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Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations

Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.

By news@gippsland - 3rd September 2026 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is calling on Premier Ben Carroll to ensure Latrobe City is selected as one of the three regional locations chosen as part of the Victorian Government’s proposed network of 10 free dental clinics. Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, welcomed the focus on improving access to healthcare and reducing cost-of-living pressures but said regional communities must be included from the outset.

A free dental clinic would improve oral healthcare access in Latrobe City, reducing cost barriers and supporting better health outcomes across regional Gippsland

Affordable dental access

Cr Gibson said, "Access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge for many people in regional Victoria, and any investment that helps ease pressure on families is welcome. The proposed network of 10 free dental clinics, including three regional locations, has the potential to make a real difference for people who are delaying or going without essential dental care because of cost. People living in Latrobe City deserve the same access to essential health services as those living in metropolitan Melbourne.

"We are fortunate to have programs like ‘Smiles for Miles’ supporting children’s oral health, but there remains a significant gap for people who are no longer at school and may struggle to access affordable dental care. A free dental clinic in Latrobe City would help ensure that cost is not a barrier to maintaining good oral health throughout a person’s life," she said.

Backing regional investment

Cr Gibson said Latrobe City was a key service centre for Gippsland and already played an important role in supporting healthcare delivery across the region. "If the Victorian Government is serious about improving health outcomes and delivering cost-of-living relief, regional centres such as Latrobe City must be included in the rollout of new services and infrastructure," she said.

Cr Gibson said the upcoming State Election provided an opportunity to advocate for the projects and services needed to support the region’s future. "As our community continues its transition to a more diverse economy, we need ongoing investment in healthcare, roads, community infrastructure, education, jobs and economic development," Cr Gibson said.

Cr Gibson said Council looked forward to working constructively with all parties and candidates in the lead up to the state election. "Latrobe City stands ready to work with all levels of government to deliver the services, infrastructure and opportunities our growing community needs. We urge all political parties to commit to a fair share of major election investments for regional communities," she said.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply.
• Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
  Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson appointed as Baw Baw Shire new directors following recent organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson as new directors following a restructure reducing its executive leadership team from five to three.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
  The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding.