Ocean Grove welcomes new health hub

BELLARINE Community Health (BCH) this week hosted the official launch of its recently completed Child, Youth and Family Hub in Ocean Grove.

The hub, which began delivering services in January, aims to streamline access to care for families on the Bellarine, with services such as speech pathology, physiotherapy and children’s mental health services now offered at the site.

The hub was officially opened by Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker on Tuesday, with more than 50 guests in attendance, including Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson and Cr Elise Wilkinson from the City of Greater Geelong.

Ms Coker said the facility was a “brilliant asset” for the community that would “provide the right care to people when they need it”.

“To everyone who’s worked hard to see this project from concept to the official opening, thank you,” she said.

“By standing together, working together and sharing knowledge, we build a better future, a better community and better health system that serves those that need it most.”

BCH chief executive officer Kathy Russell said the facility was a testament to the power of community collaboration and the unwavering support of many dedicated individuals, organisations and government.

“I’d like to recognise the contributions of those who have helped us get to where we are today, celebrating a facility that will provide important care to children, youth and families in a growing community, close to where they live,” she said.

“Together, we have created a space that will serve our community for years to come, fostering growth, collaboration and wellbeing.”

Funding for the hub was provided by the federal Department of Health and Aged Care, which contributed $4 million to the development, and the Anthony Costa Foundation, which contributed $150,000.

The 3,000sqm block occupied by the hub in Ocean Grove’s Kingston Estate was donated to BCH by the Corless family in 2023.

Win Corless, and her children Jason Corless and Christine Campbell also attended Tuesday’s event, where Ms Campbell spoke of her late father Ed, and his belief in the importance of accessible healthcare.

“As a family, we have deep roots in this community, and it gives us great joy to give back to a place that’s given us so much.”

She said the family was “incredibly proud” to see the idea for the hub realised, with the land donation serving as a way to both honour Ed’s legacy and invest in the “future of the community”.

Construction of the hub has been designed in two stages, and BCH is still actively seeking funding to deliver stage two of the project, which would allow a greater number of services to be offered to locals at the site.

Senator Henderson congratulated BCH on the hub.

“Its new facility is a wonderful asset for the people of Ocean Grove,” she said.

“Backed by a $4 million election commitment from the Liberal Party, this is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together.

“I also pay tribute to the Corliss family for its generous donation of the land.”