Angliss Hospital expansion delivers vital health upgrades

By Daniela De Martino It has been wonderful to see so many positive developments recently, with significant State Government investments in health, education and emergency services that will benefit our community across the hills and foothills for years to come. One of the most exciting milestones has been the opening of the new four-storey expansion at the Angliss Hospital. This $112 million investment delivers four new operating theatres, a 32-bed inpatient unit, expanded outpatient facilities and additional car parking, helping more people access world-class healthcare closer to home. The upgraded facilities will support treatment for an additional 1,300 patients each year and provide our hardworking healthcare professionals with the modern spaces they deserve. I was delighted to join Hon. Harriet Shing at EACH in Ferntree Gully the other month to announce the expansion of the Care Pathways for Chronic Disease program. This $20 million investment will support more Victorians living with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and chronic respiratory illness to access co-ordinated care closer to home. Delivered locally through EACH, the program helps people better manage their health with support from specialist nurses, health coaches and allied health professionals, reducing the need for hospital visits and improving quality of life. For anyone needing urgent medical advice, I encourage residents to consider the Virtual Emergency Department via its new website: ved.vic.gov.au. This free service connects Victorians with qualified emergency doctors and nurses based in a Victorian hospital via video call, providing expert advice without always needing a trip to the emergency department. It is available 24/7. Of course, in a life-threatening emergency, people should always call 000. Education remains a key priority for myself and our Government, and I am incredibly proud that Sherbrooke Community School will receive $9.719 million to upgrade and modernise its facilities. This funding will help create high-quality learning environments that support students, teachers and staff to thrive. Investing in our local schools is investing in our future, and it is fantastic to see this support flowing directly into our community. There was also welcome news for teachers, principals and education support staff with members of the Australian Education Union voting to endorse the Victorian Government's latest education agreement. Victorian teachers and staff do an incredible job every day, and this agreement recognises the essential role they play in helping our students achieve some of the strongest educational outcomes in the country. Our emergency service volunteers are also set to benefit from important investment. Construction is moving ahead on a brand-new CFA station for The Basin, providing Brigade members with modern facilities, additional storage and improved operational capacity. The Basin CFA has served the community for almost a century, supporting Victorians through emergencies both locally and across the state. This new station will help ensure volunteers have the facilities they need to continue their remarkable work keeping our community safe. Over recent months I have had the privilege of spending time with many of our volunteers, community groups and sporting clubs that make our region such a special place. Whether attending CFA award presentations, visiting local sporting clubs, celebrating milestones with community organisations, supporting arts events, volunteering at local food relief organisations or joining township clean-up activities, I am constantly reminded that our Hills communities are powered by people who generously give their time to help others. Their dedication strengthens community connections and enriches local life in countless ways. To every volunteer, committee member, coach, fundraiser and community advocate, thank you for everything you do. Your generosity, dedication and community spirit help make the Hills the special place we are proud to call home. As always, if you see me out and about in the community, please stop and say hello. Hearing directly from local residents remains the most important part of my role and helps me advocate for what our community needs to thrive.