I am calling on health professionals around the Wimmera and Mallee to take advantage of the government’s Rural General Practice Grants program.

General medical practices in country Australia face unique challenges, not least of which is the ability to attract and retain quality health professionals.

We need to be addressing these issues, so that rural areas can have access to a strong primary health service that allows for consistency of care, early intervention and ultimately, better health outcomes for patients.

The program will enable existing practices to provide teaching and training opportunities for a range of healthcare professionals, while also giving practitioners the chance to develop their own experience and skills in training and the supervising of healthcare workers.

We know that health professionals who complete training in regional and rural areas are more likely to consider working in country areas, after they have qualified, so it is important that our practices can support training programs.

The grants can be used for infrastructure projects, including the construction or renovation of existing buildings and the installation of technology and equipment that improves the standard and scope of care that medical practice can offer.

Australians should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live and this program is another way that the federal government, in partnership with our healthcare providers, is helping to keep country Australia healthy.

The grants opened on Monday, November 21 with funding of up to $300,000 available for eligible projects in 2017.

All applicants will be required to match the Commonwealth funding contribution.

Information and documentation can be accessed via the Department of Health’s Tenders and Grants page at www.health.gov.au/tenders

ANDREW BROAD

Member for Mallee

BUSINESS Horsham has announced its new executive team for the 2016-17 financial year.

Testament to the strength of Business Horsham, it was pleasing to see that almost every member of the executive team re-nominated at the annual general meeting on November 8.

Brian O’Connor will serve the first year of a two-year term as chairperson.

Other positions are held for one year and include Bill Schmidt as vice chair, Wendy Mitchell as secretary and a new face in Michelle O’Connell as treasurer.

Andrea Cross, Pauline Schmidt, David Bowe, Marc Ampt, Brian Watts, Chris Overman and Graham Keay all renominated as industry sector representatives.

In addition to Michelle, it is exciting to welcome another three new executive members as industry sector representatives in Robin Barber, Chris Russell and Di Bell.

Business Horsham is excited about the new year ahead, with a calendar of events and programs to be formulated in early February.

Business Horsham boasts 158 members and is growing stronger every day. 

The Business Horsham executive team is approachable and each is a respected business person, who gives their time freely for the betterment of our community.

Any business person who would like to become a member or join the executive team is welcome to request an information pack via email at info@businesshorsham.com.au 

WENDY MITCHELL

Executive Administrator, Business Horsham