Key Facts:
Community health organisations across Victoria are helping thousands of people live healthier lives, while easing pressure on our hospitals.
New data from the Community Health First 2024-25 Impact Report, released today at an event at Parliament House Victoria, shows that chronic disease programs pioneered and delivered by community health have reduced hospital admissions and emergency department visits, and improved the long-term health outcomes for patients. Helping people stay well at home and creating significant hospital savings.
In the past year alone, more than 674,000 people – 1 in 10 Victorians – accessed community health services, an increase of 11% on the previous year.
"More Victorians than ever before are seeking trusted health and wellbeing services close to home, and community health organisations are increasingly becoming the first point of contact," said Anna Robinson, Chair of Community Health First.
Showcasing outcomes from all 22 registered, independent community health organisations, the report highlights the sector's collective contribution across Victoria with 92% of clients saying community health helps them better manage their health and wellbeing.
"Community health is delivering a model of care that works. It recognises that health and wellbeing is shaped by income, education, housing and the quality of social connections. Services are designed to reflect the unique needs of each person and the communities we work in – there is no one-size-fits-all approach," said Anna Robinson, Chair, Community Health First.
Community Health First's latest statewide Client Impact Survey consistently highlighted three key strengths of community health:
Affordable – removing cost barriers to essential care
Local – services are close to home and embedded in the community
Personalised – care is tailored to each person's circumstances
For families doing it tough, community health is a lifeline – preventing financial stress from escalating into acute illness by providing affordable care, in the right place, at the right time.
Two thirds of people surveyed who sought support through community health said it was better than other health or wellbeing services they use.
"Community health delivers strong outcomes, with 9 in 10 clients saying it makes it easier to get the care and support they need – and that the care is personalised to their needs," Robinson said.
As Victoria's health needs grow, community health is ready to scale and support more people across the state.
Expanding community health's reach won't just improve health outcomes, it will also save the health system money. Independent evaluations of new programs show that for every $1 invested, up to $13 is saved in future health costs.
Community Health First is calling for strategic investment in next year's State Budget to expand access and amplify impact – delivering better outcomes sooner and building a healthier, more equitable Victoria
"Community health is one of the smartest investments the government can make. It's proven, it's local, and it delivers real value for clients and the health system," said Robinson.
