More regional Victorians will be able to get the world-class care they need closer to home with grants now open for the latest round of the Andrews Labor Government’s flagship Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).

Premier Daniel Andrews officially launched the latest round of the RHIF today – made possible by a $100 million boost in this year’s Victorian Budget – at the opening of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Medical and Regional Health Hub, which was built thanks to this fund.

The new $6 million health hub means Aboriginal Victorians living in the Ballarat region have better access to GPs, specialist consultants, mental health supports, and alcohol and drug services alongside cultural meeting spaces.

The Labor Government is supporting rural and regional health and aged care services to expand capacity, improve safety, quality and efficiency and deliver better care to patients no matter where they live.

This year’s boost takes the fund’s total to $350 million, helping deliver vital upgrades for rural and regional health and aged care services to ensure all Victorians can access the world-class care they need.

Over the past three years, the RHIF has funded 284 projects across regional Victoria, creating more than 430 construction jobs along the way.

Health services are encouraged to apply for grants for construction and refurbishment projects, technology upgrades and state-of-the-art medical and engineering equipment.

The Labor Government is also getting on with delivering a massive $3.8 billion pipeline of hospital projects to ensure patients get the very best care, when they need it most.

Rural and regional hospitals, health services and agencies can make submissions at  https://dhhs.smartygrants.com.au/RHIFR4 from 9am Friday, 1 November, 2019.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I know how important local health services are to local communities. We’re making sure more regional patients can get the world class care they need with this landmark infrastructure fund.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos

“We’re backing regional doctors and nurses to do what they do best, in upgraded facilities right across Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Local patients deserve the very best care, in a comfortable environment, closer to home and loved ones – this new facility will give our Aboriginal community the dedicated facilities they need.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This new medical and regional health hub means our local Aboriginal community will have better access to GPs, specialist consultations and other important culturally-sensitive services.”