Bendigo Community Health Services’ new-look Eaglehawk building has quietly opened to clients after a two-year project to transform the flagship site.
Following grassroots community consultation, plus professional research and design from Evidence Based Design Architects and building works by Franklin & Walsh, staff and clients have moved back home – to a contemporary, fit-for-purpose building that will support people to live healthier lives.
The Seymoure Street site has been refurbished thanks to Victorian Government Regional Health Infrastructure funds.
BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said the contemporary design was something special.
“It’s more than a building,” she said. “It reflects the dignity, respect and care we want for every member of our community, and for our incredible staff.
“It is filled with light, warmth and care, and as the trees settle in and the courtyard gardens grow, we’ll see more quiet nooks come to life — places that offer beauty, connection and privacy.”
It’s been just over 50 years since the Eaglehawk community campaigned for Australia’s first community health centre as part of the Whitlam Government’s social reforms.
BCHS Chief Operating Officer Dr Naveen Tenneti said the Eaglehawk-based GP service started in 1974 and has grown and responded to community need to include mental health, podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, chronic disease management, children’s and family services and more.
Naveen said community health’s unique mix of accessible services contributed to keeping people well and out of hospital.
“Community health is an essential part of the healthcare mix, and especially for people who face barriers to accessing care,” Naveen said.
“Our new-look Eaglehawk site is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive place where all people can receive the care they need.
“We now have the physical space our clients deserve, but our work doesn’t stop here.
“Our next challenge is to keep advocating for funds and services to meet future demand for care, in response to cost of living pressures and increasing co-occurring and complex health conditions.
“We have a lot of work to do, but the complete redevelopment of our flagship site is a huge step forward in addressing these challenges.”
The building includes eight GP rooms, calming counselling spaces, a fully equipped exercise physiology gym, and a community room available for hire to groups that foster health, wellbeing and community connections.
Mandy thanked everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition – the biggest single investment in community health in Bendigo.
“We are deeply grateful for the funding provided through the State Government, and for the expertise of Darragh O’Brien and the team at EBD Architects, along with Franklin and Walsh Builders, led by Lee Franklin (pictured above),” she said.
“A special thanks also goes to our own team, for their steady leadership in creating spaces that are safe, inclusive and beautiful.”
Services resumed at the site on August 4. BCHS will invite community, stakeholders and partners to celebrate at an official grand opening event in September.
