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Health Advocate Jane Anderson re-appointed by state government to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Latrobe Valley

The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.

By news@gippsland - 21st October 2021 - Back to News

Jane Anderson has been reappointed as the Latrobe Health Advocate for a further three years, after she became the inaugural Latrobe Health Advocate in 2018. Ms Anderson has led a range of initiatives to influence better long-term health and wellbeing of the community over the first three years of the vital role.

Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson was re-appointed and said that she will continue to listen to Latrobe communities and respond to their health and wellbeing aspirations

Ensuring the community is heard

Over the last three years, Ms Anderson has worked with the community, advising government on issues affecting health and wellbeing, while engaging closely with business, industry, agriculture, health services, community organisations and all levels of government.

Through her research and engagement with the community, she has played a critical role in understanding and ensuring voices are heard and can impact change on local health systems and policy improvements.

Providing support to the community

The Latrobe Health Advocate gives the people of the Latrobe Valley a trusted and independent voice and delivers on a key recommendation from the re-opened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry. The role is part of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone and complements the work of the Latrobe Health Assembly.

The Victorian Government has provided more than $80 million to support the Latrobe Valley community and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports. An independent evaluation by Deloitte released found the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone, Latrobe Health Assembly and Latrobe Health Advocate have positively impacted health and wellbeing outcomes in the Valley. The evaluation highlighted positive change in community attitudes to health and wellbeing, a strong sense of community pride and desire to build on community strengths.

Great momentum and good will

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Jane has made an enormously positive contribution to the Valley and I'm really pleased that her reappointment has been confirmed. Through her strong local voice and advocacy, she has encouraged more locals than ever before to share their views, concerns and priorities - and this is work that really matters in transition and development for the region."

"The Latrobe Health Advocate is an important community-based role that requires strong and empathetic leadership - Jane has demonstrated that she is the right person for the job and has a strong track record of listening to locals, advocating for them and driving innovation."

Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson said, "I have heard a lot from the community over the last three years and am constantly inspired by the desire of people to see improvements in their own health and wellbeing and that of others. Change takes time, but the signs of change are clear to see, and there is great momentum and good will from communities, services and industry to drive health and wellbeing systems changes in Latrobe." Ms Anderson said.

Pictures from Latrobe Health Advocate Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
  Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
  Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.