Friday, 25 October 2019

The Latrobe Health Advocate has moved into a new home in the heart of the Morwell CBD, making it easier for locals to have their voices heard.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today officially opened the new offices at 2 Tarwin Street for Jane Anderson, the Latrobe Health Advocate.

The appointment of an independent voice delivers on a key recommendation from the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry 2015-2016.

Since June last year, the Latrobe Health Advocate has been working with the community, businesses and government, ensuring local voices are heard and leading efforts to better long-term health and wellbeing.

In that time, she has had more than 800 conversations with people who have shared their stories, concerns and ideas to improve health and wellbeing for themselves and everyone living in Latrobe communities.

This includes a forum to improve palliative care services in the region, a submission to the Royal Commission in to Mental Health and her ‘on the buses’ engagement campaign.

The Andrews Labor Government has provided more than $80 million to support Latrobe communities and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports.

Of this funding, $27 million will go towards the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone over five years, to improve the health and wellbeing of the Latrobe community.

The first of its kind in Australia, the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone established the Latrobe Health Assembly and appointed the Latrobe Health Advocate, following the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry.

The Latrobe Health Advocate can also be contacted at info@lhadvocate.vic.gov.au or on 1800 319 255.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Jane plays a critical role ensuring local voices are heard – loud and clear. She welcomes the chance to meet with locals and hear their stories, meaning locals have a real say in the care they receive, now and into the future.”

“It’s vital for Jane to be easily accessible and visible to the community. This new office in the heart of Morwell makes that possible. Anyone can drop in, meet staff and have a ‘cuppa’ in a relaxed and informal setting.”

 Quotes attributable to Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson

 “People in Latrobe have shown me that they want to engage, they have something to say and they want to be heard. Visiting my office right here in the heart of Morwell is another way for people to share their views and I am here to listen.”

“I am pleased to share my annual report which highlights some of the issues that matter to people in Latrobe including access to GPs. Based on strong feedback from the community it is now a priority project for me to look at how we can address this issue here in the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone.”