The new Bellarine Community Health (BCH) building was officially opened today, offering better access to specialised healthcare services for Portarlington.

Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, joined Assistant Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney MP at the formal opening of the renewed facility.

The redevelopment of the North wing of the building was funded through the Department of Health’s Community Health and Hospitals Program and now features modern facilities to provide quality health services for the community on the Northern Bellarine.

The newly constructed wing allows for the return of BCH group programs and an expanded service offering for the community along with space for a community based ‘op shop’.

The facility was designed and developed in close consultation with the community to increase community awareness, understanding and support for this project, and to create a shared vision for the site. 

The BCH Centre has a long history embedded in community connection. Local community members moved to establish the centre in 1974, with construction of the original facility getting underway in 1978.

Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP

“I commend Bellarine Community Health’s commitment to supporting people across our region, and I’m sure that this new facility will continue to deliver expert clinical care and health services for many years to come.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to improving access to health care and this renewed facility is a crucial step forward in making that a reality.”