By CATIE HILL

Last Thursday, Euroa Health’s Annual General Meeting celebrated the 2023/2024 year, which was a year of navigating big change, some of which have been challenging, and some of them the organisation is still guiding and embedding.

Despite a challenging year, the organisation achieved a small profit, and with the successful divestment of the hospital, we are now positioned for long-term financial sustainability, free from the burden of hospital-related losses from August 12.

Board chair Linsey Siede acknowledged the significant achievements for the organisation including the sale of the land in Weir Street to enable the construction of the new Ambulance Victoria station, the transfer of Euroa Hospital to GV Health which is now a publicly funded facility, and the opening of the 10-bed Memory Support Unit.

Each of these achievements will provide services and facilities to the people of Euroa for years to come and speaks largely to the vision of Euroa Health as “our community, living well”.

Attendees heard from CEO Melissa Seymour about the importance of the people at Euroa Health, from the volunteer board members and those volunteers who help in other parts of the organisation day to day, and of course the incredible 170 staff members who each bring their expertise and professionalism to ensure that resident lives are fully supported.

Melissa also thanked Euroa Health members for their wonderful support and trust in our work and unanimously supported the hospital transfer.

Linsey Siede has retired from the board of directors at the AGM and board director Chris Mutton has stepped in to chair for 2024/2025.

For the past three years, Linsey has dedicated immeasurable time, energy and expertise to Euroa Health.

Melissa said: “Through his strategic foresight and dedication, Linsey has ensured that our work in advancing the future of health services for the community in Euroa, is not just a priority, but a legacy and the impact of this work will extend far beyond the present, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community with innovation and care."

Dr Pip Murray has resigned from the board and Dr David Kelly has taken a director position on the board.

His personal and professional expertise will play a key role in guiding Euroa Health into the future.

What now for Euroa Health?

The organisation will turn the attention to the future, because in healthcare we can’t be passive, we need to predict what is needed long term for our community.

This will mean that we review outcomes of the 2021-2025 strategic plan, and plan the next five years ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community with innovation and care and we look forward to undertaking community consultation in the coming months.

A copy of the 2023/2024 Annual Report can be found on the Euroa Health website.