BCH report surplus during challenging times

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) has reported a small surplus for the 2023-2024 financial year at its annual general meeting, despite industry challenges and no additional funding.

BCH announced at its AGM last weekend, the operating result excluding depreciation, capital income and gains from the financial year was a surplus of $125,000.

“In the past year, the number of people accessing community health services across the State has grown by 20 per cent, and locally demand for many of our services continues to grow,” BCH chief executive officer Kathy Russell said.

“It’s clear community health on the Bellarine has never been more critical to meeting the needs of this community, but funding from the State Government for the Community Health Program has not increased for over a decade.”

BCH noted the following milestones over the past financial year, detailed in the Annual Report:

The construction of the new and purpose-built Child, Youth & Family Hub in Ocean Grove

Implementation of a new Home Care Package client management system along with a new quality management system

The official opening of the Sirovilla Eric Tolliday Units

Successful NDIS and Aged Care compliance audits

The inaugural Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health conference showcasing the vital work of community health, and

Participation in advocacy to government for increased funding for the community health sector.

Ms Russell stated further investment is urgently needed for community health organisations to maintain longevity and ability to provide affordable services to the community.

She BCH was also proud to be part of a community health sector generating significant benefits for local communities for the past half-century.

BCH board chair Fay Agterhuis acknowledged it was an uncertain financial environment, as services scrambled to secure government funding. “With challenges come opportunities,” Ms Agterhuis said.

“If we get it right, we will more and more be looked to for the delivery of local and timely health services, services to support people to live well at home for as long as possible.”

Lucy Simms, Tim Walsh and Mark Harris were successful in returning to the board of directors, while newcomer Virginia Todd was appointed to the final seat.