Christchurch mosque shootings: Statement from Bendigo Community Health Services

On behalf of the Bendigo Community Health Services Board of Directors and staff, I offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted by the horrific and senseless killings that occurred in Christchurch on Friday. 

Bendigo Community Health Services acknowledges the deep hurt, trauma and upset our community will be feeling in response to the mass shootings at the Christchurch mosques.

The sadness of this event impacts communities far and wide, reverberating across the globe.

To our multicultural community, we extend our sorrow, support and sincere sympathy in the wake of this event and we acknowledge the grief felt by the local Muslim community.

Bendigo welcomes people from different faiths and cultures who settle and make this region their home.

BCHS recognises that our community is much richer because of our multicultural and diverse backgrounds, and will continue to embrace and provide services that bring communities together, fostering appreciation of all our differences. “

 “We understand death only after it has placed its hands on someone we love.”

Gerard Jose,

Chief executive officer,

Bendigo Community Health Services

Welcome to Bendigo video showcases services, sites and opportunities that make community great for Karen

We are so proud of our Karen Youth Group for producing this fantastic ‘Welcome to Bendigo’ video.

The video is the result of the group’s desire to showcase Bendigo as a wonderful multicultural destination and make Karen people feel truly welcome by introducing them to the services, opportunities, sites and attractions that make living in this community so great.

The group discussed ideas for the video and wrote the script under the guidance of Bendigo Community Health Services case worker and youth group co-ordinator Nay Chee Aung who has long held an ambition to produce such a resource.

Youth group members starred in the video and then edited the final content with the support of volunteer Cameron Smith from Voice Box Films.

The video covers a wider range of topics including:

• The history of Bendigo
• Karen community involvement in the city
  Religious groups
• Karen celebrations
• Sport
• Cultural differences
• Opportunities such as education and work, volunteering, safety and freedom of speech.

Watch the video (English translation below): http://bit.ly/KarenWelcomeToBendigo

The great news is we are finalising production on an Afghan Welcome to Bendigo video written and filmed by another of our youth groups.

Please share the video with anyone you think could benefit from the Karen welcome messages. If you would like a DVD copy of the video please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (03) 5448 1600.

Mental health and wellbeing community awareness the focus of 2019 #5ways to Wellbeing

It's time to put the spotlight on mental health and wellbeing with our second annual #5ways to Wellbeing campaign.

The campaign provides a week full of fun and educational activities from March 22 to March 25 to engage you and the rest of the community to think about mental health and wellbeing and why these are important to living a healthier lifestyle.

Our first #5ways to Wellbeing campaign engaged with almost 50,000 people last year and we're keen to spread the message even wider in 2019.

Check out the great activities we have planned below and choose one or more that suits you!

Click on this link to download a #5ways to Wellbeing activities sheet with information on all the great events planned: pdf #5ways to Wellbeing 2019 activities at a glance (314 KB)

RECAP 2018: Check out some of the great videos from people doing inspiring things in our community that formed part of our first #5ways campaign: http://bit.ly/TakeNoticeStories

Day 1: Take Notice

Monday, March 25

Too often we miss the little things, we want you to slow down and ‘take notice’ of the world around you.

Enter our photo competition and show how you take notice of the world around you.

Submit your entry for one of three categories:

Bendigo Highlights: Enter a photo that captures something great that Bendigo has to offer. Could be your favourite building, landscape, nature or something that shows what Bendigo means to you.

Connect: Take a photo of your best friend, family or pets or anyone that makes you feel happy.

Be Active:  Enter an action photo that shows how to be active. It could be playing sport, taking the dog for a walk or playing in the playground.

Be creative and enter for your chance to win a great prize!

Send your pictures to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via our Facebook page. Don't forget to include some details about why the picture is special to you!

Please note: Pictures entered will be used on our website and could appear on our social media platforms.

If you are interested in sponsoring our photographic competition to help us with prizes please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today. We'd love your support to help us raise awareness about mental health in the community.