The Community Health Program was set up in the 1970s to make sure that Australians could access basic health care within their own neighbourhoods. A typical community health centre is publicly funded and offers a range of health-related services to local residents.
The services available depend on the needs of families and other groups living in the area. Victoria has around 100 community health centres operating from around 300 sites across Victoria. Thirty-nine centres are managed independently, while the remainder are part of larger health services.
Community health centres aim to keep individuals and families in better health. A focus on health promotion and disease prevention and management is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents, as well as take pressure off the acute care health system.
Aims of community health centres
Community health centres aim to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents by:
- Encouraging people to actively participate in their own health care.
- Supporting residents by working together with other primary health care providers such as general practitioners (GPs).
- Liaising with other health agencies and service providers to fill any gaps in services.
- Offering facilities to relevant community groups, such as self-help groups.
- Encouraging individuals and community groups to actively participate in the centre’s activities including management, fundraising and volunteer work.
- Promoting prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions.
- Developing health care programs and activities to improve social and physical environments in the community.
A range of services
The services offered vary between community health centres, depending on the needs of the local area. Services could include:
- Counselling and support services
- Health promotion activities
- Medical, nursing and dental assistance (allied health).
Counselling and support
Support services may include:
- Aged services
- Alcohol and drug programs
- Disability services
- Outreach services, such as carer respite
- Problem gambling programs
- Rehabilitation programs
- Support for self-help
- Welfare and support
- Early intervention programs.
Health promotion
Services may include:
- Health education
- Health promotion.
Medical, nursing and allied health
A range of medical, nursing and allied health services may include:
- General practice medical services
- Maternal and child health
- Post acute care assistance
- Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry and speech therapy
- Dental services.
Health services are available to everyone
While community health centres offer affordable health care for people on low incomes, services are available to all local residents, regardless of income.
Fees are charged for services according to the client’s ability to pay, and can be negotiated or waived if payment is difficult. Health Care Card holders are charged a heavily discounted fee.
Contact your local community health centre direct for more information. Addresses are listed in the telephone book or you can use the Better Health Channel services directory. Alternatively, ask your doctor about how your local community health centre could help you maintain or improve your health and wellbeing.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local community health centre
- Better Health Channel services directory.
Things to remember
- Community health centres aim to keep individuals and families in better health by taking into account their environment and social conditions.
- The services available at any community health centre depend on the needs of the families and other specific groups living in the area.
- Fees are charged for services according to the client’s ability to pay, and can be negotiated or waived if payment is difficult.
You might also be interested in:
Accidents and injuries - support services.
Aged care - helping people at home.
Disability - support services.
Drug dependency services.
Emergencies - who to call in a crisis.
Maternal and child health services.
Mental health services - case managers.
Parenting services.
Rehabilitation clinics support independence.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
| 
Home >
Fact sheets by category >
Support >
Community services >
Aboriginal >
Community health centres.
