Colac Area Health

14/10/2026

Happy Allied Health Professions Day! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating the allied health professionals who help our community move, speak, eat, think, heal and live well.

To our physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, podiatrists, social workers, exercise physiologists and every allied health colleague: thank you. You help people recover after surgery, manage long-term conditions, rebuild confidence and keep doing the things that matter to them. Much of what you do happens quietly, one appointment and one small win at a time, but the difference it makes is huge.

Thank you for your skill, your compassion and your commitment to person-centred care. 💙

14/10/2026

Take a Break, connect with other carers and create something just for you, join us for a FREE Carers Week Event on Saturday 17th October 1-4pm at Colac Neighbourhood House. RSVP to Jayne, details below. Don't miss out! Nourish to Flourish - Carer Support Carers Victoria

14/10/2026

Are you an Aboriginal student living locally around Colac, studying a Nursing or Allied Health degree in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year?

It maybe Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or Social Work.

Colac Area Health has a Cadetship opportunity for an Aboriginal person to undertake some paid practical experience hours in their area of study during 2027.

There is a minimum of 40 shifts required by the cadet to complete over 12 months - this equates to around 1 shift per week.

If you think this could be for you, reach out to Renee Owen,[email protected] or Phoebe Fogarty, [email protected] as soon as possible so that we can start the applications process.

12/10/2026

Today is World Arthritis Day 💙

Arthritis is Australia’s leading cause of chronic pain and disability, yet it’s still widely seen as an “old person’s disease.” In reality, more than 100 types affect people of every age.

📊 The facts:

🔹Over 7 million Australians live with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
🔹There are more than 100 different types of arthritis
🔹Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions cost the health system around $16 billion a year

This World Arthritis Day, let’s get informed, get supported and get moving toward better outcomes.

If you or someone you care about is living with arthritis, speak with your GP or health professional for reliable advice.

Colac Area Health can support you with arthritis management through multiple services including physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, occupational therapy, social work, and many more.

For more information click on the link https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/ or telephone 5232 5100.

12/10/2026

💙 National Carers Week 💙

More than 3 million Australians provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. 🏡🤝

This week is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of their contribution. ✨

The 2026 theme, “Care for a carer: Making carers visible,” encourages all of us to see, support and care for the carers in our families, workplaces and communities. 👀❤️

Do you know a carer? Take a moment to say thank you, offer a helping hand or simply check in. 🌻

08/10/2026

👣 Your feet do more than you think. So do podiatrists. 👣

Your feet carry you through almost everything you do, from walking the dog 🐕 and playing with the grandkids 👧 to working, gardening 🌱 and getting out in the community. When they're healthy, you hardly notice them. When they're not, it can limit your independence and your enjoyment of life.

⚠️ Don't ignore ongoing pain or concerns.
Foot or lower-limb pain that keeps coming back, or affects what you can do, is worth paying attention to. You don't just have to put up with it. Getting it checked early can stop small problems becoming bigger ones.

✅ Podiatrists are registered health professionals with a broad scope of practice.
Podiatry is more than nail care and corn treatment. Podiatrists help people of all ages stay active and mobile, from children through to older adults.

💙 At Colac Area Health, our podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat a range of foot problems. We support the community in preventing and managing foot problems and related conditions, including foot wounds and diabetes. We also partner with local private podiatrists to provide high quality foot care for our community.

For more information: https://cah.vic.gov.au/services/podiatry/

🦶 If your feet are holding you back, talk to a podiatrist. They can help you keep doing what matters to you.

08/10/2026

💙 Celebrating Carers – Past, Present & Future! 💙

📍 Miller House
📅 Monday 12 October | 1pm – 3pm
☕ Afternoon Tea – FREE!

Carers' Week is our chance to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the incredible unpaid carers in our community who give so much to support others. 🙏

This event is a chance to connect, gain support, and hear from other carers about their journey — one that can be rewarding, but also difficult and isolating at times. 🤍

Whether you're a current, past, or future carer, we'd love for you to join us for a relaxed Afternoon Tea. 🍰🫖

👉 Need respite for the person you care for? We can arrange onsite respite so you can attend and enjoy the afternoon.

This event is completely free — our way of saying thank you for all that you do! 🌸

✅ RSVP by Friday 9 October 2026
📞 Call Miller House on 5232 5351
📝 Please let us know your dietary requirements and any respite needs when you RSVP.

We hope to see you there! 💛

03/10/2026

Colac Area Health was proud to be part of Walk the Walk for Let's Talk Colac today, an event that highlights the importance of speaking up about mental health. Our Chief Executive, Fiona Brew, led the walk alongside community leaders, and helped man our stall sharing community health information. A big thank you to all our staff who supported the day, and to the community for coming out in the pouring rain ☔️ to keep the conversation going.

02/10/2026

Healthy Ageing Hub Event!

Come out to the Birregurra Community Health Centre for a cuppa and learn all about the 50+ Healthy Aging Hub!

Don’t forget Hayley is available on a Thursday to help with all your questions navigating My Aged Care, allied health referrals, social support groups, and general resources for 50+. No appointment needed, just drop by and say hello 👋