General News
5 September, 2025
Boost for Horsham Neighbourhood House, Wimmera community
Almost $25,000 has been injected into community programs across the Wimmera and southern Mallee thanks to the 2025 Wimmera Primary Care Partnership (PCP) Health and Wellbeing Fund.
The Horsham Neighbourhood House received a $5000 grant to support free Mental Health First Aid training at the House and contribute to its 2026 Mental Health Expo.
Horsham Neighbourhood House manager Charlie Helyar said the funding would directly support local mental health initiatives.
"We'll run a free Mental Health First Aid Training Course at the house for 20 Wimmera residents," he said.
"Some of the money will also go towards our annual Mental Health Expo, with the next one to be held in 2026."
Mr Helyar explained that the grant will make a real difference for the community.
"It allows local community members to partake in MHFA training at no cost, and participants to be able to participate and get involved in the Mental Health Expo for the Horsham community," he said.
Mr Helyar said the training would benefit 20 participants immediately, while the Mental Health Expo could attract far larger numbers.
"Expo numbers could be limitless," he said.
Mr Helyar added a message of thanks on behalf of the House.
"We appreciate the opportunity to receive the grant and put it towards supporting local people in our community," he said.
The Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, Fat Farmers Warracknabeal and the Kaniva Neighbourhood Houses are the other four recipients.
The Ballarat Foundation chief executive, Andrew Eales, said the five projects will promote health and wellbeing across the region.
"We've heard the voices of the Wimmera community and recognise how tough the past few years have been – through COVID and more recently drought conditions," he said.
"We are proud to ensure the incredible legacy of community support led by the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership will continue for decades to come through this annual grant program."
The Wimmera PCP Health and Wellbeing Fund was established in 2024 to continue the legacy of the Primary Care Partnership and is supported by the Ballarat Foundation.