The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.

Jane Anderson has been reappointed as the Latrobe Health Advocate for a further three years, after she became the inaugural Latrobe Health Advocate in 2018.

Ms Anderson has led a range of initiatives to influence better long-term health and wellbeing of the community over the first three years of the vital role.

Over the last three years, Ms Anderson has worked with the community, advising Government on issues affecting health and wellbeing, while engaging closely with business, industry, agriculture, health services, community organisations and all levels of Government.

Through her research and engagement with the community, she has played a critical role in understanding and ensuring voices are heard and can impact change on local health system and policy improvements.

The Latrobe Health Advocate gives the people of the Latrobe Valley a trusted and independent voice and delivers on a key recommendation from the re-opened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry. The role is part of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone and complements the work of the Latrobe Health Assembly.

The Victorian Government has provided more than $80 million to support the Latrobe Valley community and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports.

An independent evaluation by Deloitte released found the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone, Latrobe Health Assembly and Latrobe Health Advocate have positively impacted health and wellbeing outcomes in the Valley.

The evaluation has highlighted positive change in community attitudes to health and wellbeing, a strong sense of community pride and a desire to build on community strengths.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Jane has made an enormously positive contribution to the Valley and I’m really pleased that her reappointment has been confirmed. Through her strong local voice and advocacy, she has encouraged more locals than ever before to share their views, concerns and priorities – and this is work that really matters in transition and development for the region.”

“The Latrobe Health Advocate is an important community-based role that requires strong and empathetic leadership – Jane has demonstrated that she is the right person for the job and has a strong track record of listening to locals, advocating for them and driving innovation.”

Quotes attributable to Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson

“I have heard a lot from the community over the last three years and am constantly inspired by the desire of people to see improvements in their own health and wellbeing and that of others.”

“Change takes time, but the signs of change are clear to see, and there is great momentum and good will from communities, services and industry to drive health and wellbeing systems changes in Latrobe.”