Ballarat Community Health hub in Sebastopol to launch new look

Redevelopment works at the Sebastopol Community Health Centre allow for the expansion of community initiatives to cater to changing health needs.

The Vickers Street location is more open and spacious inside, with more public meeting spaces and a community lounge.

BCH chief executive officer Robyn Reeves said complete works looked just like the architectural plans but actually stepping inside the centre was pretty special.

“When you go in, there’s just a real buzz about the place. It’s very welcoming, inviting and there’s lots of light,” Ms Reeves said.

“...Health services delivered now are so different to 30 years ago when the place first opened.”

Works on the centre started in September and services remained open during redevelopment. But Monday’s official launch day will allow an open community afternoon to celebrate and showcase what this modern centre can now offer.

Sebastopol Community Health, opened in 1986, was developed to bring general practitioners to Sebastopol.

The centre now provides a wide cross-section of health services, including health awareness and prevention programs like living with diabetes and smoking cessation.

There are still GPs, who work with allied health professionals including community nurses, exercise physiologists, podiatrists and dietitians for holistic care. The centre also runs community programs for the homeless, in mental health and in exercise and fitness.

Ms Reeves said anybody was welcome to attend the fun community open afternoon. There will be children’s activities, fire trucks, food demonstrations, tours and a chance to meet the doctors.

BCH also has bases in Lucas, Wendouree and Smythesdale, establishing general practitioner clinics in areas where access to GPs had been extremely limited; where new residents could not access a GP; and, where bulk billing for low income clients did not exist.

Sebastopol Community Health’s community afternoon will run from 3-6pm.