Year

Event

1974

On 22 November 1974 a public meeting is called by the Wonthaggi & District Hospital to consider the proposal for a community health centre. This meeting was attended by 180 local community members.
The proposal to establish a community health centre was carried unanimously.

1975

San Remo & District Community Health Centre was established in a small fisherman’s cottage. The health centre began with one doctor, one nurse and one receptionist. Grace Ippel, a founding employee, has remained with the organisation and today is our Diabetes Educator and Community Health Nurse.
Administrator Appointed: Mrs Beryl Hazell (1976 – 1983)

1978

The need for health services in the district was so great and the response to the community centre so strong that funds were raised to establish the initial site that is still located at 1 Back Beach Road, San Remo. Five acres were purchased for the grand sum of $42,000. Additional land was purchased for the development of aged persons’ accommodation [(Griffith Point Lodge)].

1979

San Remo site officially opened by Mr Robert Maclellan MLA. Minister of Transport 31/3/1979.

1981

Drug & Alcohol Committee established.

1983

Administrator Appointed: Miss Debbie Podbury (1983 – 1984).

1984

Manager Appointed: Mr Steve Hyndes (1984 – 1986).

1986

Manager Appointed: Mr Ted Nobbs (1986 – 1990).

1990

As the requirements for the service grew wider in the Shire, it was decided to change the name of ‘San Remo & District Community Health Centre’ to ‘Bass Coast Community Health Service Inc’. This was to more accurately portray the geographical area BCCHS covered and to continue advocating for additional government funds.
Significant changes for all primary care services occurred when legislation was made to move to government appointed boards under the term of Jeff Kennett. A further change occurred within the term of Premier Bracks' government with the Board moving to a mix of appointed and elected community members.
Chief Executive Officer Appointed (CEO): Mr Albert Sage (1990 – 2001).

2001

CEO Appointed: Mr Ben Leigh (19/3/2001 – 19/9/2006).
Acting CEO: Ms Lesley Edwards (19/9/2006 – 6/11/2006).

2002

Refurbishment for the San Remo site funded by the Department of Human Services.

2004

Funding obtained for the establishment of a general practice clinic.
BCCHS Wonthaggi site was officially opened on 24 March 2004 by the Gippsland DHS Regional Director, Valerie Callister, with speeches by BCSC Mayor Councillor, John Hulley and BCCHS President, Carol Blair. Over 100 people attended the event.

2005

30 Years Birthday Celebrations at the San Remo Site – Celebration community dinner held at the Continental Hotel Phillip Island.

2006

CEO Appointed: Heather Johnson (6/11/2006 – 10/9/2008).

2008

Acting CEO: Melissa Van Rennes (11/9/2008 – 10/4/09).
Restructure of Bass Coast Community Health from an association to a company limited by guarantee begins after a change in legislation.

2009

CEO Appointed: Melissa Van Rennes (CEO 11/4/2009 to date).
New Cowes site (81 Chapel Street): Opened for Maternal Child Health, BCCHS Allied Health and independent health related services. Minor capital funds contributed by DHS.