Bendigo Community Health Services has started the refurbishment of its Eaglehawk site, with local builders Franklin & Walsh appointed to deliver the works from December, 2023.
This follows extensive design consultations with EBD Architects and a community engagement program, in which residents of the 3556 postcode shared their views on the health service, and ideas on what would make it easier for them to care for their health and wellbeing.
BCHS started in Eaglehawk in 1974, after residents recognised their health was poor and health services were inadequate.
Encouraged by the social reforms of the Whitlam era, the community lobbied for free and accessible health services at a time when there were no GPs or dentists in the suburb and when people were sicker than elsewhere in Bendigo.
Interim CEO Nicole Ferrie said BCHS was still a community-owned asset, which acknowledges and celebrates its hard-won beginnings in Eaglehawk.
“We know we play a critical role in helping people lead healthier lives, which also reduces the pressure on our public hospitals and the broader public health care system,” Nicole said.
“We amplify the voices and advocate on behalf of the many and diverse communities we work with, to effect systemic change that will lead to more positive outcomes for all.
“In October we undertook the huge task of moving out of the now-dated Eaglehawk site to make way for the biggest investment in community health in the suburb in 50 years.
“When work is complete, and we move back in, we plan to be able to help address the changing and growing health needs of the community.
“Co-design with community is critical as we move forward, so we thank each and every person who took part in our consultation and assure them their responses and inputs will be an important informant of our improvements.
“We are looking forward to working with Franklin & Walsh Builders over the next 18 months to achieve both the physical needs of the site, and the holistic needs of the community.”
BCHS’ Strategy, Planning and Analysis (SPA) team undertook the community consultation earlier this year, in which residents called for a more holistic health service to meet growing and complex needs.
Respondants also commended BCHS’ professionalism, range of services, affordability and kindness.
“The community understands the worth of good health, social connections and managing chronic conditions,” said SPA senior advisor Bronwyn Moore.
“And they would like BCHS to solve or moderate the obstacles that reduce access to equitable health and wellbeing services.”
The SPA team facilitated barbecues and focus group sessions at Eaglehawk and Long Gully community houses, listening posts at Long Gully IGA and BCHS’ Eaglehawk site, distributed hard copy and online surveys and flyers to homes, schools, early learning centres and other community organisations.
“The feedback showed that residents would like BCHS to continue to deliver affordable clinical services while creating new opportunities,” Bronwyn said.
