News

Key public health stakeholders from across the Barwon South West recently came together in Camperdown to launch the inaugural Barwon South West Public Health Strategy.

It has been shaped by consultations with major public health stakeholders, including local governments, rural and regional health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), tertiary institutes, the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) and Non Government Organisations (NGO).

It has been informed by detailed data and analysis of the region’s patterns of diseases and health status.

Director, Professor Eugene Athan OAM, launched the plan and spoke of the history of Local Public Health Units, and the opportunities and challenges ahead to address the region's health and wellbeing,

"The most significant threats to human health in the 21st century are public health challenges. A strong and agile preventative health network is needed to address these complex challenges.”

“The Public Health Strategy for the Barwon South West Region articulates a pathway to realise the region’s vision that communities across the Barwon South West achieve their best possible health and wellbeing,” he said.

A key feature of the plan is addressing health inequities, and bringing a health equity lens to planning and implementation of public health interventions.

Key stakeholders also joined a panel to discuss the big issues facing communities in the Barwon South West and how organisations across the region can collaborate to advocate for local communities and improve health equity.

For more information or to access the Barwon South West Public Health Strategy click here.