Monday, 3 August 2020

Gippsland’s health workforce will be supported to grow through funding from the Victorian Government for Federation University to undertake a feasibility study for a Community Health Hub and Clinic at the Gippsland campus in Churchill.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced $200,000 for the study to explore health program development, industry and education partnerships, health services student placements, and infrastructure requirements.

It will provide recommendations on how to further develop the region’s future health workforce by identifying educational opportunities, pathways and professional development for local students in areas like allied health, mental health, sports science, nursing and community service.

The Community Health Hub and Clinic feasibility study is expected to be completed by March 2021.

Funding for the feasibility study forms part of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s $266 million transition package and follows the launch of the ‘Gippsland’s Future Health and Community Services Workforce’ report in December last year.

The report was developed in partnership with more than 40 local health and community service organisations and education providers. It highlights key trends in the growth of this sector across Gippsland, including in-demand occupational roles and the education, training and workforce development requirements.

The report is available to download at lva.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP

“The Victorian Government is pleased to support Federation University to develop Gippsland’s health and community services workforce and ensure the right courses and facilities are available locally.”

“This is just one way the Victorian Government is helping to get people into local, sustainable jobs, with health and community services identified as the largest employer in Gippsland.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain  

“We are pleased to continue working with our industry and education partners to ensure local courses and programs are aligned with sector demand and Gippsland’s growth sector workforce needs.”

Quote attributable to Federation University Dean, School of Health, Wendy Cross

“This is really important work for the development of the health sector in Gippsland and will provide important recommendations on how to grow our local workforce now and into the future.”