Bendigo Community Health Services

04/09/2026

Congratulations to the class of (September) 2026! 🎓🎉

Today we celebrated the recent graduates from our Essential Life Skills program at Bendigo TAFE!

Over the last 7 months, 25 dedicated students of refugee background gathered weekly to gain knowledge and understanding to help them settle into Australian life. The program covered a broad range of topics, from housing to taxes, Australian law, English, employment, education and so much more.

“I learnt a lot from the group. Before coming here, I didn’t know much about living in Australia, now I want to continue to learn,” said program participant Soe Myint Say.

“Thank you Bendigo TAFE and Bendigo Community Health Services. You welcome us, you support us, you love us.”

BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson thanked participants for their commitment to the program and, together with BCHS Settlement Services work Nay Chee Aung, awarded everyone with a certificate of attainment.

“Today is about you. We hope you continue to engage with our Settlement Services team, we’re here to support you. We walk together,” said Nay Chee.

Congratulations to all participants. We hope you enjoy your new life here, and we look forward to watching you achieve your dreams. 🎉

04/09/2026

Join headspace Bendigo and have a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in our region!

We're seeking a passionate and experienced mental health leader for the newly-created position of Clinical Manager. It's a unique opportunity to provide clinical leadership, support an incredible multidisciplinary team and contribute to delivering excellent youth-focused healthcare.

⌛Applications close Wednesday September 23. For more details and to apply visit https://bchs.com.au/careers

Bendigo Community Health Services is an employer of choice for health and other professionals. See our current positions.

02/09/2026

We have a special guest columnist for Health Matters in this month's newsletter!

Off the back of the successful Respect Bendigo Forum, CEO of Goldfields Library Corporation Mark Hands discusses why more men are needed in the gender equity space and just how it can benefit our boys.

Read his wonderful words at the link below 👇

https://bchs.com.au/health-matters-why-more-men-are-needed-in-gender-equity-space/

Bendigo Library

Strength and power can be positive, but it doesn't exclude being compassionate, inclusive and respecting of women. Changing this stereotype can help take our boys from idolising He-Man to being Human, writes Mark Hands.

02/09/2026

Not all heroes wear capes. They’ve probably got one in the dress up box though 🦸‍♀️

Today is Early Childhood Educators Day, a day to celebrate the unsung heroes shaping our children’s future.

There are over 268,000 people working in early learning across Australia, and they’re all contributing to the wellbeing and health development of young children.

Bendigo Family Day Care Coordinators Tamarra Tie and Rebecca Fitzpatrick together have blazed a trail for Bendigo Family Day Care and touched countless lives – both big and small.

They have made a lasting impact on educators and continue to support them to foster security, attachment and child development. 🧸

And this Early Childhood Educator Day they want to thank all early childhood educators, not just those in Family Day Care.

“We want to recognise the work all early childhood educators do. It’s not easy, and there can be a lot of negativity around the industry. But we see you, and we appreciate you. Keep going.” 🙏

Read the full story 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3cb6pu59

01/09/2026

We have a wonderful opportunity to join our Family Services team 👇

The role works across both the Family Services and smalltalk Supported Playgroup programs, providing a unique opportunity in both a casework and group work approach when engaging with families.

If you want to make a difference by being part of a values-driven organisation that works to empower and strengthen families and enhance the wellbeing and safety of children then we'd love to hear from you.

To read the position description and apply, click here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/yzca2dye

Applications close Monday, September 7 at 10pm.

01/09/2026

For the second ✌ year running we are a finalist at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. 🎉

The incredible trio at our Trans and Gender Diverse Clinic are one of three finalists in the Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion category for their efforts in advancing regional-based, gender-affirming care.

The work they do is life-changing, the compassion, dedication and understanding they provide is second nature and we all have our fingers crossed for another excitement announcement on October 14.

Good luck team!

Full story > https://tinyurl.com/58vy58jh
For more on our Hub visit https://tinyurl.com/3d4zwhe3

31/08/2026

Healthy Sports Rewards offer an alternative to the less healthy food and drink vouchers often presented to junior sporting club participants ⚽🏀

These rewards are an easy and effective way for clubs to recognise effort, encourage participation, and promote lifelong healthy habits for junior players.

Expressions of interest close on Friday September 4.

🔗 Apply now: https://go.bendigo.vic.gov.au/healthysportsrewards

This program is delivered in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services.

30/08/2026

Today is 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day 💜

“It is a day for reflection and remembrance," says BCHS AOD Outreach Coordinator Peta Brady.

"A day to let others know they are not alone in their loss. We understand that for many they carry the toll of overdose every day but today is one day where we can share the load. Then tomorrow, we continue working towards making overdose something that doesn't take the ones we love away from us.”

To learn about the alcohol and drug support services we offer visit https://bchs.com.au/our-services/alcohol-and-drug-services/

28/08/2026

💜We are Wearing it Purple today!💜

This week, BCHS staff have been donning their best purple threads in support of Wear It Purple Day. 🏳️‍🌈

Wear It Purple was created to ensure every LGBTQIA+SB young person knows they are seen, supported and never alone.

👉Find out more about this important day www.wearitpurple.org

Pictured are some of our wonderful employees supporting Wear it Purple Day, including the Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, Integrated Health Promotion and Settlement Services teams 🫶

28/08/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day that is Still Needed 25 years on 💜

Together with The Salvation Army, we soaked up the sunshine at the Bendigo Library Gardens to support the community with a space to connect, reflect, remember and get support.

The gardens came alive with music and people gathering to share stories, connect and enjoy the barbecue, while also raising awareness, sharing information and offering support. 🌞

Thank you to everyone who joined us, including The Salvation Army, Australian Community Support Organisation, BDAC, Ambulance Victoria, YSAS, Maryborough District Health Services, Thorne Harbour, Rainbow Hub, Pill Testing Victoria and Harm Reduction Victoria.