Eight Canadian and US health leaders visited Ballarat Community Health on Tuesday as part of a Victorian community health 

services study tour to learn from Victorian practices in community care.

Ballarat Community Health was selected as part of the tour for its innovative programs and services, including its chronic disease 

program, community rehabilitation services, youth services and new models of care and treatment of hepatitis C.

Yakima Neighbourhood Health Services chief executive officer Anita Monoian, who travelled from a town of a similar size to Ballarat in Washington State, hoped to make use of what she has learned here.

“We were astonished at what we have seen ... the centres are so diverse,” she said.

“Our point of coming here is to learn about what’s going on and how health care is different here.

“And there are so many differences.

“For example, I’m finding some emphasis on podiatry at every clinic. Now why didn’t I think of that?”

Ballarat Community Health chief executive Robyn Reeves said the visit was also a good chance for the Ballarat team to learn from the visiting health experts. “It is wonderful to have our community health services recognised and to be able to share those practices with our international colleagues,” she said.

“Delivering healthcare is a constant learning process and our team at Ballarat Community Health appreciated the opportunity to engage with community health professionals from across the globe and learn from their experiences.”