Channel - Extreme Heat - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/extreme-heat
⏩️VicEmergency - https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

25/01/2026

A reminder that counselling and mental health support services are available for anyone feeling stressed or anxious about bushfires.

▶️See the image below for information on services available to people in the Colac Otways area or go to our web page to access the details https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/mental-health-support/counselling-and-mental-health-services-colac-and-otways/

▶️For links to information on services in other areas of western Victoria impacted by recent fires and floods, go to https://westvicphn.com.au/about-us/latest-news/bushfire-mental-health-and-counselling-support-for-western-victorian-communities/

Colac Otway Shire Council Corangamite Shire Council Colac Area Health VicEmergency - Barwon South West VicEmergency

24/01/2026

More information on Smoke and your health is available from the Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bushfiresmoke

Smoke from the Carlisle River fire in the Otways is impacting air quality in Central parts of the state.

Melbourne, Geelong and surrounding areas may experience periods of extremely poor air quality over the coming hours.

The fire breached containment lines yesterday afternoon (Saturday) and continued to grow overnight.

As of 5.30am, the fire was within one kilometre of Gellibrand. One Emergency Warning and 6 Watch & Act warnings remain in place.

For information on air quality, visit epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality

For tips on staying safe when exposed to smoke, check out the Environment Protection Authority Victoria post facebook.com/share/p/1D8zkvN9AD/

Please, only call Triple Zero Victoria (000) if you see flames or a defined column of smoke.

Today, a Total Fire Ban has been declared for Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland.

Disappointingly, during yesterday’s statewide Total Fire Ban, more than 20 fires started from campfires, bonfires and burn-offs in locations right across the state.

It is extremely important that people do not light any fires during a Total Fire Ban.

Extreme heatwave conditions are expected to continue over the coming days. Victorians should continue to stay cool and look after their health.

For the latest emergency information visit the VicEmergency app or emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/.

23/01/2026

23/01/2026

Long weekend plans can change. If you or a family member gets sick or needs urgent health care this weekend, there are options on hand if your usual GP is not available.
If you require immediate help for a life-threatening emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) or visit your nearest emergency department.
Otherwise, you can access any of the following services.
👩‍⚕️ Urgent Care Clinics – for anyone who has an injury or illness considered as serious but not life-threatening. Clinics are open in Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Torquay. To find where they are located, head to https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/improving-access-to-health-care/urgent-and-after-hours-care/
📞 1800 MEDICARE – phone 1800 633 422 for the free 24/7 helpline where you can speak to a registered nurse about any health concern. Or go to https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/
💻Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – a free statewide service to treat non-life-threatening emergencies. https://www.vved.org.au/

18/01/2026

🚨 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

16/01/2026

As the floodwaters along the Great Ocean Road recede, it is important to stay safe and look after the health of both your mind and body.

For mental health and counselling support services >> https://westvicphn.com.au/for-the-community/mental-health-support/counselling-and-mental-health-services-colac-and-otways/
Information on animal and insect-related hazards >> https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-animal-and-insect-related-hazards
Information on protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases >> https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease
Information if your home has been affected by the flooding >> https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/After-a-flood-returning-home-safely