Local Networks

The regional and sub-regional allied health networks operating in West Division, Grampians region are listed below.  For further information on these please refer to the relevant documents and / or speak with the contact person nominated.

Ballarat Regional Podiatry Group

This group offers the opportunity for podiatrists working in Ballarat and the surrounding region to meet, network and discuss discipline specific issues that affect their work within this region.  The first three meetings of the year offer podiatrists a chance to hear from invited speakers while the final meeting of the year is usually an informal Christmas dinner.  The meetings contribute to continuing professional development points.  Interested podiatrists can contact Dimitri Diacogiorigis on ph 5320 3700 or dimitrid@bhs.org.au.

Grampians Region Pharmacy Network

The aims of the Grampians Region Pharmacy Network include: 1.  Identifying and implementing strategies to improve risk management in rural and regional health service pharmacy services, 2.  improving support to the pharmacy workforce in rural health services, and 3.  Align the West Division, Grampians Region with statewide initiatives and strategic directions.  For further information contact  pat.standen@dhhs.vic.gov.au or dean.taylor@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

Health Promotion in the Wimmera.

The Wimmera Primary Care Partnership has a leadership role in strengthening the capacity of the service system to plan, implement and evaluate health promotion programs and to reorient services to be population health focused.  Members of the network have a health promotion role in their workplace and meetings occur on the second Thursday of the month from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Grampians Community Health Center.  If you would like further information or to indicate your interest in attending the network contact Geoff Witmitz on ph 5362 1225.

Rural Victorian Medical Imaging Managers Network

The Rural Victorian Medical Imaging Managers Network was established in October 2013.  The membership of this network is medical imaging managers from rural Victoria and meetings are held on a quarterly basis.  The main aim of this network is to strengthen and support Medical Imaging across rural Victoria through increased collaboration, communication and partnerships.  For further information contact Lauren Heller at  lauren.heller@health.vic.gov.au.

Mental Health Professional Network

The Mental Health Professional Network (MHPN) aims to support collaboration in Australia's primary mental health sector by fostering local interdisciplinary networks of mental health professionals.  MPHN is funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department of Health and Ageing, until June 2014.  For further information on the program visit the  website  and for information on networks in the Grampians region and upcoming meetings visit the following link .

Rural Podiatry Network

The Rural Podiatry Network has a bi-monthly inservice at Castlemaine Health Service for podiatrists employed in rural and regional locations.  For further information on the next in-service click the following link: (under construction)

Wimmera & District Hospital Social Worker Network

The Wimmera and District Hospital Social Worker Network has the main aim of supporting social workers employed in public hospitals in the wimmera sub-region.  The network meet on a quarterly basis at different locations throughout the wimmera.  For further information on this network please contact Frankie Blake, Chief Social Worker, Wimmera Health Care Group on PH 5381 9333.

Wimmera Chronic Disease Network

The Wimmera Chronic Disease Network provides opportunities for clinicians to meet, network and support practice change in working with clients experiencing chronic conditions.  The group meets bi-monthly and is undertaking work to improve the service system through better communication, referral practice and care planning.  Membership of the network includes: allied health practitioners, community health nurses, primary care managers, allied health managers, practices nurses, HARP practitioners, diabetes self-management parctitioners and primary care partnership coordinators.  For further information on the network (including joining as a member) please contact Donna Bridge on ph 5362 1221 or  donna.b@grampianscommunityhealth.org.au.

Wimmera Mallee Speech Pathologist Group

The Wimmera Mallee Speech Pathologist Group is an informal network of local speech pathologists that meets on a quarterly basis.  The meetings provide opportunities to share information and discuss designated topics.  For further information contact Louise Mason, Chief Speech Pathologist, Wimmera Health Care Group, on phone (03) 53810101.