AFL and netball stars support BCHS men's and women's health clinics

A night featuring Australian sporting stars Jimmy Bartel and Sharelle McMahon at the Bendigo Harness Racing Club on August 5 will support our men's and women's health clinics.

The Geelong AFL star and Australian netball legend will share stories from their glittering careers and answer your questions from the floor.

A raffle and auction on the night will raise money to support the great work being done for the community by our men's and women's health clinics.

Tickets for The Bartel and McMahon Show cost $60 per person which covers a two-course meal.

To book your ticket or a table of eight, call the club on 5449 3205 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UPDATE: Mingle Media - true legends!

A huge, huge thank you to Briana Cowan from Mingle Media who has very kindly donated four hours of social media coaching for a lucky business that we can auction during the big sports night featuring AFL star Jimmy Bartel and Australian netball legend Sharelle McMahon at the Bendigo Harness Racing Club on August 5.

Can you help us with the auction and raffle?

If you or your business would like to support our men's and health clinics by supplying an item for the raffle or auction, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5448 1600.

Cradle to Kinder program to support vulnerable mothers

Vulnerable young mothers living in the Bendigo area will benefit from a new family support program regarded as the first of its kind in regional Victoria.

The state government’s Cradle to Kinder initiative has launched in the Loddon region and will target disadvantaged young mothers and their children with support that starts before birth and continues until the child is aged four.

The program will be provided by MacKillop Family Services in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services and CatholicCare Sandhurst.

MacKillop CEO Dr Robyn Miller said the program aimed to break the cycle of disadvantage often seen in vulnerable young families.

“A child’s health, safety and development can be influenced by many different experiences during pre-birth and in the early years of their life,” Dr Miller said.

“We know effective, caring support in the early months and years of a child’s life is so important for their healthy development.

“Family issues like poverty, insecure housing, intellectual disability, family violence, alcohol or other drug misuse can have a profound effect on a child’s home environment. Cradle to Kinder connects vulnerable young mothers to community services that provide resources to improve their life, and that of their child. We want to empower young mums to take responsibility for giving their child the best possible start to their lives.”

Personal account: Support proves the difference for Jacinta in coping with life as a single mum

Bendigo Community Health Services CEO Kim Sykes said Cradle to Kinder was a great addition to the service model being delivered from the new kidzspace hub at Kangaroo Flat.

"kidzspace recognises that some parents and children need more help than others.  Wrapping key services around these families for a sustained period, as Cradle to Kinder does, gives the best chance of achieving real change," Kim said.

“This is an exciting partnership which has the potential to change lives and we feel privileged to play a role.”    

Run For Dad Bendigo entries open

Entries are open for the 2017 Run For Dad at Bendigo Racecourse on Father's Day.

Athletics Bendigo organises the September 3 event with support from Bendigo Community Health Services.

Proceeds from the run will support a specialist men's health clinic in the new Bendigo Community Health Services Central site at 171 Hargreaves Street due to open in July this year and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Moira Mac's has continued its support of men's health and the community by donating $3000 to kick start the event.

REGISTER HERE: http://bit.ly/RunForDadBendigo

The first 100 entries will get a free Run For Dad T-Shirt to wear on the day.

The Run For Dad features a 10am start for a 7.5 kilometre run or a 3.75 kilometre run or walk. Everyone who completes the course will receive a medal.

The Run For Dad will carry a super hero theme again this year with the quality of costumes in 2016 adding to the great atmosphere of the event.