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Latrobe Health Assembly begins closure after eight years of community-driven health and wellbeing initiatives in the valley

Latrobe Health Assembly will close by June 2025 after funding ends, concluding eight years of impactful, community-led health and wellbeing programs across the Latrobe Valley. Transition planning with partners is underway.

By news@gippsland - 27th June 2025 - Back to News

After eight years supporting the health and wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley, the Latrobe Health Assembly has formally commenced the process of closing its operations after strong community advocacy has failed to overturn government's decision to cease funding the initiative.

After eight years, Latrobe Health Assembly will close in 2025 following funding cuts, with efforts to transition programs and acknowledge community contributions underway

Honouring community impact

Project partners were notified on Monday 23rd June that 27 active programs will conclude by 30th June 2025, with a structured wind-down process to follow. Over this final week, the Assembly is working with all partners to ensure the most responsible and respectful transition possible for the community-led initiatives that have flourished under its care.

Over nearly a decade, the Assembly has delivered more than 200 locally-driven projects, touching the lives of over 50,000 residents across the region. With more than $4million invested in our community each year and over 1,200 volunteers mobilised, the Assembly has built a lasting impact across:

• Mental health
• Food security
• Chronic disease prevention
• Youth engagement
• Early childhood development
• Social connection

Programs such as the Community Health Nurses in Primary Schools, which delivered:

• $2.3 million in health benefits
• ABC Youth Program, returning $4 for every $1 invested
• WES which provided over 1,000 visits in a peer-led, stigma-free environment, have changed lives

This closure marks the loss of an innovative, community-first, place-based model that enabled community voice in decision making, improved health and wellbeing outcomes and demonstrated community leadership in one of Victoria's most challenged regions.

Legacy through community

Chair of the Latrobe Health Assembly, Tanya Rong said "This is a moment of deep sadness and gratitude to the Latrobe Valley community for their support and advocacy. The Latrobe Health Assembly has been more than an organisation - it's been a movement powered by local community voices, strong commitment to a healthier community and place, and a whole lot of heart. While our formal role may be ending, the legacy of our partnerships and the passion of our community will continue."

In the coming weeks, the Assembly will work closely with project partners to identify opportunities for sustainability, seeking to transition or hand over initiatives where possible. Where continuation is not feasible, programs will close with care and community acknowledgment.

The Assembly extends its heartfelt thanks to the thousands of individuals, organisations and community groups who shaped and contributed to its work. Their dedication has laid the groundwork for lasting change, and the Assembly's legacy will live on through them.

Pictures from Latrobe Health Assembly Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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