Regional spotlight: Investing in the Loddon Mallee region

Bendigo’s youth mental health centre is getting a refurbishment.

The Bendigo Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) centre provides around the clock treatment, care and support to young people. It’s for people aged 16-25 who are experiencing mental health challenges or psychological distress.

The centre is a voluntary, referral-based service. Young people can continue to attend work or school. They receive the treatment, care and support they need in a safe, home-like environment.

Bamford Architects has developed the designs for the Bendigo YPARC centre refurbishment. The project will update the exteriors, internal fit-outs and outdoor areas.

Learn more about the Youth prevention and recovery care centre expansion and upgrade program.

A new co-located residential aged care facility for Cohuna

Cohuna is getting a new aged care facility.

The state-of-the-art facility will be co-located with and operated by Cohuna District Hospital.

Once complete, it will feature 16 aged care beds arranged in two 'small households', promoting dignity, privacy and independence.

This is reflected through modern single rooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom, as well as a dedicated communal kitchen, dining, lounge and break-out sitting areas for residents to stay connected with each other as well as loved ones.

The new facility will also include eight acute care hospital beds, meaning residents will have access to integrated medical care.

The new Cohuna aged care facility is part of the Victorian Government's Regional and Rural Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services Revitalisation Strategy. This strategy aims to gradually replace dated public sector aged care buildings with new, modern facilities that better meet community needs and support current ways of providing aged care.

Construction is well underway and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Learn more about the Cohuna aged care facility.

Recently completed projects

More help for new parents and carers in Bendigo

The birth of a new child is special. But for many parents it can also be a stressful time.

That’s where early parenting centres (EPCs) can help.

The completed Bendigo EPC provides specialised support for parents of children up to four years of age. It will help families enhance their relationships and achieve their parenting goals.

Parents and carers will be able to access:

• advice and care
• support with sleep and settling
• support with feeding
• extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.

The new centre has 10 residential family units and four day-stay places. There are play areas to encourage play and learning, and a kitchen and dining area designed to feel like home. Landscaped outdoor areas are available for nature play and relaxing.

Learn more about the Early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.

New emergency department open at Swan Hill District Health

We’ve built a new multi-million-dollar emergency department in Swan Hill.

The project doubled the treatment spaces. The new emergency department provides a new:

• four-bed short stay unit
• isolation room
• behavioural assessment room.

The modern design increases patient privacy and creates a welcoming space. Large waiting areas mean people can access emergency care quicker.

Following the emergency department completion, construction is powering ahead on a multi-storey building to include community mental health services at Swan Hill District Health.

Delivering more space for mental health services, consulting rooms and modern workspaces for health care workers, the facility will give more locals access to the care and support they need, close to home.

With the foundations laid, the structure of the new multi-storey building is emerging from the ground and is on track to be completed in 2026.

Learn more about the Swan Hill emergency department redevelopment.

Bendigo Hospital Day Rehabilitation Centre

In June 2024 we opened a new, state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre at Bendigo Hospital.

The facility provides locals with a range of medical and allied health services under one roof, including a new hydrotherapy pool, outpatient rehabilitation and allied health services.

The facility offers a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to rehabilitation and care.

Clients can access a team of dedicated health professionals in the one place. They receive help to recover from accidents, injuries, and medical conditions like stroke or heart attack.

Services are now easier to access and better connected for patients.

Old, disused buildings are being demolished to make way for 4,000 square metres of green space that will benefit the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and the health workforce.

Learn more about the Bendigo Hospital Day Rehabilitation Centre.

Echuca Cancer and Wellness Centre

In June 2023, we officially opened the new cancer and wellness centre in Echuca.

The purpose-built facility is now supporting communities across Victoria’s north and along the Murray River.

The centre has 12 new treatment chairs for cancer and kidney disease patients. It means more than 1,200 patients each year can receive world-class care close to home.

The centre’s design provides a calm and welcoming environment for patients and families. The modern floorplan also provides flexible spaces. This means patients and their families can meet clinical teams - and other support workers - with greater privacy.

Learn more about the Echuca Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Upcoming projects

A new rehabilitation facility for the Mallee

We're planning a new residential alcohol and other drugs facility for the Mallee.

It will be the first facility of its kind in the region.

People seeking alcohol and drug rehabilitation and support in the Mallee will be able to get the help they need, close to home. They won’t need to travel long distances or leave the local support networks they rely on.

Once complete, the 30-bed facility is expected to support around 200 people each year.

Learn more about the Residential alcohol and other drugs facility.

Impact on communities

The vibrant and healthy places we’re creating will support the wellbeing of people in Loddon Mallee.

The projects will improve infrastructure and help boost capacity, ensuring Victorians continue to receive high quality health care, closer to home.