Latest news
Latest news from Bendigo Community Health Services.


Dream team duo in the scope for national award
Nurse Veronica Steegs and Dr Michael Barclay are the ultimate quiet achievers. They’re usually too busy to talk about their work, running BCHS’ incredibly busy Refugee Health Clinic, but the word is out. The pair have reached the shortlist for...

Coat campaign seeks 1000 donations this season
Bendigo Community Health Services and Pristine Drycleaners are aiming to make the winter months more bearable for 1000 of Bendigo’s most vulnerable people. BCHS has revived its winter coat drive after a two-year hiatus, thanks to the dedicated support of...

BCHS 50th anniversary podcast launches
Bendigo Community Health Services is rounding out its 50th anniversary year with a special podcast series. The eight planned episodes celebrate half a century of care by catching up with some of BCHS’ health heroes, as well as sharing bits...

Angela’s family day care career comes full circle
For Angela Lloyd there’s no place like home, and that’s exactly the type of environment she strives to provide for the families she looks after. As well as being an educator in the family day care space, Angela also sent...

From Myanmar to medicine: Lived experience drives BCHS’ newest GP
Dr Joshua Columbus feels a deep calling to community health. Born in the remote jungles among that Karen Resistance Group, on the border of Thailand and Myanmar, Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) newest general practitioner understands better than most the...

Projects to improve lives in Greater Bendigo
BCHS has pinpointed seven essential projects requiring government and/or philanthropic support. Together, we know we can grow and greatly improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of our community. We have met with local federal candidates in the lead up to...

BCHS takes a cheeky approach to cancer screening education for migrants
Bendigo Community Health Services is working to ensure new migrants and refugees have a better understanding of cancer and Australia’s cancer screening programs. BCHS has partnered with Melbourne Polytechnic to take cancer screening education into Adult Migrant English Program* classrooms,...

School’s in on vape education
A new education session for primary school students is sending myths about vaping up in smoke. Run by the BCHS Health Promotion team, the education program, Prevention of Vaping, is aimed at Grade 5 and 6 students. The session delivers...

Be well prepared for pregnancy with BCHS
Are you planning or expecting to have a baby? Did you know Bendigo Community Health Services offers two terrific tests for before pregnancy and during pregnancy. The percept test This non-invasive prenatal test estimates the chance your pregnancy may have...

BCHS secures major grant to enhance opioid treatment in Bendigo
In a significant win for Greater Bendigo’s most vulnerable residents, Bendigo Community Health Services has been awarded a $750,000 Victorian Government grant to enhance its Specialist Pharmacotherapy Program. BCHS AOD and Mental Health Services Operations Manager Cilla Boucher said the...

Explore Eaglehawk by foot for fitness and friendship
Bendigo Community Health Services is encouraging walkers to loop the lakes of Eaglehawk. The service is launching the new weekly Eaglehawk Explorers walking group on Wednesday, March 26, inviting anyone over the age of 18 to take part. Health Promotion...

‘It’s never just a period,’ GP endo education evening hears
More than 40 GPs from across the Murray Primary Health Network gathered last week to hear the BCHS Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic team present on understanding endometriosis, available services and referral pathways into the clinic. The education evening came...

Now is the time for workplaces to prepare for the flu season
Bendigo Community Health Services is once again bringing the flu vaccine onsite to workplaces within the region, ensuring easy access to winter protection. BCHS nurse immuniser Heather Hinton said workplaces that offer employees free and easy access to the influenza...

Speaking up for endometriosis and pelvic pain care
“We hear a lot of stories … and most of the time, the stories tell us a lot about how we can help,” said Dr Karishma Kaur. In fact, since our Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic opened 12 months ago,...

From builders to bar staff: community members ready to make a difference in AOD
A full room of diverse community members gathered at our Wanyanimbik Wayawan Wellbeing Centre to explore our new Alcohol and Other Drugs traineeships last week. AOD Operations Manager Cilla Boucher said the team was thrilled with the interest and enthusiasm...