A “gem” of an organisation that does amazing work in across the region was the common thread that weaved through the stories from past and present board members and staff to mark Gateway Health’s 10-year anniversary this month.
CEO Trent Dean said it was fitting for the organisation’s refreshed Strategic Plan to be launched as part of the milestone.
“Launching our new Strategic Plan is a pivotal moment for our organisation and it will guide how we continue to respond to community need,” he said.
“We know the need is growing in the community and we value our role in ensuring that across the communities we serve, that people are living well, in line with our vision .”
From the merger of Gateway Community Health and Ovens & King Community Health Service in 2014, Gateway Health has grown to now service a catchment of 170,000 rural and regional people across 12 local government areas. It provides more than 87,000 hours of health and wellbeing services each year.
Board chair Ruth Davenport said the organisation was ready to move forward with the new Strategic Plan.
“It’s about our growth agenda and keeping ourselves grounded in the community that we serve, and we value our commitment to doing so,” she said.
“The first priority in our Strategic Plan is improving health equity and that’s really important to us as an organisation that provides health and wellbeing care to the most vulnerable populations in the region,” Mr Dean said.
“We’ve been fortunate, now and in the past, we’ve had board members that understand the importance of community health and we heard that in the stories they shared.
“So it’s an important part of our plan to continue to be financially sustainable so we can provide services to people at the highest risk of poor health outcomes.”
Gateway Health is a significant employer in the region with more than 400 staff across multiple sites.
Economic modelling shows Gateway Health contributes a total economic impact to the region of $80.1 million in revenue, supporting a total of 553 jobs and generating almost $53 million in value added.
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 through outreach and across our sites in Wodonga, Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Benalla and Shepparton.
While Gateway Health receives government funding to support the critical work it does, it is also open to donations and sponsorship to help it continue the vital work it does for those experiencing diverse health and wellbeing needs. To make a donation, please visit the Gateway Health website at gatewayhealth.org.au/get-involved/donations/.
