Libs deliver $2mill for stage three of BCH development

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) has welcomed $2 million from the federal government to complete the third stage of redevelopment at the Community Health Centre site in Portarlington.

Corangamite Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson announced the budget funding last week, which will ensure a service delivery model that includes prevention, early intervention, and health and social support services for all communities on the Northern Bellarine.

“This is a welcome investment in the future health and wellbeing of our communities on the Northern Bellarine,” BCH acting chair Fay Agterhuis said.

“This funding means we deliver the final stage of our vision of an integrated health and wellbeing hub that provides a broad range of health and social services within the Portarlington community that is forecast to grow 25 per cent by 2030.

“BCH has already invested nearly $800,000 through capital allocations and community fundraising towards significant upgrades at the Portarlington site.”

Stage three of the project will see the redevelopment of an ageing weatherboard extension on the site and the creation of an external entrance to allow after-hours access to the existing gym/ exercise room.

The new, modern extension will be in keeping with the existing building and will also provide for the redevelopment of the lower level of the facility.

This will create storage/workshop facilities together with new and expanded shop front for the Portarlington Auxiliary Op-Shop replacing the old two car garage, which has been their home for a number of years.

Stage two of the redevelopment, including upgrading the existing foyer and clinical spaces for the new GP clinic, treatment room, pathology collection service and multipurpose clinical and counselling spaces, is nearing completion.

Stage one upgrades to the gym/exercise space, funded by the Portarlington Ladies Auxiliary, were completed at the end of last year.

The Ladies Auxiliary also recently donated $25,000 towards medical equipment for the new GP clinic opening in early May.

BCH chief executive officer Shane Dawson said the funding recognised the need for access to more comprehensive primary health care incorporating a GP Clinic in the Portarlington area.

“These renovations will increase local access to an expanded range of primary health care and social services needed to keep people well and out of hospital,” he said.

The final stage expansion will provide updated, modern social activities facilities and dedicated community infrastructure for the Portarlington community.