The people of Latrobe Valley will have a local voice to lead the efforts to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of the community as Latrobe Health Advocate.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy appointed highly-respected and prominent local leader, Jane Anderson who will be starting early next month.
The appointment of an independent voice for the Valley delivers on a key recommendation from the re-opened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry. The role is vital to the development of the Latrobe Health Innovation Zone and will complement the work of the Latrobe Health Assembly.
Ms Anderson brings a wealth of experience over nearly 20 years working with the Latrobe community and fighting for better and more services to improve health and wellbeing.
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with the community, she will play a critical role ensuring voices are heard and inform decisions about local health improvements.
Over the next three years, she will work with community, government, businesses and the not-for-profit sector as well as the Latrobe Health Assembly, the Long-Term Health Study Ministerial Advisory Council and other local stakeholders.
Ms Anderson, a former police officer, lawyer and current regional director of Anglicare Victoria, brings an in-depth understanding of the Region and strong relationships with local community leaders and networks.
She has lived and worked in the Valley for 18 years and worked in Morwell throughout the time of the Hazelwood mine fire and supported the community’s recovery.
The Labor Government has provided more than $80 million to support the Latrobe Valley community and implement the recommendations of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry reports. This includes $27 million for the Health and Strong Latrobe initiative to improve the health of the Latrobe community.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We’re already rolling out more services and innovative programs to help more people in the Valley prevent chronic diseases by embracing a healthier and more active lifestyle.”
“As a trusted local leader, Jane will make a real difference. Her great passion for social justice will help local patients get access to the very best healthcare and services that people in the Valley need and deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson
"I have lived and worked in the Latrobe Valley for many years and am looking forward to working with people to continually improve the health and wellbeing of our community."
"There is great momentum in the Valley at the moment. In my new role, I'll be working with the community, hearing from people about issues and concerns and advocating and advising Government on their behalf.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020