A year of highlights at East Grampians Health Service

East Grampians Health Service held its 30^th annual general meeting last week, with the Board reporting on another successful year and presenting many organisational highlights and significant events.

Guest speaker at the AGM was co-host of the ABC’s News Breakfast, Bridget Brennan, who grew up in Buangor and went to school at Marian College.

A proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, who helped establish the ABC’s first Indigenous Affairs Reporting Team, Ms Brennan spoke about her roots growing up in Buangor and Ararat and her work across the world with the national broadcaster.

Board Chair Cameron Evans, in presenting his report, said the Annual General Meeting was an important date on the Board’s calendar as it gave the board the chance to publicly thank staff, volunteers, visiting medical officers and community for their support and efforts over the year.

“It is my great pleasure to stand before you today and share the remarkable journey, achievements, and hopes of our health service,” Mr Evans said.

Mr  Evans said over the past year, EGHS welcomed Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett for the official opening of the Ararat Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, who met with the community services team, and visited the vibrant new short notice family daycare facility, as well as engaging in meaningful discussions about the Board’s vision to redevelop Willaura Health Care.

“In late 2024, we marked an impressive milestone, employing more than 600 staff, the highest number in the history of our health service,” Mr Evans said.

“EGHS continues to offer diverse employment and professional development opportunities, especially for Deakin University, medical and nursing students. We remain committed to fostering a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity, and to providing meaningful career pathways for all.”

Looking ahead, Mr Evans said the health service was energised by the exciting redevelopment plans at Willaura.

“Our sights are set on securing Regional Health Infrastructure funding to bring this transformative vision to life, then get support from the Federal Government for the next stage,” he said.

Mr Evans said EGHS’s dedication to inclusion is shown through the Diversity and Inclusion Framework.

“We champion a vibrant and welcoming environment, where every individual’s unique background and perspectives are valued. We are actively removing barriers, challenging stigma, and updating our processes to reflect best practice,” he said.

“Our framework guides us in cultivating a safe, supportive, and empowering workplace; one that honours culture, gender, ethnicity, language, and beliefs. We are also proud to support Victorian Government diversity initiatives, including gender balance and the recognition of First Nations peoples, and to foster a culture of lifelong cultural learning.”

Thanks to the generous support from the Department of Health, EGHS launched its electronic cancer medicine management system (ECMMS) enhancing both safety and efficiency in oncology care, and built a state-of-the-art practical laboratory to provide invaluable hands-on training for Deakin University medical students, Federation TAFE Diploma of Nursing students, and EGHS staff.

“During the Yarram Gap fire, EGHS demonstrated exceptional emergency preparedness, safely evacuating 12 residents and patients from Willaura to Ararat,” Mr Evans said.

“Staff displayed remarkable calm, compassion, and skill, ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Thank you to the staff who carried out the evacuation on Christmas night.”

EGHS’s in-home care programs continue to grow, through Home Support, Healthy@Home, Carer Support, and more, ensuring clients of all ages receive the assistance they need to thrive at home.

EGHS is proud to lead the Grampians Rural Generalist Intern Training Program, welcoming nine junior doctors for enriching rural practice rotations. In partnership with Deakin University, the Doctor of Medicine program is entering its second year, training the next generation of local healthcare professionals in this region.

“Our ‘grow your own’ initiative enables local students to pursue medical, nursing – and soon allied health – careers close to home,” Mr Evans said.

“In 2025, we welcomed eight registered nurses and seven enrolled nurses into our Graduate Nurse Program. The previous cohort’s success, with all graduates choosing to remain with EGHS, is a testament to our supportive environment.”

Mr Evans said the Board celebrates and recognises staff who embody its values through ongoing education and excellence in care delivery, supported by scholarships made possible through the EGHS Building for the Future Foundation, and is grateful for the generous support of partners, the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch, who funded the purchase of a new anaesthetic machine.

“Together, let us continue building a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant community,” Mr Evans said.

“Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making EGHS a beacon of excellence and compassion for all.”