Leaders Report to EWHS Meeting

As reported in Tuesday’s “Buloke Times”, the annual general meeting of the East Wimmera Health Service was held in Donald on November 25.

The following is the report delivered by EWHS CEO Trevor Adem and board chairperson Kylie Thitchener.

Our Strategic Direction
In 2024-2025, East Wimmera Health Service continued to build its reputation as an innovative model for small rural health services. With the
dedication of our passionate workforce, we remain focused on being leaders in rural healthcare – committed to delivering better health outcomes for every community we serve.

The Board has actively monitored progress against our Strategic Plan, regularly reviewing our strategic actions to ensure we remain on course. The plan guides us
to invest in priority areas, strengthen our connection with communities, and deepen partnerships with our key stakeholders.

It is available on our website for anyone who would like to explore it further.
Our new strategic plan for the 2025-2028 period is about to be launched. It continues the commitment to primary care, along with the ongoing development of our workforce and regional partnerships.

A major focus this past year has continued to be our Primary Care Transformation project. This work is expanding the range of services we can offer locally, strengthening our community-based care, enhancing team integration, and building closer alignment with General Practice. We have also expanded our home support services in Buloke Shire and continued to develop new models of care involving Nurse Practitioners. We are currently embarking on an exciting new project to deliver sustainable models of care moving forward and we’ll be able to report on that in more detail during the coming months.

Key Achievements in 2024-2025
We are proud of the progress made across the organisation this year. Some of the highlights include:
• Appointment of our Director of Medical Services, supported through training with the Australian College of Medical Administrators — an EWHS first.
• Implementation of multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Securing Remote Vocational Training Scheme places for Charlton, Wycheproof, and St Arnaud.
• Appointment of both a Director and Deputy Director of Clinical Services.
• A valuable partnership with Maryborough District Health Service to provide First Nations healthcare support across EWHS.
• Hosting the “Just A Farmer” event in Birchip, attended by around 65 people, supported through a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant.
• Implementing swipe card access across all campuses to enhance staff security.
• Implementing a new Foot Care Nurse Model to meet growing demand.
• Strengthening environmental sustainability, with reduced waste and cost.
• Achieving full accreditation through the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards and maintaining Aged Care Accreditation.
• Endorsement of the EWHS Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan by Reconciliation Australia in July 2024.

We also acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our staff:
• Our Health Promotion team received the Department of Health Healthy Eating Advisory Service Award for Excellence in Collaboration.
• Two staff members received postgraduate scholarship awards.
• Another staff member secured a Department of Health Scholarship for the Monash Clinical Leadership and Management course.

Infrastructure Improvements
In line with our Asset Management Plan, we completed several key infrastructure projects:
• Asphalting works at St Arnaud and Wycheproof.
• Completing tender processes for fire services upgrades at Donald, St Arnaud, and Wycheproof.
• Finalisation of staff accommodation at Birchip.
• Commencement of staff accommodation at Wycheproof.
• IT infrastructure upgrades across all sites.
• Painting and flooring upgrades at multiple campuses.
• Commencement of refurbishment works on the St Arnaud pathology collection building.

Partnerships and Regional Networks
Our relationships with regional health partners continue to be essential. Victoria is moving towards a more cohesive, network-based healthcare system, and EWHS is firmly engaged in that transition.

From July 1, 2025, Local Health Service Networks now guide collaborative planning and shared service delivery across the state. EWHS is part of the Grampians Local Health Service Network, with recognition of our communities’ patient flows into the Loddon Mallee region. We will continue to work closely with both networks to ensure the best access and referral pathways for our communities.

We particularly acknowledge our strong partnerships with:
• The Grampians Local Health Service Network.
• The Loddon Mallee Health Network.
• Buloke Loddon Gannawarra Health Leadership Network.
• Buloke and Northern Grampians Shires.
• Local First Nations communities.
• Grampians Rural Health Alliance.
• Murray and WestVic Primary Health Networks.
• Ambulance Victoria, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
• Department of Health teams in both regions and at the central office.
• Local schools, Men’s Sheds, Community Gardens, Service Clubs, and many community organisations.

These relationships make us stronger and ensure we continue delivering high-quality care.

Financial Stewardship
East Wimmera Health Service continues to be a responsible steward of public funds.

With support from both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, we have strengthened our financial position while delivering best-value health services to the community.

Environmental Sustainability
We remain committed to reducing our environmental impact. This year we undertook energy efficiency audits and received government support to replace inefficient appliances with more sustainable alternatives. Our focus on sustainable practices is reducing both our environmental footprint and operating costs.
Solar power remains a key long-term goal.

Board, Community and Staff Appreciation
We were pleased to announce the reappointment Philip Sabien, Deidre Missingham and welcome Steven Price and Nola Tudball to the Board from July 2024. Both bring extensive experience and strong community values that will greatly benefit EWHS.

We also acknowledge the contributions of Ruth Jabornik, whose term ended on June 30, 2024. Ruth’s commitment and service helped ensure that our communities continued to receive safe, patient-centred, effective care.

To all Board Directors: thank you for your collaborative leadership and support.

To all of our staff: your resilience, commitment, and ability to adapt in the face of continual challenges has been truly inspiring. You have gone above and beyond to ensure that communities continue to receive high-quality care, even with workforce pressures. We also acknowledge the leadership group for their continued focus on improving and expanding services and reducing reliance on agency staffing.

And a special thanks to our volunteers: Your time, compassion, and community spirit enrich our aged care services and community programs.

Fundraising Support
We gratefully acknowledge the many hardworking fundraising groups across our region. Their ongoing efforts directly support each of our five campuses and make a real difference to the care environments we provide.

Looking Ahead
Our future direction will be shaped by community
insight and by our role as an active partner within the Grampians Local Health Service Network.

Our goal remains clear: to ensure strong access to primary and acute health services across the entire age spectrum in all communities we serve.

Closing and Thanks
Finally, we thank the most important people in this organisation — those who place their trust in us. Our patients, residents, staff, volunteers, and community supporters. You each contribute to the fabric of our Health Service in a unique and essential way.

We remain committed to improving your health and wellbeing, providing a safe environment, and delivering high-quality care.
Thank you.