Fair access to health and community services

Two people talking, sitting on beanbags

Ensuring everyone can access the support they need, close to home

Access to health and community services is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, families and the broader community.

In Hobsons Bay, growing demand and service gaps mean not all residents can access the care and support they need, when and where they need it. Targeted investment is required to improve access, equity and outcomes across the municipality.

Funding request

Targeted investment in health and community services across Hobsons Bay.

At a glance

  • Improve access to health and community services
  • Address service gaps in Melbourne’s west
  • Support early intervention and prevention
  • Strengthen community wellbeing and resilience

Explore the priority

Why this is needed

Demand for health and community services in Hobsons Bay is increasing, driven by population growth and changing community needs. At the same time, gaps in service availability, particularly in Hobsons Bay, can make it difficult for residents to access timely and appropriate care. Our residents face long wait times or must travel outside the municipality to access essential support.

In 2021, mental health was the leading long-term health condition in Hobsons Bay, yet Council’s youth services provide the only free, in-person counselling service for 12- to 25-year-olds.

Without investment, these gaps will continue to widen.

What we're advocating for

Council is seeking targeted investment to improve access to a range of essential services. These include:

  • Expanded access to primary and community health services
  • Increased mental health and wellbeing support
  • Strengthened early years and family services
  • Improved service coordination and integration
  • Better local access to services across the municipality

The case for investment

Growing demand: population growth is increasing pressure on already stretched services.

Access and equity: Hobsons Bay does not have a dedicated free in-person counselling service meaning that our residents experience reduced access to services compared to other regions.

Early intervention saves costs: investing in early support reduces long-term demand on acute services.

Health and wellbeing outcomes: access to services directly impacts quality of life, participation and community connection.

Community benefits

  • Improved access to timely care and support
  • Better health and wellbeing outcomes
  • Reduced pressure on hospitals and crisis services
  • Stronger, more resilient communities
  • Greater equity across the municipality

Alignment with government priorities

This priority aligns with key government objectives, including:

  • Accessible and equitable healthcare
  • Mental health and wellbeing
  • Early intervention and prevention

Readiness and opportunity

There is a clear opportunity to improve outcomes through targeted investment in local services.

  • Identified service gaps and priority areas
  • Strong alignment with state and federal priorities
  • Opportunities for partnership with service providers
  • Immediate and growing community need

Our ask

Hobsons Bay City Council is advocating for targeted investment in health and community services to ensure all residents can access the support they need, close to home. This investment will improve equity, strengthen communities and deliver better long-term outcomes. Specifically, we are asking the government to:

  • Increase investment in health and mental health services in Melbourne’s west to bring service availability in line with comparable LGAs.
  • Improve public transport connections to key health and community service locations so vulnerable residents can reliably get to appointments.
  • Fund the development of a suburb-level health access database to strengthen local evidence, planning and advocacy.
  • Fund locally available wrap-around supports, delivered within community settings for vulnerable and at risk residents. 
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