90th birthday for regional health provider

AN organisation synonymous with Greater Geelong and beyond has celebrated 90 years of providing community health.

GMHBA’s celebrated its 90th birthday on August 13 across 13 of its sites, preceded by a gala dinner held at GMHBA Stadium on June 27.

GMHBA CEO David Greig said the celebrations highlighted the company’s exponential growth over the past nine decades, turning into one of the nation’s most recognisable names in health insurance.

“From our humble beginnings in 1934 at the Geelong Cement Works, GMHBA has grown into Australia’s leading regional health insurer,” Mr Greig said.

“We exist solely to enable healthier lives for our members and patients and our evolution highlights the vision and dedication of those early pioneers, as well as the incredible contributions of our whole team over the decades and continuing today.

“We’re really proud to be able to celebrate our heritage and enduring connection to our community.”

As part of the birthday celebrations a skills clinic was held at GMHBA Stadium with the Geelong Cats for 100 members, each of its 13 sites hosted a morning tea, and a celebratory 90th birthday cake was cut at GMHBA’s head office in Geelong.

Hand-written cards were signed by COO of private health insurance Wes Self were posted to 50 members who turned 90 in August, with a 90-year commemorative pin was enclosed.

Mr Greig said GMHBA’s connection to the community continues to run through the fabric of its organisation.

“In the past financial year, we have invested more than $500,000 into our community, through workplace giving, volunteering, charitable donations, social procurement and strategic partnerships.

“For example, this year our partnerships with The Resilience Project and Read The Play have provided access to mental health and wellbeing programs for almost 4,000 young people.”

Looking ahead to the future, GMHBA will have new projects commencing or are already underway.

“We recently announced a further return of $62 million in COVID-19-related savings to GMHBA and Frank Health Insurance members and will pay seven weeks of premium for every active membership,” Mr Greig added.

“This takes the total amount we have returned to members to $147 million. We are also looking forward to opening the Geelong Health Hub on Moorabool Street in October, which will offer dental, physiotherapy, eyecare and health insurance services to the community – even if they’re not GMHBA members.”

More on the history of GHMBA can be found at gmhba.com.au.