Community
9 December, 2025
Health service celebates all at AGM
EAST Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting last Monday at the Donald Campus PAG Room, where community members, staff, and Board representatives gathered despite the afternoon heat.
EAST Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting last Monday at the Donald Campus PAG Room, where community members, staff, and Board representatives gathered despite the afternoon heat.
Storm clouds and a cool change arrived as proceedings commenced, following a Board meeting held earlier in the day.
Chief executive officer Trevor Adem opened the event with a formal welcome and acknowledgment of country.
Governance and Formal Proceedings
BOARD chair Kylie Thitchener delivered the meeting’s opening address. Minutes from the 2024 meeting were adopted, and the Board of Management Report outlined ongoing progress against strategic priorities.
Outgoing Director Julianne Clift was formally acknowledged, while Philip Sabien and Deidre Missingham were reappointed to the Board. The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee provided a financial overview, followed by CEO Trevor Adem’s presentation of the Audited Financial Statements for the year ending 30 June 2025, which were unanimously adopted.
Deputy Chair Philip Sabien concluded the business session with thanks to Kylie Thitchener for her leadership throughout the year.
Board Chair Report: Leading Rural Healthcare Forward
IN HER annual report, chair Kylie Thitchener highlighted EWHS’s continued emergence as a leading innovator among small rural health services.
She commended the organisation’s dedicated workforce and reaffirmed EWHS’s commitment to improving health outcomes across its communities.
Strategic Priorities and Achievements
THE Board Chair reported significant progress in the Primary Care Transformation project, including expanded home support services in Buloke Shire, new Nurse Practitioner models, and strengthened partnerships with General Practice.
These initiatives will be further advanced under the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which focuses on primary care, workforce development, and regional collaboration.
Key achievements for 2024–25 included:
Appointment of the first Director of Medical Services
Introduction of multidisciplinary team meetings
Secured Remote Vocational Training Scheme places for Charlton, Wycheproof, and St Arnaud
Partnership with Maryborough District Health Service to support First Nations healthcare
Continued accreditation success in ACH Standards and Aged Care
Endorsement of the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan
Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Partnerships
EWHS invested in major upgrades, including staff accommodation at Birchip and Wycheproof, IT improvements across all campuses, and refurbishment of the St Arnaud pathology collection building.
Energy-efficiency audits and government support for appliance upgrades marked further progress toward long-term sustainability, with solar power remaining a strategic goal.
Ms Thitchener spoke of the strong regional partnerships, noting EWHS’s active role in the Grampians Local Health Service Network, the Loddon Mallee Health Network, and local collaborations with councils, First Nations communities, and regional health organisations.
She also welcomed new Board members Steven Price and Nola Tudball, while also recognising retiring member Ruth Jabornik for her service.
Service Awards and Staff Recognition
MR ADEM presented the 2025 service awards, celebrating long-standing contributions from staff and volunteers.
Staff Milestones:
Debbie Burton – 20 years: Known for her compassion and long-standing connection to the Donald community.
Ceri Jones – 25 years: Progressed from support services to managing the Wycheproof team.
Michelle May – 25 years: A key contributor to aged care standards across the Donald campus.
Sharlene Connelly – 20 years: Supported major transitions at Birchip and contributed to accreditation and staff wellbeing.
Leanne Considine – 25 years: Recognised for her dedication to aged care and support for junior staff.
Julie Lowry – 25 years: An ANUM since 2008, respected for her leadership in aged and urgent care services.
Volunteer milestones:
Barry Robertson – 15 years
Peter Milley – 10 years
Yvonne Templar – 20 years
Annual Awards:
Staff Values Annual Award: Sharon Williams – for exceptional patient care and professionalism, recognised by Ambulance Victoria.
Volunteer of the Year: John Richmond – for his leadership during the transition of Buloke Home Services and coordination of Meals on Wheels volunteers.
Guest Speakers: Improving Regional Cancer Care
GUEST speakers Cheryl Martin, Strategic Manager at the Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service (LMICS), and Professor Leigh Kinsman, Chair of Rural Health Research at La Trobe University, presented insights into regional partnerships in cancer care.
They highlighted the Buloke and Loddon Mallee region’s high per-capita rates of melanoma and skin cancer—among the highest in Victoria—and stressed the challenges posed by limited local infrastructure and long-distance travel for specialist treatment.
Their presentation emphasised the importance of strengthening referral pathways, improving access to diagnostic services, and ensuring that community voices shape future planning.
A short question and answer session followed before the Board Chair closed the meeting.
Looking Ahead
EWHS reaffirmed its commitment to a future shaped by community input, strong partnerships, and continued investment in primary and acute care.
The organisation remains focused on ensuring timely, accessible health services across all age groups and all communities within the region.