Bellarine Community Health (BCH) reported a small surplus for the 2023-24 financial year at its annual general meeting last week.
Despite no increase in funding, and increasing demand for affordable services and rising costs, the operating result (excluding depreciation, capital income and gains from revaluation) for the financial year was a surplus of $125,000.
At the meeting, members presented with the annual report, financial statements, and highlights of the year.
“In the past year, the number of people accessing community health services across the state has grown by 20 percent, and locally demand for many of our services continues to grow,” BCH chief executive Kathy Russell said.
“It’s clear community health on the Bellarine has never been more critical to meeting the needs of this community, but funding from the state government for the Community Health Program has not increased for over a decade.”
At the AGM, Ms Russell said further investment is urgently needed to maintain the longevity of community health organisations and their ability to provide low-cost services to the community.
BCH board chair Fay Agterhuis acknowledged that BCH is operating in an uncertain financial environment with services reliant on government funding cycles and constraints.
“With challenges come opportunities,” she said.
“If we get it right, we will more and more be looked to for the delivery of local and timely health services, services to support people to live well at home for as long as possible.”
The result of the election for four Board Director positions was also announced at last week’s AGM.
Lucy Simms, Tim Walsh and Mark Harris were returned as board directors and newcomer Virginia Todd secured the final vacancy.
Highlights for BCH for the financial year detailed at the AGM included:
● The construction of the new and purpose-built Child, Youth & Family Hub in Ocean Grove
● Implementation of a new home care package client management system along with a new quality management system
● The official opening of the Sirovilla Eric Tolliday Units
● Successful NDIS and aged care compliance audits
● The inaugural Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health conference showcasing the vital work of community health
● Participation in advocacy to government for increased funding for the community health sector
