Matt Hewson
The first phase of Bellarine Community Health’s (BCH) new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Ocean Grove is nearing completion.
Construction on the $6 million stage one is due to be delivered by the end of October, with operation scheduled to begin in late January or early February next year.
The hub will provide a range of children’s health services to the region, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and play therapy.
Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker toured the facility on Monday (September 16), accompanied by BCH chief executive Kathy Russell.
Ms Russell said providing a local and familiar point of access to children’s health services, particularly assessment and early diagnosis, was critically important.
“Accessing services and wait lists with Barwon Health and navigating your way through that space can be quite daunting at times,” Ms Russell said.
“We know there are parents out there though who don’t have access to transport and this hub will provide an access point on the Bellarine.
“What this hub represents is a place to connect, where community-based support meets community needs. And that’s where, with this very special and unique facility on the Bellarine, we’re hoping that we can fill a lot of those gaps.”
While stage one focuses on children’s development, stage two will focus on youth services, largely around mental health and connection.
Stage one was funded by a $4 million Commonwealth Government contribution, as well as a $2 million land donation from Corless Family Trust and $150,000 from the Anthony Costa Foundation.
Ms Russell said BCH was hoping to secure state government funding for stage two in upcoming grant rounds.
