APPOINTMENTS To join any of our groups or for further information on packages please call:

The Community Service team comprises a variety of projects, programs, and services that are responsive to the health care needs of those living in the Bass Coast.

Its primary aims are to:

Educate, advocate, empower and connect those who are isolated, marginalised and disadvantaged through services that promote health and independence.

To identify the health needs of individuals and groups through inclusive community consultation and partnerships.

Current programs & service include:

• Community Aged Care Packages (CACP)
• Making A  Difference Program (MADP)
• Planned Activity Group (PAGS)
• Men on the move
• Community Development
• Assistance with Planning
• Health Promotion
• Community Garden Project

You will need to ring through to any location and voice your interest in a group or service; our friendly receptionist will be able to direct you to the right person to speak with who will ascertain which group or package would best suit your needs.

Community Aged Care Packages:

This service offers support to clients to assist them to continue living in their own home, with the assistance of a Case Manager and the provision of services within the home.

Services provided vary according to individual needs and can include some of the following: assistance with personal hygiene, dressing and meal preparation, home care, home maintenance, gardening, transport, respite care, advocacy, meals on wheels, social outings, district nursing, aids and equipment.

Making A Difference Program:

The Making A Difference Program provides support to families who are caring for a live-in family member with a disability and high support needs. Services that may be provided by this program include case management, assistance in the home, special purpose aids, communication or educational equipment, family support and coordination of respite breaks. The program links families to existing services or helps families plan for alternative accommodation arrangements if required.

Download - Making A Difference Program Brochure

Planned Activity Groups:

The Planned Activity Groups provide regular social gatherings and activities for our more senior community members, who can meet new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy games, quizzes and an occasional sing-along, enabling their primary carers to have a break.

• Find out more and read additional information about PAGS

Men on the Move:

Men on the Move is a social support group for local men, male carers, socially isolated men or men living with a disability. The group enjoys monthly outings to a variety of interesting venues. Participants are collected from their homes and returned. Morning tea and lunch are included.

Community Development:

The purpose of this role is to enable people in the waterline area to adopt or modify behaviours to better manage their health and well being. This can occur through consultation with individuals, groups and agencies to identify needs and plan sustainable approaches to address these needs. Recent examples include a men’s need project, multicultural luncheon with health information and activities and contributions to the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Indigenous Action group

Assistance with Planning:

Bass Coast Community Health Service is participating in a Pilot Project funded by the Department of Human Services.

A number of organizations in the Gippsland region that provide support to people with disabilities are participating in the Assistance with Planning Project.

The project provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to receive assistance and support for extensive planning. People with disabilities are assisted to identify their goals and strategies to achieve the goals. Each participant is provided with a written plan which they approve and sign. Support is provided too, while the plan is being implemented.

The philosophy underpinning the planning process is that it will be directed by the person with the disability.

People with disabilities have a right to request and receive assistance with planning under the 2006 Disability Services Act.

The Assistance with Planning Pilot Project will continue until December 2010. Referrals and enquiries can be made to Dot Kennedy, Assistance with Planning Worker on ph 5671 3500.

Health Promotion:

Health Promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.

Find out more about Health Promotion at BCCHS

Community Garden Project:

The Wonthaggi Community Garden, located at the Bass Coast Adult Education Centre in Wonthaggi, is a place for community members to socialise and learn about sustainable ways of living and local food production. A number of educational workshops will be run over the next twelve months and will focus on providing sustainability tips/practices and practicality, so that the majority of information presented can be taken and applied in members’ own gardens.

All community members or groups are welcome to visit the garden at any time, however, Happy Hour runs every Thursday from 10am to 12pm and provides the opportunity to have a cuppa and a chat about what is happening at the garden with other garden members. New members are very welcome at these gatherings which are a great way of meeting new friends whilst also learning about the garden community and engaging in some light hands on garden activities.

For more information, contact,

Simone Jamieson, Community Garden Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0488 366 300

Samantha Crawford, Health Promotion Worker, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 56719213.