It was the fantastic work Gateway Health did in the community that first drew Dr Guinever Threlkeld to become a board member in 1997.
It’s also why she has continued as a long-time board representative.
“It’s a gem,” she says.
“Gateway offers services that are valuable to people at all stages of life and for all groups in the community.
“Gateway works with a social model of health, understanding that many factors that affect our health lie beyond the control of individuals.
“This means that Gateway provides services to individuals, while also advocating for social change and equity, and working to strengthen community organisations.”
It’s been this values-based approach that has been a driving force in Gateway Health’s growth over the past 10 years.
“Our range of services and the demand for services has grown over the decade.
“I believe this shows both that we are remaining responsive to the community’s needs and changing needs.
“We now have a more prominent profile in the community that enables people to find Gateway and its services.”
Guin believes this has led to the organisation’s impact reaching far and wide but there is always more t do.
“Gateway’s role in responding to natural disasters, including the 2019-2020 bushfires, has been outstanding ,” she says.
“Gateway has supported many people through an extraordinarily difficult period and the ongoing effects of the bushfires.
“Our increasing work with First Nations people is really important and is an area we need to continue to strengthen.”
Guin said she has learnt a great deal about the community ,and from her fellow board members, being a part of the Gateway Health board.
“It’s been a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation whose staff make such a difference in so many lives.”
This July marks the 10th anniversary of the merger of Gateway Community Health Service in Wodonga and Ovens & King Community Health Service in Wangaratta.
Today, Gateway Health is a charitable, not-for-profit community health organisation providing affordable healthcare, support services, community programs, and outreach initiatives across North East Victoria and parts of southern NSW.
The needs of rural and regional people and communities are our priority when delivering quality care across sites in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Benalla and Shepparton.
