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Regional community owned hospitals such as Neerim and Heyfield thrown a lifeline to keep them operating

Victoria's community owned hospitals will keep their doors open under a Liberal and Nationals government.

By news@gippsland - 27th September 2022 - Back to News

The Nationals Deputy Leader, Emma Kealy, today announced the Liberals and Nationals would review the funding requirements of the five remaining hospitals in Euroa, Nagambie, Neerim, Heyfield and Cobden and guarantee funding to keep them operating. "Victoria used to be home to more than 40 bush nursing hospitals. Today, just five remain because the Andrews Labor government continues to treat them as private health services," Ms Kealy said.

A review of the funding requirements of the five remaining hospitals in Euroa, Nagambie, Neerim, Heyfield and Cobden and guarantee funding to keep them operating

Taking the pressure off

Ms Kealy said, "Instead of letting health services like Ballan go to the wall, we will step in and support them. Not only will we provide them with the operational funding they need to keep delivering services in their communities, but we will also ensure they can access capital funding streams."

"This is a win for locals who need services delivered close to home, and it will help take pressure off the overburdened public health system." Ms Kealy said.

The announcement comes after Member for Euroa Steph Ryan facilitated a meeting to discuss the funding crisis facing the five remaining services several months ago.

Access to greater service

The Nationals Candidate for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said hospitals such as Euroa and Nagambie would only continue to operate if they were supported by the government.

"We shouldn't have to fight for basic services such as healthcare, but under the Andrews government, hospitals like Euroa and Nagambie are not funded."

"This commitment means locals will be able to access a greater range of services in our community, instead of being forced to travel to Shepparton because they don't have private health insurance." Ms Cleeland said.

Ensuring improved access

Liberal Candidate for Euroa, Brad Hearn, said bush nursing hospitals were an asset to our communities. "The services offered by bush nursing hospitals around the state are important in saving rural lives and ensure that country people can get access to healthcare in their hometown" Mr Hearn said.

"Ensuring that the 22 beds are operational here in Euroa and easing the burdens across the remaining hospitals is essential. Improving access to healthcare is something I am passionate about making a reality for country and rural Victorians." Mr Hearn said.

Pictures from Heyfield Medical Centre website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29.
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  Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability.
• Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
  Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Gippsland Water invests $3.4M renewing ageing water and sewer infrastructure across regional communities
  Gippsland Water invested $3.4 million renewing ageing water and sewer assets, replacing 3.9 kilometres of water mains and relining 6.2 kilometres of sewer mains across Gippsland.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
  The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.