Carmel Gillies

Gippsland Lakes Community Health (GLCH) is a high-profile health service provider in East Gippsland. We are noted for our extensive range of health and community services, our ability to relate to and provide services to the most disadvantaged communities, and our championing of the social model of health. We have sites in Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Metung and Nowa Nowa, and provide outreach services throughout East Gippsland. Our services are divided into five units with a strong multi-disciplinary approach: • Aged and Disability Services • Clinical and Nursing Services • Community Health Services (incl. GLCH Children’s Centre) • Family Youth and Children’s Services • Corporate Services The agency values and promotes excellence of service, and prides itself on delivering coordinated and accessible health services and health promotion programs. There is a focus on the health of populations, as well as the health of individuals. We take a lead role in reconciliation with Aboriginal communities, in social and service planning initiatives with local government and the primary care partnership, and in service developments including chronic care, early year’s development, and integrated health promotion. Our annual budget is $25 million, we employ over 400 staff and have more than 500 volunteers. We take a lead role in workforce development to address chronic shortages of health professionals in remote rural areas; and adopt innovative ways to redefine work to attract, retain and maximise benefits for our staff.