Hesse Rural Health

11/11/2025

Transforming Aged Care in Western Victoria: WVPHN visits Hesse Rural Health!

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) recently visited Hesse Rural Health to see firsthand how the Australian Government’s Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) Measure is enhancing care for aged care residents.

Introduced in July 2024, the ACOP Measure funds Pharmacists to work on-site in residential aged care homes as part of the clinical care team; improving medication safety, reducing risks, and empowering residents to have a stronger voice in their health care.

WVPHN’s visit showcased the positive impact already being seen at Hesse, where on-site Pharmacist Kerrie McConachy works closely with residents, GPs, and care teams to ensure safe and person-centred care.

“This program is a significant leap forward in improving care for older Australians, particularly in rural and regional areas,” said Craig Wilding, WVPHN CEO.

To learn more about the ACOP Measure and how it’s supporting aged care homes across western Victoria, contact the WVPHN Aged Care Team at agedcare@wvphn.com.au

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) visited Hesse Rural Health recently to see firsthand how the Australian Government’s […]

07/11/2025

🌟 FREE Four-Week Diabetes Program 🌟

Starting 19th November, join us at Winchelsea Community Health for a supportive program to help manage your diabetes. Our expert team will empower and guide you through key topics like healthy food choices, exercise, stress management, and more!

✅ Understand diabetes & treatment options
✅ Create a food & exercise plan
✅ Improve sleep & manage stress
✅ Learn about diabetes care

If you have family members or friends who might benefit from this practical program, please get in touch for more information or to register communityintake@hesse.vic.gov.au

05/11/2025

2025 Hesse Rural Health Annual General Meeting.

On Wednesday 26th November from 3pm, please join Board Chair, Ian Whiting and CEO Carissa Brock, at the Hesse Rural Health 31st Annual General Meeting.

Please RSVP to Kate Lockhart for livestream link, via email to: kate.lockhart@hesse.vic.gov.au

05/11/2025

Finishing cancer treatment can bring a mix of emotions - relief, hope, but also uncertainty about what comes next. The Cancer Wellness Workshop is here to help you take charge of your wellbeing after cancer treatment in a supportive and understanding environment.

Over three weeks, you’ll learn practical ways to look after your health and wellness after treatment. Topics include cancer survivorship, healthy eating and nutrition, managing fatigue and cognitive changes, emotional wellbeing and even discussions about sexuality and intimacy - all in a safe, caring space.

Where: Bannockburn Cultural Centre – Leigh Room
When: Thursdays, 13th November to 27th November
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
To register: Call 03 5267 1200 or email communityintake@hesse.vic.gov.au

This free workshop is open to cancer patients, survivors, their families and carers. Come along, connect with others, and gain the confidence and knowledge to live well beyond cancer.

03/11/2025

👻 Puddles, Pumpkins, and Plenty of Fun! 🧡

A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Trick-or-Treat afternoon at Hesse Rural Health!

Despite the rainy weather, it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, spooky costumes, and plenty of Halloween spirit 🧙‍♀️🕸️

Our residents absolutely loved handing out treats and seeing the creativity of all the local children! 💜🧡

We’re so grateful to the families who came along and helped make the day such a fun and heart-warming community event.

Until next year - happy Halloween! 🍬🎃

30/10/2025

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of health care for the Victorian community.

Further information about Victorian health service boards and how to apply, please go to the following website: www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications

For all enquiries regarding the Board, please contact Kate Lockhart, Executive Assistant on
(03) 5267 1200 or email kate.lockhart@hesse.vic.gov.au

24/10/2025

🎶 Celebrating the Victorian Seniors Festival 🎵

As part of the 2025 Victorian Seniors Festival – Aged Care Tour, residents were treated to a fantastic performance from Edvardo, who played the piano accordion, piano, and banjo, sang songs and engaged beautifully with everyone throughout the morning. His warmth and energy filled both Hesse & Chelsea, creating such a joyful atmosphere 💛

Edvardo also spent nearly an hour in Werruna, playing to residents individually - a thoughtful touch that meant so much to residents and workers alike.

A special highlight came when resident Jessie Gardner shared her own piano accordion with Edvardo. He played a tune on hers, offered some helpful tips to fix a few sticky keys, and even encouraged her to try one of his smaller, lighter accordions - which she absolutely loved! 🎹✨

We’re so grateful to Edvardo and the Victorian Seniors Festival for bringing so much music, laughter, and connection to our residents. We can’t wait to welcome him back again soon!

23/10/2025

⚠️ Health Alert: Measles Case in Victoria ⚠️

A new measles case has been confirmed in the Geelong region. Stay informed about symptoms and local exposure sites via the Victorian Department of Health:

👉 https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/measles-public-exposure-sites-victoria?fbclid=IwY2xjawNmaMJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsTU5zSjl2MVd0d1VpWTRzAR5BJwBkrIrRaCxEJ7INZHtP5YQ3Qhs15hS7J2HX-pPSXpGBJ_YGMs84BKx4yA_aem_Al8H0sDQSNpBBySHVMYLzg

If you have any concerns about symptoms or need advice about vaccinations please reach out to your local GP.

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

22/10/2025

📣 Did you see us in this week’s Winchelsea Star?

Our article on Virtual Care Awareness Week highlights how Hesse Rural Health is helping bring healthcare closer to home through Telehealth 💻

From free community Telehealth Hubs in Beeac, Bannockburn, Rokewood and Winchelsea, to virtual specialist and emergency services, we’re making it easier for locals to access the care they need - without the travel.

If you missed the article, you can read it on page 12 in the below 👇

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/9fe7a8cdb6.html /12

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

20/10/2025

🎃👻 Trick or Treat at Hesse Rural Health! 🍬🧙‍♀️

Our residents are getting into the halloween spirit and would love to see the families of Winchelsea dressed up in their halloween garb!

Join us on Friday, October 31 from 4:00pm – 4:30pm at Hesse Rural Health (8 Gosney Street, Winchelsea) for a short and sweet trick-or-treat session around Chelsea Lodge’s circular drive.

20/10/2025

20th of October is World Osteoporosis Day - a reminder to look after our bone health! You can check your personal risk in just a few minutes with the free screening tool from International Osteoporosis Foundation: https://riskcheck.osteoporosis.foundation/

Join our Balance & Bones Health Program, where group classes will help you:
• Increase muscle strength
• Improve balance & coordination
• Understand risk factors for osteoporosis & falls

Pre‑assessment required for all participants.
For more information email: healthpromotion@hesse.vic.gov.au or call 52671200

Let’s build stronger, more stable bones together! 💪

15/10/2025

National Carers Week runs from 12th to 18th October 2025.
It is a chance to recognise the essential role carers play in our health and care systems, in our communities and families and in our economy.

Do you know someone who provides care to a family member or friend?
Show them you care this . Visit https://carersweek.com.au/
for ideas on how to support carers.