Friday, November 29: Save the date! Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) is hosting a free event to mark 50 years of community health care in the Greater Bendigo region, and you’re invited.
Community health services have been an integral part of Victoria’s health care system since first introduced in 1974 and BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson says community need drives all that the service does.
“In 50 years a lot has changed for people living in the Greater Bendigo region, but one thing that has never waned is our commitment to our community,” Mandy says.
“From our humble beginnings in Eaglehawk and Long Gully to now, it’s our connection to our community that has sustained us to this golden age and ensured that we grew and evolved to meet the diverse needs of everyone.”
Internally the service marked 50 years of community health earlier in the year with plans for the Fun Fair in the works soon after that.
“The event is a show of appreciation,” Mandy says. “It will be held in the beautiful Garden for the Future at White Hills, from 4-7pm on November 29.
“We are proud to offer more than 50 services to the community, from medical, allied health, drugs and alcohol to family services, cultural diversity, settlement services, mental health and more. They will be on full display at our Fun Fair event, which we can’t wait to see people at.”
As well as discovering BCHS’ services there will be a free barbecue, children’s activities including the Connected Circus, and food trucks including Tacoman, Jas’s Indian Kitchen and Coffee, Not Just Pizza and Favourite Flavours.
Plus, there will be live music from Emma Black and Nay Ye, and performances from Bollywood dancers, the Afghan Men’s Group and Karen dancers. Formalities include a Welcome to Country and speeches from BCHS Board Chair Melanie Eddy and CEO Mandy Hutchinson.
This year has seen much change at BCHS, from a new CEO and a new organisational structure to a new strategic plan and a new logo and branding, but there’s one thing that will always stay the same, Mandy says.
“We are here for you. We will continue to be here for you. It’s our connection to each other that creates impact and breaks down barriers so that everyone can have the same access to health care.
“Thank you for all your support so far. Together, let’s work for each other. Together, let’s create change. Together, let’s grow.”
The Together We Grow Fun Fair event will be held at White Hills' Garden for the Future, Bosquet Street, on Friday, November 29 from 4-7pm.
