Supporting the next chapter of local care

BARWON Health is the lifeblood of our region.

It’s our largest employer, with over 9,000 staff providing care to more than 500,000 people across the wider region through all stages of life.

Which is why I can’t wait to celebrate and support our cherished health service in the largest ever Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball next month.

Tables have sold out for this landmark event, which is anticipated to raise millions of dollars for the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Appeal, to help enhance the comfort, care and research available for women, babies and children and support improved outcomes for local families.

And, just as excitingly, this event marks the official opening of the long-awaited Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, which itself is a tremendous investment in our region’s future prosperity.

This $449.1 million complex was made possible through the groundbreaking City Deal partnership with $416.1 million and $30 million from the Victorian and Australian governments, and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

It’s fitting that this incredible venue’s first gala event celebrates an organisation that has been such an integral part of our community for so long.

The event will also mark the official launch of the Barwon Health Foundation’s Barwon Women’s and Children’s Appeal.

The appeal will complement the Barwon Women’s and Children’s, which is currently under construction and set to be complete in 2028. This is the single largest government investment in health infrastructure in Geelong’s history.

Improving health outcomes for our community is crucial for us as a council.

As our population grows, so does the demand for equitable access to healthcare.

Our population is set to surge past 440,000 in the next decade.

Currently, families make up more than a third of households in our community, with more than a quarter home to couples with children and another 10 per cent home to single-parent households.

The beauty of having such a comprehensive provider in our region, like Barwon Health, is that these residents have access to the very best care close to home.

And we want this to continue.

Which is why we’re proud to be the presenting partner for the Gala Ball. And we’re proud to stand alongside Barwon Health Foundation in helping shape the future of health in our region for generations to come.

As part of this commitment, we’re advocating for state government funding for preventative health infrastructure such as sporting facilities and active transport projects.

You’ll hear more about these priority projects as we draw closer to the state election in November.

We’re also investing in a range of other local health and wellbeing initiatives, with recent projects such as Biyala Community Hub, which provides allied health services, early learning programs and community activities and classes.

As a council we will continue to back events like the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball and advocate for an increase in services and infrastructure to support the wonderful work of our local healthcare workers.

Because a healthy community, with care close to home, matters to all of us.

Cr Stretch Kontelj

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong