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Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Russell Northe encourages community support for Gippsland hospice at Churchill in Latrobe Valley

Online petition for state government to consider and explore opportunities to build a hospice in the local community.

By news@gippsland - 19th August 2021 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has established an online petition calling upon the State Government to consider and explore opportunities in the Latrobe Valley to build a dedicated hospice in our local community.

With great potential, the Hazelwood House site would serve as the ideal venue for a dedicated Hospice Care Facility according to MP Russell Northe

Suitable location for hospice

Mr Northe has previously written to the Health Minister seeking support in exploring the benefits of establishing a hospice care facility whether that be at the former and now vacant Churchill Hazelwood House aged care facility or another suitable location in the Latrobe Valley.

The reasoning for suggesting Hazelwood House as an option is due to the extensive benefits this facility has. There are established gardens, 38 beds and is located in a tranquil peaceful area benefiting carers, families and patients who simply want to enjoy the precious special moments they have left.

"I have continued to have conversations with many members of our community who are in strong support of this initiative with many reflecting on their own experiences with a loved one whilst stating how much a hospice is needed in our region" Mr Northe said.

Establishing a dedicated hospice

In 2019 the Latrobe Health Advocate made several recommendations to the Health Minister with the number one recommendation being to establish a dedicated hospice facility for Gippsland. "This is why I have established an online petition to request that the Health Minister and the State Government explore all options to develop a hospice in the Valley that would ultimately benefit so many individuals and families in our community."

"Hopefully our petition receives strong support and if we can get hundreds of signatures then it will send a blunt message to the Government that as a community we desperately need and want a hospice in our region" said Mr Northe.

To view Mr Northe's petition please see the Legislative Assembly E-Petitions.

Pictures from Google maps.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
  Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future.
• Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
  A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• 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 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.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• 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.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• 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.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.