Premier Jacinta Allan has called it – your community health service is one of the things that makes Bendigo such a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Our State Government MP spoke at Friday’s Together We Grow Fun Fair as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.
“It’s a big milestone,” she said. “When you think back to that period in 1970s and the original vision that drove the establishment of community health, with Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat being some of the first in the country under the then-Labor government, under Gough Whitlam’s leadership.
“And then you look across the arc of the last five decades, and the great array of community partners that BCHS has. You get the best outcomes when you partner with others in the community and understand the community you are serving in and that continues to drive community health today.”
Jacinta noted the time she spent a BCHS board member, a couple of decades ago.
“I got to see up close the incredible work of the organisation. And it’s on that point I want to thank Mandy, and the staff, on the work you do … the current staff and the previous staff, for what you do because it’s such important work. Keeping our community healthy, keeps our community strong, and it’s such important work that will drive this organisation for another 50 years, so thank you.”
Board director Dr Andy Lovett also took to the lectern on Friday night, as approximately 1000 people enjoyed the activities playing out across the Garden for the Future, including children’s games, good food, entertainers and a showcase of services.
“We are proud to be delivering over 50 services, from GP care, to podiatry, exercise programs to mental health, alcohol and other drugs to women’s health, and much, much more,” Dr Lovett said.
“In 1974, Bendigo was a much smaller and a much simpler community. Population growth, an ageing population, the cost of living, people facing challenging times; our pledge to you is that BCHS will continue to do its absolute best to meet your needs and will walk with you on your journey, listening deeply, offering support and expertise, allowing you to make the choices you want to make for your lives.
“To our community, staff, volunteers and partners here today – BCHS is ready to partner, ready to grow, ready to develop services for the next 50 years.”
Thanks to our other speakers, which included a Welcome to Country from Jackson, of Dja Dja Wurrung, and a opening address from CEO Mandy Hutchinson.
Thanks also to local singer songwriters Emma Black and Nay Ye Thwey for the outstanding music, Bollywood dancers, Afghan dancers and Karen dancers, the food vendors, The Connected Circus, and our remarkable staff. It was an event to remember.
